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RV dump station etiquette

Quick answer: Be ready before you pull in, dump and rinse quickly, never use the rinse hose for drinking water, clean up any spill, and pull forward as soon as your hose is stowed so the next RV can go.

Dump stations get busy on checkout mornings and holiday weekends. A few habits keep the line moving and the station clean for everyone, and they make your own dump faster too.

Before you pull in

  1. Get your gear out first. Put on gloves and have the sewer hose, fittings and any elbow or seal ready while you wait in line, not after you reach the inlet.
  2. Pull up on the correct side. Most RV dump outlets are on the driver's side, so line up so the outlet ends up next to the inlet and your hose can reach without stretching.
  3. Know the rules and the fee. Some stations take cash only, some use a kiosk, and some are for campground guests only. Station pages here show the fee and payment details when they are listed.

At the inlet

  1. Seal the hose into the inlet. Use a sewer hose seal or weigh the hose end down so it cannot pop out when the valve opens.
  2. Black first, then gray. Dump the black tank, then the gray tank so the soapy water rinses the hose. The step-by-step dumping guide covers the full routine.
  3. Never use the rinse hose for drinking water. The hose at the dump inlet is non-potable. Do not screw your fresh water hose onto it, and do not put it in your fresh tank fill. If the station has a separate potable spigot, use your own white drinking-water hose there, and fill before you handle the sewer hose if you can.
  4. Do not leave the rinse hose in the inlet. Rinse your hose and the pad, then hang the rinse hose back up so its end stays out of the sewer opening.
  5. Only tank waste goes in. No trash, wipes, paper towels, grease or chemicals other than normal tank treatment.

When others are waiting

  1. Skip the long jobs. A full black tank flush, a long fresh water fill, or washing the RV can wait until you have hookups or the lane is empty.
  2. Pull forward right away. Once the hose is stowed and the cap is on, move out of the lane. Wash up, sort the bay and check your route somewhere else.

Leaving it clean

  1. Clean up spills. Rinse any spill into the inlet and close the inlet lid if it has one.
  2. Report problems. If the station is broken, closed or the fee changed, tell the attendant or office, and report it here so other RVers know before they drive there.

Finding a station

Browse dump stations by state and city, the list of stations with potable water, or the truck stop and 24-hour lists for travel days. The cost guide shows typical fees and how to find free stations, and the how often to dump guide helps you plan your next stop.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the dump station rinse hose to fill my fresh water tank?

No. The hose at a dump station is for rinsing the sewer hose and the drain area, and it is usually marked non-potable. Fill your fresh tank only from a separate potable (drinking water) spigot with your own white drinking-water hose, and keep that hose away from the sewer side.

How long should it take to use an RV dump station?

Most RVers are done in about 10 to 15 minutes once they have practice. Have your gloves and sewer hose ready before you pull up, and do slow jobs like flushing the black tank, refilling water or reorganizing the bay away from the dump lane when others are waiting.

Do I have to pull forward after dumping?

It is good manners to pull ahead or out of the lane as soon as your hose is stowed, so the next rig can start. Finish putting away gear, washing up and checking your route somewhere else.

What if I spill at the dump station?

Rinse the spill into the dump inlet with the non-potable rinse hose, and leave the area as clean as you found it. If something is broken or there is a bigger mess, tell the campground office or station attendant.

Can I dump trash or wipes at a dump station?

No. Only RV black and gray tank contents go into the inlet. Wipes, paper towels and trash can clog the station, so bag them and use a trash can.

Where can I find a dump station on my route?

This site lists 1,589 US dump stations across 49 states, including 175 tagged free and 159 where potable water is listed.

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This is general information. Always follow the posted rules at each station.

Page built November 3, 2026 · Data from OpenStreetMap (snapshot July 15, 2026). Report a station