This is an answer to one of the questions we are asked often: How can I find RV dump stations near me?
One major issue that newcomers to the RV community find is the issue of waste. Yup, you got it, we’re talking about that waste. As in, of the human kind.
Unfortunately, though it might be a great fertilizer, you can’t dump your RV waste wherever you may want. It’s not as simple as pulling over along the side of the road and unloading. No, you are going to have to find a dump station in order to make the unloading of your waste as safe, clean, and environmentally friendly as possible.
We will tell you how to find dump stations, and give you helpful tips for dumping.
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What Are Dump Stations?
RV Dump stations are facilities that are designated for dumping off RV waste, both black tank, and grey tank waste. This means that RV owners can get a fresh start on their waste and dirty water storage throughout their trips and vacation getaways.
However, dump stations aren’t exactly available on every block. Sometimes you need to go a bit out of your way to find one when your tanks get a bit full.
Use Apps and Websites to Find Dump Stations
Many campgrounds do have RV dump stations, but they can often have long lines, or the timing just doesn't work out for you to use them when you need to. And there is a chance your campground won't have one.
The following online resources will help you between stops. As for boondockers, the following will help you find dump stations wherever you camp.
SaniDumps.com
This site has been around for a long time and claims to provide the most comprehensive listings of RV dump stations online. They list private, public, RV park, non-park, municipal, truck stop, rest stop, campground, camping, resort, commercial, pay, donation, and free RV dump stations worldwide. You search by Zip or Postal code.
RVDumps.com
This site is only for US RV dump stations. I think this site is easier to use because you can search by state, city or map. The map feature is my favorite as it lets me easily find my location and then to visually see what's closest. The map feature also shows Interstate rest areas with dump stations are only shown on the dump stations map. And you can see dump stations by STATE right here.
AllStays Pro
AllStays LLC is a travel-focused company that provides a suite of apps and resources for RVers, campers, and truckers. One resource is an app called AllStays Camp & RV.
If you have an iOS device, you can download that app by itself and search for all kinds of maps, services, and amenities. But you'll notice I listed AllStays Pro instead.
Why?…
Because with AllStays Pro, you can find RV dump stations and SO MUCH MORE! AllStays Pro is browser-based, not an app, but it's such a great resource for RVers that we rely on it almost exclusively for planning our RV trips.
Using this link and the discount code: rvpodcast you can save 10% off your All Stays Pro annual subscription.
Campendium
This is a popular website listing campgrounds, and you can use it to find dump stations, too. First, search by state, then select “view map.” The map search feature then has a “Category” tab where you can select “dump stations.” Dump stations will then populate on the map.
It's worth noting that Campendium (& all its great features) has been bundled with a few other great RV resources into one great app called Roadpass Pro.
Roadpass Pro INCLUDES:
- Access to all 14,000+ free boondocking locations in the OvernightRVParking.com app!
- RV GPS navigation that considers weight limits, low overhead clearances, grades of terrain, and propane restrictions to give you turn-by-turn directions specific to your RV.
- Roadtrippers Plus, where you can plan trips with up to 150 stops, collaborate with friends on route planning, and get real-time traffic along your route.
- Full access to Campendium’s premium features, including viewing cell coverage maps, public land map overlays, and trail maps.
- And more!
You can get $10 off your Togo RV Roadpass Pro annual membership using the discount code: RVLIFESTYLE21
This RV Rental site also has a section that allows you to search for RV Dump Stations near me. Find the state you are in and then scroll the cities for dump stations nearby.
It's a straightforward, browser-based resource that helps you easily find what you're looking for.
Tips for Finding RV Dump Stations
Finding RV dump stations is easier now than it ever has been. You can imagine what it was like back before the age of the Internet! Today, we can find dump stations rather easily through various online sources and even through simple Google searches.
Google searches will make finding dump stations rather easy. However, in our experience, there can be some issues with the information being 100% accurate. Sometimes open/closing times and prices will be a bit different on Google than they are in reality. Use Google with a bit of caution!
Boondockers have more of a challenge in finding RV dump stations, and if off-the-grid camping is your choice, you'll need to work your trips around them to some extent. The more experience you get with your RV trip planning, the smoother the experience will be. It just takes a bit of practice to get the hang of incorporating dump stations into your trip planning as smoothly as possible.
Tips for Using RV Dump Stations
A very important thing to remember is that RV dump stations are a shared space where all RVers go to empty out their waste and tanks. That means that we should all treat them with respect and care.
We are all guests there, and leaving the dump station cleaner than you found it is always the most common courtesy.
The sad truth is that many RV dump stations have had to shut down due to excessive waste spillage and improper care by users. With this in mind, always take the time to clean up after yourself and keep your waste where it is supposed to be–in the septic tank underground and not above ground all over the place!
Some good practices to keep in mind are:
- Release your black-tank before you release your grey tank. This will minimize odors, and help to wash away some of that more delicate waste when you are finished.
- Also, remember to use the water hose provided at most dump stations to clean up the area and any potential spillage that may occur during your dumping process.
- And as many dump stations also offer drinking water, be sure to choose the right connection if you are planning to top off your freshwater tanks. There are usually two hoses available. The one near the actual hole in the ground is usually marked non-potable water. It's just for washing down any spills.
- The freshwater, or potable, hose, is usually located at the far end of the dump station.
- Make sure you have an airtight connection with the RV Dump Station Hole. Smaller hoses should have a small black ‘Donut” that fits over the end of the hose coming from the RV.
Plan Ahead!
Waste is something that all of us RV owners have to deal with. It may be a bit of a hassle, but the freedom of the open road does come with a few obstacles that need to be overcome along the way. That is why RV dump stations are both a godsend and a hurdle that must be worked around at the same time.
The best practice when it comes to RV dump stations is to always plan ahead of time.
You never want to be caught off-guard with a full black tank and nowhere to let it out safely and legally. That is why you should always keep an eye on your online resources for where the best dump stations are for you and your route.
With proper planning, you shouldn’t have to go too far out of your way to get to an RV dump station.
Once you have a good understanding of where the dump stations on your route are, you can hit the road with a clear and calm head. You don’t have to worry that your, uh… Delicate matters will come back to haunt you in the middle of a trip.
21 Responses to “How to Easily Find RV Dump Stations (Apps & Tips)”
Comments are closed.
June 23, 2024at12:33 pm, Russell McFall said:
I agree with comments about great resources, but trying to find one with the adds makes it difficult.
What I also find difficult is finding fresh water to fill my tanks, I have been to parks and areas that don’t have a water fill so then I have to figure out where to find water. Calling around the local camp grounds is useful, but sometimes it’s difficult to find a fill station. Wish there was a resource for water fill like dump stations.
June 23, 2024at11:35 am, Peter Ziemkowski said:
Mike,
I live in Kalamazoo too, and have tried many apps. The nearest dump stations I can find are at Van Buren SP or Yankee Springs or the Marshall Love’s. All are quite distant. Have you ever found one closer?
Thank you
June 26, 2024at11:56 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:
Hi Peter – Mike usually dumps before coming home. Best of luck finding some closer – Team RV Lifestyle
December 10, 2023at9:04 am, John Lefler said:
When dumping, you should start (briefly) with the grey in case of malfunction. Ask me how I learnt that lesson. Once you are comfortable close the grey and dump the black then finish with the grey.
December 12, 2023at3:10 pm, Team RV Lifestyle said:
Thanks for sharing this, John! Team RV Lifestyle
December 10, 2023at8:37 am, Andrea Hudgens said:
Great info. Thanks for the links and insite. Just one issue- “it may be good fertilizer” is way off base. Human waste is in no way to be used as fertilizer. Waste from carnivores is not good fertilizer. Only herbivores. That is why you don’t put any kind of meat in compost. It doesn’t breakdown the same. It putrifies and rots and carries all kinds of unwanted bacteria. Not to mention the product in your tanks has chemicals in it that would kills anything you “fertilize”.
December 10, 2023at7:03 am, Danny Diego said:
I did a quick check of the first two links you provided: SANIDUMPS.COM and RVDUMPS.COM.
While both sites inundated the user with ads—making the sites tough to navigate—RVDUMPS was the worse of the two. The constant ads just kept popping up and made reviewing the map very difficult.
As well, RVDUMPS didn’t even show a nearby dump (at a state park) that I routinely use.
While we all appreciate free resources, sometimes it’s “you get what you pay for.”
I usually use iOverLander to locate RV dumpsites.
December 12, 2023at3:09 pm, Team RV Lifestyle said:
Appreciate that you appreciate a free resource – and appreciate your comment about “you get what you pay for” — thanks for sharing the feedback, Danny! Team RV Lifestyle
November 09, 2022at2:45 pm, Susan Lopez said:
Is there any possibility of having a service come to a Non operating RV to empty a full tank?
November 09, 2022at3:33 pm, Team RV Lifestyle said:
That is a good question but one better answered by the service company itself. Policies likely vary place to place. Team RV Lifestyle
December 10, 2023at7:05 am, Danny Diego said:
This is a very common thing in many large campsites that don’t offer FHUs…like Quartzite.
December 15, 2023at9:36 am, Jeremy Stone said:
Try calling a port a potty company. Some will come out to an RV, or even a Septic tank cleaning company. Good luck! I know how you feel! My black tank neck broke, and the bracket on the opposite side fell too, leaving me a big job for this spring. New tank, sensors, and dump valves already here too. I wish you the best of luck, and pray that I don’t get covered in gross to fix mine! Happy trails!
July 27, 2022at11:35 am, RV Black Tank Advice From The "RV Proctologist" | RV Lifestyle said:
[…] BONUS: How to Easily Find RV Dump Stations […]
October 21, 2021at8:19 am, Tammie Houston said:
It’s good to know that RV Dump Flush services offer to clean up for any spillage that happens while you’re dumping out your RV’s black tank. I’m a bit skittish myself so I hope they can do the task for me. I just came back from an RV camping trip with my friends and am planning on cleaning it up before putting it in storage. Thanks for your tips on how to find a dump center near me, hopefully, I find a good one that can do the job for me since I wouldn’t want to vomit while emptying it myself.
December 10, 2023at8:42 pm, Bill Azzarello said:
I don’t know of anyone who does it for you but good luck finding someone.
June 06, 2021at10:35 am, How And Why To Use An RV Macerator Pump - 2boomersandababy said:
[…] As you travel, it can sometimes be challenging to find places where you can empty your waste tanks. Here’s a guide we wrote on How to Easily Find Dump Stations. […]
October 12, 2020at3:09 pm, How to Easily Find RV Dump Stations - RVing Outdoors said:
[…] Source […]
September 24, 2020at12:27 am, Dedrah said:
Where was this picture taken ? It looks like the dump station in my home town Kellogg Idaho ?
September 22, 2020at2:54 pm, Mark E said:
Generally we don’t have an issue finding dump stations, but we do have trouble finding potable water. Especially now with COVID. Any suggestions?
September 22, 2020at2:26 pm, SLD said:
For those with electronic macerators, a helpful tip is to release a small amount from the gray tank and then test to see that the macerator is working properly. If not, at least you only have to deal manually with a small amount of gray. If the macerator is okay, then do the usual routine of dumping the full black tank first.
September 22, 2020at10:29 am, Bob Laubach said:
Todays dump station info will be very helpful. Thanks much.