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How to dump RV tanks at a dump station
A dump station is a sewer inlet where RVers empty their black (toilet) and gray (sink and shower) tanks. This guide covers what to bring, the order to do things, and the etiquette that keeps stations open. When you are ready, search 1,588 US dump stations by state or city, or see the share tagged free in each state.
What to bring
- A dedicated sewer hose (10 to 20 ft) with a bayonet fitting, plus a clear elbow or inlet adapter
- Disposable gloves and hand sanitizer or wipes
- A separate, clearly labeled non-potable rinse hose
- Optional: a hose support, and a jug of water in case the station has no rinse spigot
Never use your white or blue fresh-water (potable) hose for sewer rinsing. Keep it stored apart from sewer gear.
Step by step
- Position the RV. Pull up so your outlet is close to the inlet. Most RVs have the outlet on the driver's side.
- Gloves on, hose connected. Attach the hose to the RV first, then seat the other end firmly in the inlet so it cannot pop out.
- Black tank first. Open the black valve fully and let it drain, then close it.
- Gray tank second. The gray water rinses the hose. Close the valve when it is empty.
- Rinse. If your RV has a black tank flush, use it now with the non-potable hose. Then rinse the sewer hose.
- Disconnect. Remove the RV end first, lift the hose so it drains into the inlet, cap the outlet, and store the hose.
- Leave it clean. Rinse any spills off the pad, close the inlet lid, and pull away so the next rig can use it.
Etiquette and tips
- If there is a line, have your gear ready before you reach the pad, and keep it quick.
- Some stations require a campground stay, a fuel purchase, or a fee. Many rest-area and park stations close in winter.
- Use only RV-safe toilet paper and tank treatments, and never dump anything but tank contents.
- Fees, hours, and status on this site come from an OpenStreetMap snapshot (July 15, 2026), so confirm on arrival.
Find a dump station
- Search by city or state
- Free dump stations in Florida
- Free dump stations in California
- Free dump stations in Texas
- RV campgrounds map
- Stations along the planned cross-country route
Frequently asked questions
Do I dump black or gray water first?
Black first, then gray. The gray water (sinks and shower) is less dirty and rinses solids out of the sewer hose on its way through.
Can I use the water spigot at a dump station to fill my fresh tank?
Only if it is clearly marked potable, and only with your own clean fresh-water hose. A non-potable rinse spigot is for rinsing sewer gear and the pad, never for drinking water.
How do I find a free RV dump station?
Each state page on this site has a free-only list of stations tagged fee=no in OpenStreetMap, and city pages show the fee field for every station. Fees change, so confirm on arrival.
How often should I dump my RV tanks?
Dump when the black tank is about two-thirds full or more, so there is enough liquid to carry solids out. Your tank monitor or sensor panel shows the level, though sensors can read high when they are dirty.
What should I do if a dump station is closed?
Check nearby cities on the station page, or look for campgrounds that sell a dump to non-guests. If a listed station is closed for good, please report it so the next RVer knows.
Spot a closed or wrong station? Report it.
Page built October 24, 2026 · Data from OpenStreetMap (snapshot July 15, 2026). Report a station