I-81 Luzerne County Rest Area Southbound – I-81
I-81 Luzerne County Rest Area is a rest area on I-81 southbound near Rice in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Reported truck parking: 15 spaces. The next southbound stop is Dauphin County Rest Area – Southbound, 78 mi ahead by the mile markers.
Next rest stop on I-81 Southbound
⚠ Long stretch ahead. No other rest stop listed for the next 78 miles southbound on I-81. Plan a break here if you need one.
Dauphin County Rest Area – Southbound78 mi ahead by the mile markers · Pennsylvania · Mile marker 79Previous southbound stop: Susquehanna County Rest Area – Southbound · 51 mi back by the mile markers
Location map
Marker shows recorded coordinates, not an entrance or approved driving route. Follow highway signs.
Open directionsReported parking capacity
Reported capacity from the 2019 federal truck parking survey (FHWA Jason's Law). This is not real-time vacancy information.
Facilities and amenities
Unknown (not documented in the sources): Family restroom, Accessible facilities, Drinking water, Picnic tables, Pet area, Public phone, RV dump station, EV charging.
A reported facility does not guarantee current availability.
About this rest area
On Interstate 81 southbound near Rice, the I-81 Luzerne County Rest Area gives travelers in Pennsylvania a place to stop. Before you count on this stop, a quick check of 511 or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shows any closure.
Location and driving direction
The rest area sits on the southbound side of I-81 near Rice in Luzerne County. It is listed near mile marker 157. Driving southbound, the rest area comes after exit 159 and before exit 155. You do not take an exit to get there: the rest area has its own ramp, signed "Rest Area" in advance.
The next southbound stop is Dauphin County Rest Area – Southbound, about 78 miles further along I-81.
Parking and amenities
The 2019 federal truck parking survey (FHWA Jason's Law) lists 15 truck parking spaces.
Listed amenities include:
- Restrooms
- Vending machines
Space counts describe reported capacity, not live parking availability.
Time limits and overnight parking
Pennsylvania limits stays to 2 hours in a 24-hour period, or the posted limit; sleeping is allowed only in a legally parked vehicle and overnight camping is prohibited. Turnpike service plazas have their own rules. Posted signs at this rest area can set a different limit. Source: 67 Pa. Code 443.2 (checked November 2026).
Coordinates
41.130807, -75.963774
Frequently asked questions
Which side of I-81 is this rest area on?
It serves southbound traffic on Interstate 81 near Rice.
Are there restrooms?
Yes, restrooms are included in the official amenities listing.
Where is the next rest stop?
Dauphin County Rest Area – Southbound, about 78 miles further along I-81 by the official mile markers.