RV Dump Station Cost Guide: Free vs Paid Stations in 2026

The cost of dumping RV tanks ranges from zero to $25 per visit depending on where you go and whether you have memberships or club affiliations. For occasional RVers, these fees are barely noticeable. But for full-time travelers dumping once or twice a week, the annual cost can reach $500 to $1,000 — a line item worth optimizing. The good news: with planning and knowledge of where to find free or low-cost dump access, most RVers can reduce their dumping costs to nearly nothing.

Free Dump Stations: Where to Find Them

State Rest Areas and Welcome Centers

Cost: $0

Many state departments of transportation provide free RV dump stations at highway rest areas and welcome centers. This is the single best free option for travelers on Interstate highways. States with generous rest area dump access include Arizona, Texas, Montana, Nevada, Florida, and New Mexico. Not every rest stop has a dump station, but enough do that you can plan routes around them.

Use our state-by-state directory to identify which rest areas along your route offer free dump access before you leave home.

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

Cost: $0 to $5

City and county wastewater treatment facilities are designed to handle exactly what's in your RV tanks. Many allow RV dumping during business hours for free or a nominal fee ($2 to $5). This is the most underused free resource in RV travel. Call the public works department of any town you're passing through and ask — the answer is "yes" more often than you'd expect.

BLM and National Forest Campgrounds

Cost: $0 to $10

Bureau of Land Management and USDA Forest Service campgrounds often have dump stations available to the public for free or a small fee ($5 to $10), even if you're not camping overnight. If you're boondocking on public land and need to dump, the nearest managed BLM or Forest Service campground is usually your best bet. For more on boondocking waste management, see our boondocking guide.

Good Sam Club Member Locations

Cost: $0 for members (membership $24/year)

Good Sam Club membership ($24/year) includes free dump access at participating Camping World locations and Good Sam-affiliated campgrounds. If you camp frequently at Good Sam parks or visit Camping World stores regularly, the membership pays for itself in saved dump fees after just 2 to 3 visits.

Paid Dump Stations: What to Expect

Private Campgrounds (Non-Guest Dumping)

Cost: $10 to $25

Most private RV parks and campgrounds allow non-guests to dump for a fee. KOA locations typically charge $15 to $20. Independent campgrounds range from $10 to $25 depending on the market and demand. Expect higher fees near popular destinations and national parks during peak season. Some campgrounds waive the dump fee if you purchase a certain dollar amount of supplies or services (fuel, firewood, snacks).

Truck Stops (Flying J, Pilot, Loves)

Cost: $10 to $15

Major truck stop chains offer dump access for a flat fee — typically $10 to $15. Flying J and Pilot Travel Centers are the most consistent. The advantage: they're open 24 hours, located on every major Interstate corridor, and reliably maintained. The cost is higher than many alternatives, but the convenience and reliability are worth paying for when you need immediate access with no planning.

RV Service Centers and Dealers

Cost: $10 to $20

RV dealerships and service centers often allow dump access for a fee. Some offer free dumping to customers or people who purchased their RV from that dealer. Call ahead to confirm pricing and hours — these are often weekday-only operations.

State and County Fairgrounds

Cost: $0 to $10

Fairgrounds with RV hookup facilities often allow dumping for free or a small fee during the off-season (most of the year outside of fair week). Contact the fairground office or county parks department to ask about access and pricing.

Membership Programs and Cost Savings

Good Sam Club

Annual cost: $24

Benefits: Free dump access at Camping World locations and many affiliated campgrounds, 10% campground discounts, roadside assistance discounts, and fuel savings programs. Pays for itself quickly if you camp regularly or visit Camping World stores.

Passport America

Annual cost: $44

Benefits: 50% off camping fees at over 1,800 affiliated campgrounds. While this isn't specifically a dump station membership, the campground discount indirectly saves money on overnight stays that include dump access. Best for travelers who camp frequently at private campgrounds.

Harvest Hosts

Annual cost: $99

Benefits: Free overnight parking at farms, wineries, breweries, and attractions. Some locations allow dumping. Not primarily a dump station membership, but a nice perk if you're already using the service for unique camping experiences.

Annual Cost Comparison: Strategies and Math

Scenario 1: Weekend Warrior (12 dumps per year)

• No planning, paying full price: 12 dumps × $15 average = $180/year
• With planning, using free options: 12 dumps × $0 (rest areas, municipal facilities) = $0/year
• Savings: $180/year

Scenario 2: Frequent Traveler (50 dumps per year)

• No planning: 50 dumps × $15 average = $750/year
• Good Sam membership + free options: $24 membership + (30 free dumps at Camping World) + (20 dumps at free rest areas) = $24/year
• Savings: $726/year

Scenario 3: Full-Time RVer (100 dumps per year)

• No planning: 100 dumps × $15 average = $1,500/year
• Strategic approach: $24 Good Sam + 50% free (rest areas, municipal, BLM) + 50% Good Sam/discounted = ~$100/year
• Savings: $1,400/year

The math is clear: planning and using free resources can save full-timers over $1,000 per year in dump fees alone.

Hidden Costs to Consider

• Fuel costs to reach a dump station: Driving 20 miles out of your way to save $10 on a dump fee may cost more in fuel than you save, especially if you're driving a Class A motorhome getting 8 MPG.
• Time value: Spending an hour searching for a free dump station may not be worth it if a $15 truck stop is 5 minutes away and you have limited travel time.
• Wear on your rig: Driving down rough roads to reach a remote free dump station can cause wear and tear that exceeds the cost of using a paved, accessible paid station.

The goal isn't always to eliminate all dump costs — it's to make intentional choices about when paying for convenience is worth it and when free options make sense.

How to Minimize Dump Costs

1. Plan ahead: Use our dump station search to identify free options along your route before you leave. Five minutes of research can save $15+ per dump.
2. Join Good Sam if you camp frequently: The membership pays for itself after 2 to 3 dumps at Camping World locations.
3. Extend time between dumps: Aggressive water conservation lets you go longer between dumps, reducing total annual dump frequency. See our tank management guide for strategies.
4. Combine errands: Plan dump stops as part of larger town runs where you're also resupplying, doing laundry, or fueling up. The incremental cost (time and fuel) to add dumping to an existing trip is minimal.
5. Use portable tanks for convenience: A portable waste tank lets you dump without moving your entire rig, which can save fuel costs and time on difficult sites. See our portable tank guide for details.