The 6 Worst Roadside Rest Stops in the U.S. That Will Ruin Your Road Trip

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I love a good road trip. However, if we are going somewhere far from home, we like to map out our stops, check reviews, and pinpoint exactly where we’ll stop to stretch our legs, use the restroom, and grab a snack. While rest stops can be a great place to do all of those things, there are some terrible ones throughout the United States. Some have become notorious for being rundown and poorly maintained. So, if you’re traveling any time soon, do yourself a favor and avoid these roadside rest stops.

1. St. Clair Rest Area – Missouri I-44

The St. Clair Rest Area along Missouri’s I-44 may look like a welcoming stop, but it quickly disappoints visitors with its lackluster amenities and poor upkeep. This rest area has garnered a reputation for dirty facilities and an overall neglected feel. The bathrooms are often reported as less-than-ideal, with unkempt stalls and unpleasant odors. Many people have complained about the parking situation being confusing, and they’re not wrong. It’s not clear where the trucks should park and where the cars should stop. Additionally, there’s a lack of food options nearby, making it difficult to grab a bite if you’re hungry. A once-promising rest stop, St. Clair now leaves many roadtrippers regretting their decision to pull over.

2. Illinois Rest Stops

Illinois rest stops are often criticized for their poor cleanliness and inconvenient locations. Many of these stops suffer from outdated facilities that are in dire need of an upgrade. Some rest areas have minimal lighting, creating a somewhat uncomfortable atmosphere, especially if you’re stopping late at night. Restrooms tend to be hit or miss, with some stops offering unpleasantly grimy stalls. Parking can also be a challenge, as many rest areas are either overcrowded or don’t provide enough space for larger vehicles. One Reddit user wrote, “Illinois has a wild range from mediocre to super nice.” However, you may end up at the former, so if you’re traveling through Illinois, you might want to reconsider pulling over unless absolutely necessary.

3. Ohio Turnpike Rest Areas

You’re taking a gamble stopping at any rest area on the Ohio Turnpike. Some are reportedly great, while others don’t even offer the basic necessities. While Ohio’s Turnpike offers convenient highway access, the rest areas are not exactly the best place to take a break. The food options are great, but these rest areas are usually criticized for poor maintenance and limited parking options during peak hours. There’s also a lack of shade or green space to stretch your legs, leaving many travelers feeling cramped and uncomfortable. With so many other options in nearby states, these rest stops are often better avoided during your journey.

4. Montana Rest Areas

While Montana is known for its stunning landscapes, the rest areas along its highways often don’t live up to the scenic surroundings. Many of the rest stops here are outdated and poorly maintained. Facilities often lack essential features such as adequate lighting and functioning air conditioning, which can make a stop feel especially uncomfortable during hot summer months. Restrooms can be run down, and the overall cleanliness of these stops is frequently called into question. In some locations, they might not even have the privacy you’d expect while using the restroom (think stalls that end at your shoulder). On top of that, Montana’s vast stretches of open highway also mean that some rest areas are quite isolated, with few options for food or services nearby. If you’re heading through the Big Sky State, you might want to plan your breaks in more well-equipped towns.

5. Truck Stops in New Jersey

New Jersey’s truck stops are notorious for being congested and poorly maintained. While these stops may offer a chance to refuel, they often lack the amenities that would make them a comfortable stop for travelers. In a Reddit thread, one trucker wrote, “Do not visit any of the major truck stops in New Jersey. They’re all massive sh*tholes, especially the ones in north jersey closer to NYC.” There are a plethora of other complaints as well, including long bathroom lines, bad parking, limited food options, and just a less-than-inviting atmosphere. If you value a clean, peaceful rest stop, you may want to skip New Jersey’s truck stops during your road trip.

6. Arizona Rest Stops

Arizona’s rest stops may be a necessary pit stop during a long drive through the desert, but they’re far from pleasant. One Redditor said, “Arizona has some pretty f*cked up ones, dirty consistently.” The heat can be unbearable in the summer, with some rest areas lacking proper shade or air conditioning. Many of the stops are sparsely furnished, with minimal seating and few amenities beyond restrooms and vending machines. The restrooms are often criticized for being dirty and poorly stocked, leading many travelers to opt for a quick stop without lingering. Ultimately, Arizona’s rest stops can often feel like an inconvenience rather than a respite on your journey.

Be Prepared for the Worst

Rest stops are often a necessary part of any journey, but you should carefully plan out where you are going to take a break. If you truly want some relief on your journey, it may be best to avoid the roadside rest stops in these areas. Many of them have outdated or less-than-clean facilities. In some cases, you might not even feel comfortable using the restroom. Instead, opt for towns or better-maintained rest areas when possible. This will ensure you have a more positive experience on your next road trip.

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