Fallout – Red Rocket Gas Station

The Fallout TV series, adapted from the popular video game franchise, prominently features the Red Rocket Gas Station as a key early location that pays homage to iconic game elements. This post-apocalyptic truck stop appears in the episode “The Radio,” serving as a brief but memorable Easter egg for fans. Filmed at a real-world gas station in Nyack, New York, the site was transformed into a wasteland relic, complete with set dressing to evoke the ruined aesthetic of the Fallout universe. The production team meticulously altered the operational station to fit the show’s irradiated Los Angeles setting, highlighting their commitment to blending real locations with game lore. This choice not only grounded the series in tangible environments but also connected it directly to player-familiar landmarks from titles like Fallout 4.

The Scene

In the “The Radio” episode of Fallout, the Ghoul, played by Walton Goggins, arrives at the dilapidated Red Rocket Gas Station amid the scorched Los Angeles wasteland. This moment directly references Fallout 4, where the protagonist first encounters the companion Dogmeat at a similar truck stop. Here, the Ghoul discovers CX404, a loyal canine he later nicknames Dogmeat, scavenging near the pumps. The scene underscores the Ghoul’s hardened survival instincts in the post-nuclear world, with the station’s rusted signage and debris-strewn lot amplifying the desolation. It’s a quiet, pivotal beat that introduces a key ally while nodding to gamers, blending tension with subtle fan service before the narrative escalates.

The Real Filming Location

The Red Rocket Gas Station was filmed at a fully operational gas station located at 501 North Highland Avenue in Upper Nyack, New York, within Rockland County. This site, which bears a natural resemblance to the fictional brand due to its bold red-and-white branding, underwent a significant makeover for the production. The station, previously used in Keanu Reeves’ John Wick, was available after going on sale in 2020. Nyack itself is a historic village with deep roots, providing an unexpected contrast to the show’s apocalyptic vibe. Coordinates for the location align closely with 42.2890005, -71.4093687, though precise mapping confirms the Highland Avenue spot as the core filming area.

Why This Location Was Chosen

Production designer Howard Cummings advocated for including a Red Rocket station, which wasn’t originally planned, to enrich the series’ fidelity to the games. The Nyack gas station’s pre-existing design eerily mirrored the in-game aesthetic, requiring minimal structural changes—just strategic set dressing to convey wasteland decay. Its availability for a tight five-day shoot (three days building, one filming, one dismantling) made it practical. The site’s prior film use demonstrated owner flexibility, and its suburban New York setting allowed efficient access for the Los Angeles-based crew during principal photography. This choice emphasized practical effects over full CGI, immersing viewers in a believable post-apocalyptic relic.

Visiting the Location

Fans can visit the Red Rocket filming site at 501 North Highland Avenue, Upper Nyack, New York, a short drive from New York City across the Tappan Zee Bridge. The gas station remains operational, pumping fuel like regular unleaded at competitive prices, though post-filming alterations may have reverted most changes. Park nearby and observe from public areas, respecting ongoing business—it’s not a preserved set but a working Frogger-branded station. Nyack offers charming village walks with historic markers, eateries, and Hudson River views for a full day trip. Check local traffic via apps, as Highland Avenue sees moderate flow. No formal tours exist, but it’s ideal for Fallout enthusiasts seeking real-world game ties; photography is fine from afar.