If you own an RV, you must know how to find RV dump stations. Using the restroom or faucets in your RV means you’ll eventually need to empty your waste tanks. The last thing you want is to spend an immense amount of time trying to hunt down a place to dump your tanks.
So, where can you easily find RV dump stations? Let’s find out!
What Are RV Dump Stations?
RV dump stations are specially-designed sites that allow RVers to dump wastewater into a sewer system. These stations typically have a sewer drain connection, non-potable water for cleaning messes, and rinsing hoses or attachments.
Weekend warriors will often use these dump stations on their way home from an adventure before parking their rigs in storage. However, full-time travelers will need to use these stations to empty their tanks as they travel from one location to the next.
How Often Should You Dump an RV?
How often you’ll need to dump your RV’s wastewater will depend on many factors. The two most significant factors you’ll need to consider are the size of your tanks and how many people will use your RV. Naturally, the smaller your tanks and the more people using your RV, the more frequently you’ll need to empty your tanks.
If you’re planning to spend ample time boondocking or dry camping, you’ll naturally develop skills to extend the time between when you need to dump your tanks. Some RVers can conserve the space in their waste tanks and typically go for two or three weeks without needing to find a dump station.
Where to Find Easy RV Dump Stations?
If you’re looking for an RV dump station, we recommend starting your search in a handful of places. These are the most common locations you will likely find a dump station to empty your tanks. Let’s get started!
Campgrounds
Most campgrounds will have a dump station somewhere in the park. The great thing about these RV dump stations is that they are often at the entrance of a campground. This makes it highly convenient to stop at the dump station to dump your tanks and even flush them before putting your rig in storage or heading to your next destination.
If you’re coming from a campground where you couldn’t dump your tanks, you may scout out the dump station in advance to see if you can easily access it before heading to your campsite. This ensures you start your trip with empty tanks, and you’re less likely to need to dump them in the middle of your journey.
While campgrounds may design dump stations with guests in mind, you don’t always have to be guests to use one. Many campgrounds will allow non-guests to use their dump station for a nominal fee. However, you may hit the jackpot where a campground will let you dump your tanks for free.
Truck Stops
Many truck stops are making their locations increasingly more RV-friendly. We’re finding RV-specific fuel lanes that make it convenient for RVers to fill up on fuel. We also see many truck stops installing dump stations at some locations. These are typically the big-name, corporate truck stops like Loves, Flying J, and Pilot. However, we’ve heard of some mom-and-pop truck stops providing these valuable resources to RVers.
Truck stops offering RV dump stations can be hit or miss. Some locations upgrade their facilities faster than others. However, some do not intend to add RV dump stations to their offerings. You’ll want to check with each truck stop to see whether they offer a dump station.
PRO TIP: Everything you need to know about truck stop dump stations
Rest Stops
You’ll find rest stops along interstate highways across the country. These facilities are often excellent places to stop, take a break, and sometimes dump your RV’s tanks.
The state owns and manages these facilities, so there’s no telling what amenities they’ll offer. Some rest stops are better than others, but you’ll occasionally find one with a dump station.
RV Dealers
Many RV dealers will do whatever they can to have a positive relationship with potential future customers. Since many RV dealers with service departments will need a dump station available for some repairs, they’ll often install them in locations that allow RVers to use them.
If you’re in a pinch and looking for a place to dump your tanks, it might not be a bad idea to look for RV dealerships in the area. They want to say “yes” as often as they can in hopes of earning your business when purchasing your next RV.
Big-Box Outdoor Retailers
Another place to quickly find RV dump stations is big-box outdoor retailers like Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. Some retail chains will have dump stations for guests when they stop in to walk through their massive locations.
Like some other locations, retailers offering dump stations can be hit or miss. Some may have offered a dump station in the past but now no longer provide one because the cost to repair or maintain the dump station is too much.
Even if you’ve heard that a location offers a dump station, call ahead to confirm any fees, procedures, or news that the dump station is functioning. You don’t want to go out of your way to a dump station and discover that it’s out of commission.
Is There an App to Find RV Dump Stations?
Luckily, technology is on your side when finding RV dump stations. Various apps like Campendium, iOverlander, and AllStays allow you to find the nearest dump station quickly. These apps are beneficial because they allow users to provide reviews and essential information that can be helpful to future dump station users.
You may also consider using resources like Sanidumps, RV Dumps.com, and the well-known truck stop apps. Take advantage of technology to help find a dump station near you.
Stop Struggling to Find RV Dump Stations
Finding an RV dump station doesn’t have to be a frustrating task. Many resources are available to keep your RV’s waste tanks empty.
It may take some effort, but you can often find a dump station in almost any part of the country. Please give a few of the places we’ve shared a try the next time you need to dump your tanks.
How long do you generally go before you need to dump your tanks?
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