Ah, to dump or not to dump. That is the question. Okay, if you’re on the road long enough in your RV, it’s not really a question at all. You will have to stop to dump your black and grey water tanks (and refill your drinkable water supply). Ontarian RVers know that when you stay at campgrounds most supply dump sites as part of the fee (occasionally charging a small fee on top). But when you’re driving long distances or when you prefer to boondock, you may need to find other means for dumping your tanks. Here are various resources you can use to help find available dump sites where you’re traveling.
Campsites
It seems obvious as a source, but it is included here because you may need to do the math before you stop and pay to dump. It is often more cost effective to pay for a campsite that has facility costs built in than to pay for dumping and water fills (plus you get other amenities thrown in).
You can also defray costs by purchasing a Passport America membership ($44 per year) which gives 50% discounts on camp costs at participating grounds in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Even if you don’t want to stay at a campsite, it is worth calling the office to ask about dumping as some do allow free service even when you’re not staying there, while others may charge a small fee.
Websites/Apps
The quickest way to find a dumpsite near you in the digital age is to take advantage of the many wonderful websites and apps that provide up-to-date information on locations and costs. Here are some of the best:
- Sanidumps.com–This site provides broad-ranging international coverage and lists roughly 300 dump stations in Canada alone. It offers information on type of site (campground, freestanding station, etc) and fees, plus links to Google maps to get you there.
- Campendium.com–This is another site that provides information for Canada as well as the U.S. It also comes as an IOS app. Both allow you to pick a search area for which it lists all dump sites available.
- RVdumpsites.net–Covers both Canada and the U.S. and is the companion of Freecampsites.net. It provides information on fees, type, and location, plus gives you a distance reading from your location if you hover over the site.
- Trucker Path-This is another IOS app that serves truckers but provides information on facilities available at truck stops, including whether they have dump sites available.
- Allstays RV Dumps–This is Apple’s app for finding dumpsites which has a large database but does charge a small fee of $2.99 per year.
- RVDumps.com–Useful only for those venturing into the U.S., this site provides non-campground dumpsite information.
Other Sources
Websites and apps are your best way to locate dump sites, but when you’re in a pinch, here are the best places to look for a site to empty your tanks:
- Truck stops and gas stations sometimes offer free dumping services.
- City wastewater and treatment plants occasionally allow RV dumping. Call the nearest town or municipality’s administration to ask about the possibility.
- Rest areas occasionally provide dump sites so be on the lookout for signs that indicate availability.
- RV Dealers and supply stores will sometimes offer dumping services.
- Cabelas stores allow free RV parking in their lots and occasionally will have dumping services as well.
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Ivan Young is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with fence & event rental supplier, Viking Fence.
