Where Is the World's Largest Truck Stop? 3 Places That Will Blow Your Mind

Truck drivers are crucial for every country's economy. The job itself has its charm, too - you get to travel the world and enjoy your own company. But while trucking driving might be relaxing, it can also be very tiring. After all, we aren't machines. However, most truck stops are pretty bland. Why not try something different? You can find many big truck stops across the country. Some of them even feel like small villagers rather than stops.

We'll discuss the following truck stops:

• Jubitz Travel Center, Portland, Oregon
• South of the Border, Hamer, South Carolina
• Iowa 80, Walcott, Iowa

Why are large truck stops better than small ones?

It can be difficult to see the appeal of a large truck stop if you've never been to one. However, they have many benefits over tiny stops.

For one, large truck stops are much safer than smaller ones. It takes a lot of money to run such big facilities, which translates into better equipment. Large truck stops come with security cameras and bright lighting, which makes the risk of theft minimal.

Another advantage is convenience. Large truck stops are much better equipped than smaller ones. Most of them even come with repair shops which can be a luxury on longer trips. You don't have to worry about finding a parking spot either.

Moreover, truck driving can be a very lonely job. And since large truck stops offer more parking spots, you're much more likely to run into a new friend at them. Many come with restaurants and diners, both of which are excellent for networking.

And finally, they're much more fun than regular truck stops. Most come with entertainment options such as the cinema or even dance lessons.

3. Jubitz Travel Center, Portland, Oregon

Jubitz Travel Center is a popular track stop located off I-5 at Exit 307 in Portland, Oregon. To this day, it remains one of the most popular Portland fuel stops. The parking lot spans an area of 15 acres and comes with more than 250 free spots. You can also reserve one of their special 18 spots if you want to plan your route ahead. Just like most truck stops, it comes with a convenience store and operates 24/7.

You'll find all the basic truck facilities as well. These include a repair shop and a drivers' lounge. Moreover, Jubitz Travel Center comes with not only showers but also jacuzzi tubs. This is one of the main reasons why it's loved by truck drivers all over the country.

The station allows you to refill your DEF as well.

If you prefer a cooked meal, you can visit Jake Brake Deli, a local restaurant. The menu ranges from filling burgers to more traditional options. You can find other restaurants in the area as well. The truck stop even features a bar with a happy hour.

In case you're on a long rest from your trip, you can explore the area around Jubitz Travel Center. It offers plenty of entertainment options, such as a cinema and theater. The Ponderosa Lounge & Grill also gives out free dancing lessons most days.

2. South of the Border, Hamer, South Carolina

South of the border between North Carolina and South Carolina, you'll find an eponymous attraction. The area is designed in a 'Mexican' style and features a bandit named Pedro as a mascot. It spans covers an area of 350 acres, which technically makes it bigger than Iowa 80. However, the actual truck stop only makes for a small portion of South of the Border.

The stop itself is called Pedro's Truck Stop (or Porky's). It's designed with diesel trucks in mind, which means you can refill your DEF here as well. You'll also find all the road supplies you need here. The stop features showers and a lounge as well. The stop is open all day long.

While the stop area is a little small, you'll find plenty of things to do at Pedro's.

The most popular attraction in South of the Border is the Sombrero Tower. It is an over 200-foot tall observation tower that lets you take in the breathtaking view all around. And don't worry; you don't have to walk all the way up - it has a glass elevator.

The tower emerges from a small arcade. Here, you can spend some time unwinding after a long trip. It's also fairly cheap compared to other options.

The area has an amusement park as well, although this is designed more for family trips than off-road detours.

However, you can visit the Reptile Lagoon. The exhibit features many species of snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, and others. The entry fee is very cheap, which makes this the perfect way to kill some time.

South of the Border comes with good dining options too. It features three restaurants, one bar, and one ice cream stand. The food is mostly Mexican to fit with the compound's overall style. However, you can find some traditional meals as well.

And lastly, you can spend some time shopping for souvenirs. You'll find everything from fireworks to beach supplies to clothing.

Overall, South of the Border makes for an excellent stop if you're passing through North Carolina and South Carolina on your trip. While the truck stop itself may be small, you'll find everything you need there. But more importantly, you certainly won't be bored.

1. World's Largest Truck Stop - Iowa 80

Located just off exit 284 in Walcott, Iowa, Iowa 80 bears the mantle of the largest truck stop in the entire world. It spans over 200 acres, which is about three times more than your regular truck stop. And while it was originally designed to be a truck stop, it's become a popular tourist destination as well over the past few years.

Iowa 80 has everything you'd expect from a truck stop and more. You'll find 15 fuel stations here, each with nozzles on both sides. This makes refilling much faster. And since most modern diesel trucks require DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) to function, it also features DEF dispensers.

You can find additional truck facilities at Iowa 80 as well. For instance, you can use their service center to have your truck examined by a mechanic. Thus, you can handle small-scale repairs and tire exchanges here with no issues.

Moreover, you can use your time at Iowa 80 to wash your truck. The facility even offers engine washes. This can be handy if you don't want to do much maintenance outside of your trips.

But Iowa 80 is more than just the world's largest truck stop. It offers plenty of entertainment and shopping opportunities as well. You'll find everything from snacks to souvenirs. Some examples include clothing, books, DVDs, CDs, and bumpers. You can even design your very own T-shirt in one of the stores.

You won't leave hungry, either. Iowa 80 comes with several food services ranging from fast food chains to restaurants. Some of the fast-food options even include popular brands like Pizza Hut, Wendy's, and Taco Bell.

If you're looking for home-cooked options, you'll find all your favorite dishes at Iowa 80 Kitchen. You'll find everything from a simple egg and bacon breakfast to traditional meals. Iowa 80 Kitchen is open 24/7 all year long.

The world's largest truck stop comes with a small chapel. You can attend their service every Sunday. You can also grab a free bible for the road.

Life on the road can get very lonely, which is why many truckers get a furry companion. If you count yourself among them, you'll make great use of Iowa 80's dogomat.

And finally, the stop offers two medical facilities. If your back feels stiff from all that time behind the wheel, you can visit Iowa 80's chiropractor. You can also visit the resident dentist. This is especially useful for those who spend most of their time on the road.

All told, Iowa 80 truly lives up to its name. It's not only the largest in size but also in terms of the services it provides. It feels more like a small village than a truck stop. If your route takes you through Iowa, we certainly recommend visiting this stop.

Our final thoughts on the world's largest truck stop

Although truck driving can be a very fulfilling job, it can become tedious after a while. If you feel burned out, consider including large truck stops instead of small gas stations in your routes. These often come with better amenities, increased security, and more entertainment options.

The three popular truck stops we discuss in this article are Jubitz Travel Center, South of the Border, and Iowa 80. Each has its own unique quality that makes it worth visiting. But in terms of size, Iowa 80 comes out on top. This truck stop has over 200 acres of land dedicated just to trucks. It features countless dining options, gift shops, and trucker essentials that you won't find anywhere else in the country.