Best Truck Stops in America and Safe Rest on American Highways
by Michael Mahler — HMD Trucking
Professional long-haul operations depend on accessible, secure staging facilities. While the National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) represents over 2,000 travel plazas across the United States, commercial drivers face a persistent national truck parking deficit, with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) data confirming approximately one designated parking stall for every eleven commercial trucks on the road. Finding a safe, well-lit facility for mandatory 10-hour rest breaks under FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) rules directly impacts driver safety, vehicle security, and schedule reliability. Whether you need heavy vehicle maintenance, private showers, or secure staging in high-theft freight corridors across California and Texas, selecting the best truck stops in America keeps your equipment secure and your downtime productive.
In general, a driver might need a truck stop to:
- take a short rest;
- stay overnight;
- fix something in the vehicle;
- refuel the truck.
What Is a Truck Stop?
A special facility for drivers, which provides overnight parking, in many cases an opportunity to buy food and fuel, and everything to make a forced or a planned stop more comfortable.
Most of the largest truck stops are equipped with showers, cafes, entertainment facilities, and even laundries. Truck stops are usually located along the highways, close to major junctures and off-ramps, normally at a significant distance from small settlements or large cities. All the truck stops are open 24/7, however, some of the facilities, for example, stores, might be open on their schedule.
Are Truck Stops Safe to Sleep?
Yes, normally they are. It is not dangerous to stay at a truck stop overnight. Most of the truck stops have no restrictions on the duration of stay, however, some of them restrict this to 2-10 hours. So, you have to keep in mind that some truck stops in different states might have their own rules, so it is better to know them before planning your ride.
In any case, it is extremely risky to neglect your level of fatigue, especially when you’re driving a huge truck, so you should use any chance to get some rest when he feels tired. At the end of the day, it is about not only the driver’s safety but all other drivers and pedestrians on the highway. The National Sleep Foundation reported that drowsy driving causes more than 6,400 U.S. deaths every year and is to be considered a public health concern at the national level.
At the same time you probably should take into account that some places can be less safe than others, so you might want to consider that too. Some of the states have various statistics on truckload cargo thefts, with California, Texas, and Florida leading the list of the riskiest places. No matter which place you stay, you can at least double the level of your safety if you observe the following simple rules:
- Park only in well-lit places near security cameras;
- Turn off the engine;
- Pull the parking brake, so that your truck doesn’t roll unexpectedly;
- Lock the doors and put your belongings and valuables out of sight;
- Walk around the vehicle before leaving to check the condition of your semi or tarp, watch out for anything suspicious, and be sure to make a check on that if you notice something;
- In case you are transporting hazardous materials, the applicable dot regulations on vehicle parking have to be strictly observed.
Following these simple rules will guarantee you a secure and comfortable night.
How Many Truck Stops Are in The US?
The expansive landscape of America is dotted with truck stops, distributed widely and quite evenly to support the nation's trucking backbone. As previously mentioned, there are approximately 2,000 fully-equipped truck stops nationwide, providing a comprehensive range of services. Beyond these, the infrastructure for truckers includes over 6,000 gas stations that offer basic refueling and parking, alongside more than 40,000 smaller truck stops across North America. These diverse facilities are all highly demanded and frequently utilized by drivers. Some of the more elaborate truck stops even provide premium amenities such as workout rooms and basketball courts, transforming a simple stop into a genuine relaxation point. Truck stops can be private entities or state-owned (often designated as rest areas or rest stops); according to the Federal Highway Administration, 12% fall into the latter category, contributing to a grand total of 309,820 truck parking spaces across the country.
Below we describe some of the best truck stops in America, being the largest and the most famous truck stops in the country. You can click on the names to see the truck stop locations.
Top Truck Stops in the USA
Tiffin River Service Plaza, OH
Independent facilities and dedicated turnpike plazas continue to earn high marks for driver comfort and facility cleanliness. The Tiffin River Service Plaza (Ohio Turnpike, Milepost 20.8 Eastbound in West Unity, OH) ranked as the top overall truck stop in Trucker Path’s driver community ratings:
- Dedicated Driver Facilities: Features a private Truckers Lounge separated from passenger concourses, complete with 110 dedicated commercial truck stalls, complimentary private shower suites, coin-operated laundry, and Ohio Lottery video gaming terminals.
- Turnpike Staging Access: Eliminates off-highway detour mileage and toll plaza re-entry delays by providing direct ramp access along the I-80/I-90 northern freight corridor.
Alongside independent leaders, major national travel networks—including Love’s Travel Stops, Pilot Flying J, and TravelCenters of America (TA Petro)—continue adding commercial truck parking capacity along high-density freight corridors. These modern facilities feature automated CAT scales, dedicated Speedco and TA truck maintenance bays, high-speed bulk DEF dispensers, and fenced dog parks for team and companion drivers.
Largest Truck Stops
Spanning 100 developed acres off Interstate 80 (Exit 284) in Walcott, Iowa, Iowa 80 holds the title of the world’s largest commercial truck stop:
- Capacity & Fueling Infrastructure: Accommodates 900 commercial tractor-trailers, featuring 16 dedicated high-flow commercial diesel lanes with automated DEF dispensers and multi-bay Truckomat wash facilities.
- Driver Health & Wellness Amenities: Houses an on-site licensed chiropractor, dental clinic, 24/7 private shower suites, full-service laundromat, custom embroidery shop, and a 60-seat movie theater.
- Heavy Maintenance & Cultural Heritage: Features a 24-hour, three-bay dedicated truck service center for tires, alignments, and light PM service, alongside the adjoining Iowa 80 Trucking Museum showcasing historic antique commercial rigs. Similarly, on the West Coast, the 15-acre Jubitz Travel Center off I-5 (Exit 307) in Portland, Oregon, accommodates 250 combination units with 24-hour maintenance lanes, private jacuzzi tubs, a cinema, and self-serve pet wash stations.
Below see a couple of others, being a little smaller, but still quite impressive in their size.
Jubitz Travel Center in Portland, OR
Another huge and popular place capable of lodging more than 250 trucks. There are standard options, such as showers, lounges, and stores. Apart from that, drivers can enjoy jacuzzis, entertain themselves at Jubitz Marketplace, get an energy massage and even wash their dogs at a Self-Serve dog wash.
Big Apple Travel Center in Joplin, MO
It deserves to be on the list with 120+ truck parking spots. The highlight of the place is the authentic Indian cuisine. This clean and friendly facility with excellent reviews welcomes every guest with open arms and has ambitious goals of expanding. Currently, only one Center is in operation, but the plans go as far as adding three new facilities and becoming a chain.
Famous Truck Stops
Located on the historic West 66 route, this old truck stop is an example of a successful family business. It also proudly carries the title of the most famous truck stop. The story started in 1971 when Emory and Barbara Russell opened their first grocery store in Cimarron, CO. With time, their store chain grew, but their particular attention was always given to a store combined with a trucker gas station. Eventually, it evolved into a true landmark of West 66 with a unique free-of-charge car museum featuring retro cars in perfect condition and lots of other cool stuff. However, what makes this place particularly distinct is a small chapel that reflects family values – faith in God and perseverance. They helped to maintain business and strong family ties for many years.
Buc-ee’s (Commercial Semi-Truck Ban Warning)
Commercial drivers must be aware that Buc-ee's travel centers strictly prohibit 18-wheelers, commercial tractor-trailers, and freight equipment. Despite their massive convenience store footprints and prominent interstate billboards across Texas and the Southeast, Buc-ee's facilities are engineered exclusively for passenger vehicles:
- Strict Property Bans & Towing Enforcement: Prominent "No 18-Wheelers" signs are posted at every entrance. Attempting to enter, fuel, or stage in a bobtail tractor or combination rig results in immediate trespass warnings and towing at the carrier's expense.
- Physical Infrastructure Limitations: Canopy clearances, turning radii between fueling islands, and parking stall lengths are not built to accommodate commercial gross vehicle weights or 53-foot trailer swing geometry.
Professional drivers seeking full-service facilities, hot meals, and dedicated driver lounges should route toward legitimate commercial plazas like Russell's Travel Center (I-40, Exit 369 in Endee, NM) or Johnson's Corner (I-25, Exit 254 in Johnstown, CO).
It is impossible to miss it on the road due to the fantastic smell of cinnamon rolls served here since 1952. This spot is all about food with home-style cooking and incomparable Colorado hospitality. According to reviews, the staff here really acts like a team of professional animators and helps all travelers feel at home. Combined with a cozy atmosphere, it’s enough to revive old childhood memories and recuperate both in body and soul from long hours on the road. Here you can also find a chapel, conference and banquet halls, and all the amenities required by professional drivers.
Newest Truck Stops
Love’s Travel Stops has opened quite a few new truck stops in different states: Florida, Ohio, and Georgia recently. They are located in Bellefontaine, OH, Milton, FL, and Garden City near Jacksonville, FL and have about 300 new parking spaces in total. These truck stops are equipped with laundry facilities, showers, CAT scales, diesel bays, and even dog parks.
There are also new Love’s truck stops in Waterloo, NY; Pageland, SC; Moses Lake, WA; and Rockville, MN. All locations are open 24/7, and the amenities offered at these locations include:
- More than 10,000 square feet at each location;
- Hardee’s, Subway, Wendy’s & Taco John’s;
- More than 300 truck parking spots;
- Diesel bays;
- Showers & laundry facilities;
- CAT scale;
- Speedco;
- Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets, and smartphone accessories.
New truck stop amenities in Kansas City, Missouri include 115 truck parking spaces, a McDonald’s restaurant, 8 diesel bays, 7 showers, a Speedco, a CAT scale, and a dog park.
In 2021 and 2022 new truck stops were opened in:
- Bellefontaine, Ohio;
- Garden City, Georgia;
- Great Falls, Montana;
- Drayton, North Dakota;
- Dalhart, Texas;
- Heflin, Alabama;
- Kimball, South Dakota;
- Fillmore, Utah;
- Leavenworth, Indiana.
A new truck stop opened in August 2023 on Interstate 11 near Henderson, NV. It is known as Eldorado Truck Stop and Travel Center and includes 100 truck parking spaces. I-11 is expected to ease cross-border trade from Mexico to Canada and will create a direct link between Las Vegas and Phoenix. While this route will apparently take years to complete, more new truck stops are expected to appear here.
In 2023, one of the largest truck stop operators, Love’s, added several significant travel centers to its network. The smallest of these provides 64 parking spaces and nine diesel bays, and it's located in Lafayette, IN.
The largest Love’s travel center, spanning 15,000 square feet, opened in 2023 and is located near Gary, Indiana. This center offers 154 truck parking spaces and 15 diesel bays.
The second-largest new addition to Love’s Travel Center covers more than 12,000 square feet. Located in Jacksonville, FL, this Love’s Travel Stop includes 93 truck parking spaces and 8 diesel bays.
Oldest Truck Stops
The first of all truck stops in America opened in 1928 along Route 66 in McLean, Illinois. Nowadays it is named The Dixie Truckers Home and is newly remodeled. It is open 365 days a year, 24/7.
Located on U.S. Route 67 at the Missouri/Arkansas border, it was opened in 1930. It is still in operation, meaning you can still visit it and feel like getting 100 years back.
Constructed on US Highway 30 in Grand Island, Nebraska in 1965. These Bosselman Travel Centers have quite a versatile range of services to offer. This includes several top restaurants, like Subway, Little Caesars Pizza, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, and several others. If you need to fuel up your vehicles, you can choose from gasoline, diesel, and ethanol blend fuels. The facility also has a Tesla Supercharger station and some additional amenities like Cat Scales, laundry, hot showers, video games, truck wash, check cashing, and even Western Union.
Truck Stop of America
The oldest truck stop chain changed its name to Travel Center of America in the late 1990s. Truck Stop of America opened in 1972 as the first of the six locations. Petro Truck Stops Organization was founded in 1975. Excellent service, a wide range of fuels, great amenities, and delicious food are still provided nowadays.
Worst Truck Stops
However, not all the truck stops are particularly good and there are some you would like to avoid. Here we have compiled a list of truck places that carry the name of the worst truck stop in the United States by their visitors. It was based on reviews found on the Internet, but please be aware that those are just personal opinions and should not necessarily match yours.
So, various truck drivers left negative reviews about the following places:
- Pilot in Mahwah, NJ;
- Petro in Bordentown, NJ;
- Love's in Fife, WA;
- Pilot in Denver on I-70;
- Bliss Country Store and Travel Center in Bliss, Idaho;
- Petro Serve USA in Valley City, North Dakota;
- TA Express in Edgerton, Kansas.
These stops seem to provide lower quality services: there are often not enough free parking places, and no fresh food or hot water in showers.
Conclusion
Strategic trip planning requires identifying safe, well-equipped truck stops before setting out on your route. Securing parking early, verifying facility amenities through commercial navigation apps, and staging in well-lit plazas protects your safety record, your freight, and your physical well-being. At HMD Trucking, we support professional drivers with late-model 2023–2027 Peterbilt 579 tractors outfitted with factory auxiliary power units (APUs), 2,000-watt power inverters, and premium sleeper bunks to ensure comfortable rest wherever you shut down. Drivers passing through our primary terminal in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, can also stop by HMD Bar & Grill for scratch-made meals and exclusive driver dining discounts. If you hold a Class A CDL with at least six months of verifiable experience, apply online today to join the HMD team, and explore our guide on the top trucker movies celebrating life on the highway.
So if you are interested and want to see all those enchanting places with your own eyes, we propose you apply for a trucking job with HMD Trucking and take a ride together.
If you're a fan of life on the road, be sure to check out our article on the top trucker movies that perfectly capture the spirit of the open highway.
