Best RV Dump Stations in California: Where to Dump in the Golden State

California is home to more RV travelers than any other state — and fortunately, it has the dump station infrastructure to match. From coastal highway rest areas to desert oasis campgrounds and national park gateway towns, the Golden State offers hundreds of accessible dump locations. Whether you're passing through on I-5, exploring the Eastern Sierra, or camping near Big Sur, knowing where to dump in California means understanding the state's unique regulations and geography.

California-Specific Dump Station Regulations

California has stricter environmental regulations than most states, and this extends to RV waste disposal. Key rules to know:

• No roadside dumping: California law prohibits dumping gray or black water on any roadside, vacant lot, or non-designated area. Violations carry steep fines and environmental penalties.
• Water district rules: Some California water districts require that RVs dumping at municipal wastewater facilities be current on vehicle registration. Have your paperwork ready.
• Marine Protection Act compliance: Coastal California stations near marine environments have additional signage and rules designed to protect ocean water quality. Follow posted instructions closely.
• Fire season restrictions: During high fire danger periods, some remote dump stations in national forests may close temporarily. Always confirm access before making a long drive to a backcountry station between June and November.

Best Dump Stations in Southern California

Los Angeles and Orange County

The LA metro is densely developed, but RVers have several reliable options:

• Orange County Sanitation District (Fountain Valley): One of the best municipal facilities in the state. Free, open weekdays, clean and staffed. Popular with full-timers based in the area.
• Camping World Locations (multiple): Camping World stores in Carson, Anaheim, and other LA-area cities offer dump access. Good Sam members dump free; non-members pay around $10.
• Dockweiler State Beach RV Park: Right on the ocean near LAX. Primarily for overnight guests, but worth the stop if you're camping there anyway. Spectacular views, easy access.

San Diego Area

San Diego County offers solid options for both coastal and inland travelers:

• Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve: Well-maintained facility, open daily, nominal fee for non-campers. Family-friendly area with playgrounds and fishing nearby.
• Campland on the Bay: Mission Bay campground that allows dump access for a small fee even if you're not staying overnight. Convenient to I-5 and I-8.
• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: For desert travelers, the park headquarters offers a dump station. Essential if you're boondocking in the Anza-Borrego backcountry for extended periods.

Central Coast Dump Stations

Highway 1 through Big Sur is one of America's iconic RV routes — but dump stations are limited. Plan carefully:

• Morro Bay State Park: Accessible dump station near the harbor. Open year-round. Expect waits during summer weekends.
• Pismo Coast Village RV Resort: Upscale facility with dump access for a fee. Worth it for the location and cleanliness if you're passing through Pismo Beach.
• Santa Barbara County Public Works: The county wastewater facility in Goleta allows RV dumping by appointment. Call ahead — this is one of the few free options on the Central Coast.

Northern California and Bay Area

San Francisco Bay Area

The Bay Area is notoriously challenging for RV parking and dumping. Here's what works:

• Candlestick RV Park (San Francisco): One of the few dump options actually within city limits. Primarily for guests, but accessible for a fee.
• Coyote Valley RV Resort (San Jose): South Bay option with reliable access and good reviews from travelers heading to or from Silicon Valley.
• Petaluma Waste Management: North Bay travelers can dump at the Petaluma municipal facility for a small fee. Open weekdays during business hours.

Sacramento and the Central Valley

Interstate 5 and Highway 99 travelers have more options here than anywhere else in the state:

• Cal Expo RV Park (Sacramento): Right off I-80, this state fairgrounds facility offers year-round dumping except during major events. Easy freeway access.
• Truck stops (Flying J, Pilot): The Central Valley corridor has multiple Flying J and Pilot locations with 24-hour dump access. Reliable and convenient for long-haul travelers.
• Rest areas on I-5: Several northbound and southbound rest areas between Bakersfield and Redding have dump stations. Not all rest areas offer them — confirm via our California dump station map before stopping.

Yosemite, Sequoia, and Sierra Nevada

The Eastern Sierra and Yosemite corridor are prime RV destinations, and dump access is widely available:

• Yosemite Valley: Upper Pines Campground has a dump station for campers. If you're not staying in the valley, the nearest reliable dump is in Mariposa or Oakhurst.
• Mammoth Lakes: The town's wastewater treatment facility offers RV dump access for a fee. Open year-round, essential for winter skiers traveling by RV.
• Bishop: Multiple options including private campgrounds and the city's public facility. Bishop is a resupply hub for Eastern Sierra travelers and the dump infrastructure reflects that.
• Sequoia/Kings Canyon: The Potwisha Campground dump station in Sequoia National Park serves park visitors. Arrive early during summer — lines can be long by mid-morning.

Planning Your California Dump Stops

California is vast. A drive from San Diego to the Oregon border covers 800 miles and crosses desert, coast, mountains, and valley. Dump station planning should happen before every leg of your trip, not when your black tank is at capacity. Use rvdumpstations.cc's California directory to map out stations along your planned route, and always have a backup option identified in case your first choice is closed or unexpectedly busy.

For more targeted searches, use our dump station search tool and filter by city, cost, and amenities. Save a few minutes of research now to avoid an hour of scrambling later.