Free vs Paid RV Dump Stations: What You'll Pay

Whether you pay to empty your tanks depends on who runs the dump station. Some city wastewater plants and rest areas let anyone dump for free. State parks and private campgrounds often charge a per-use fee or include dumping in your campsite fee. Travel centers may limit their dump stations to fuel customers.

Of the 3,663 listings on Dumpmapper's RV dump & water layer, 226 are tagged as free and 757 as charging a fee. The rest have no fee listed, which is why you should always check.

Examples of free dump stations

Free stations are usually run by a public agency that wants RV waste going into the sewer rather than onto the ground.

• Bremerton, Washington. The city runs a free RV dump at its wastewater treatment plant, 1600 Oyster Bay Ave South. It's open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed weekends and major holidays. The city says the water there is non-potable and for rinsing only.
• Eugene, Oregon. The regional wastewater treatment plant at 410 River Avenue has a liquid waste dump station that anyone can use free, 24 hours a day, every day of the year, according to the City of Springfield's RV waste fact sheet. Bring your own sewer hose and a garden hose for rinsing.
• Highway rest areas. Several state DOTs list rest areas with RV dump stations. Washington's rest area list shows whether each station is open or closed, and Oregon publishes a list of rest areas with RV sanitary dump stations.

Examples of paid dump stations

Washington State Parks charges a $5 trailer dump fee per use, and a Discover Pass is also required for day visitors. You don't pay the dump fee if you've already paid for camping at the park you're staying in.

That pattern is common: many state park and campground dump stations are included for overnight guests and charge a fee to people who are only passing through. Federal campgrounds on Recreation.gov follow their own rules, and some dump stations there are for registered campers only.

Customers-only stations

Some dump stations at fuel stops, RV dealers and campgrounds are open to customers only. In OpenStreetMap this is often tagged as customers-only access, and when it is, the listing page says so. Buying fuel or a campsite night may get you in where a walk-up visitor would be turned away.

How to check the fee before you go

1. Open the listing on Dumpmapper. If a source lists a fee or free access, it appears under Fees.
2. Follow the website or phone number if the listing has one, or use the source link to see what the original record says.
3. For state parks, check the park's own fee page. Fees change, and some parks waive them for campers.
4. Have small bills or a card ready. Some stations use an honor box or a pay machine.

Common questions

How much does an RV dump station cost?

It varies by operator. Washington State Parks charges $5 per use, while some city treatment plants, such as Bremerton's, are free. Many listings don't publish a fee, so check first.

Are rest area dump stations free?

Many state rest areas with dump stations don't charge, but check the DOT's own rest area page, which may also show whether the station is open.

Can I dump at a campground if I'm not staying there?

Sometimes. Some campgrounds sell a one-time dump for non-guests and others limit it to registered campers. Call ahead.

How do I find only free dump stations?

Open the RV layer, then check each listing's Fees line. Listings tagged as free say Free (listed).

Don't skip the dump to save money

Dumping RV waste anywhere other than an approved station is illegal in many places. Florida law, for example, makes it unlawful to empty RV liquid waste except into an approved sewerage system. A few dollars at a dump station is far cheaper than a fine. Our tank dumping guide covers what to do when you get there.

Sources: Washington State Parks fees; City of Bremerton RV dump station; City of Springfield, OR RV & boat waste fact sheet; Florida Statutes 513.08; ODOT TripCheck rest areas with RV dump stations. Checked October 20, 2026. Fees, hours and rules change, so confirm with the site before you go.