The RVer’s Guide to Dump Stations and Overnight Etiquette

There’s nothing quite like rolling down an open highway in your RV. The road stretches ahead, the scenery changes with every mile, and you get to decide where you’ll park each night. That kind of freedom is what draws so many people to RV travel in the first place.

But with that freedom comes a bit of responsibility—little unspoken agreements that keep the RV community running smoothly. Two of the most important, and often most misunderstood, are using dump stations correctly and following the unwritten rules for overnight parking.

If you’ve been RVing for years, you’ve probably learned these through experience. If you’re new to the road, learning them early will save you from mistakes that can sour an otherwise great trip. Either way, this guide will walk you through what you need to know, plus how to find those rare (and highly valued) spots that offer both overnight RV parking and a dump station.

Dump Stations: Your RV’s Pit Stop

No matter what type of RV you have—big motorhome, travel trailer, or a small camper with a portable toilet—you’ll eventually need to empty your tanks. It’s not glamorous, but it’s part of keeping your home-on-wheels livable and sanitary.

What’s in the tanks?

• Gray water: From sinks and showers. It’s soapy but still needs to be disposed of properly.
  
  

• Black water: From the toilet. Enough said.
  

A dump station is where you can safely and legally empty both. Done right, it’s quick, clean, and good for the environment. Done wrong… well, that’s when people start telling “worst RV story ever” tales around the campfire.

What You’ll Find at Most Dump Stations

Sewer inlet:
A large pipe in the ground where you connect your sewer hose. Usually labeled, sometimes covered.

Non-potable water hose:
Only for rinsing your hose and cleaning up the area—never for drinking or filling your fresh tank.

Potable water faucet:
 Clearly labeled for safe drinking water. Always double-check before you fill your fresh tank.

Step-by-Step: Dumping Without Drama

1. Get your gear ready. Gloves (disposable are best), sewer hose with a clear elbow, and a separate rinse hose if you have one.
   
   

2. Line up your RV. Position so your sewer outlet is close to the inlet—this saves awkward hose stretches.
   
   

3. Connect your hose. Secure it to your RV and the dump station inlet.
   
   

4. Empty the black tank first. Open slowly, let it drain fully.
   
   

5. Then the gray tank. This helps rinse your hose naturally.
   
   

6. Rinse and clean up. Use the non-potable hose to flush your equipment and the area around the inlet. Disconnect from the dump station first, then your RV. Store everything neatly.
   
   

Pro tip: If others are waiting, keep your process moving. Deep-clean your gear later at a campsite or home.

Overnight Parking: The Unwritten Rules

Overnight parking—sometimes called “dry camping” or “boondocking” when it’s not in a campground—is one of the best ways to keep travel flexible. It’s budget-friendly, often more convenient than booking a site, and can lead to surprisingly peaceful stays. But it’s a privilege, not a right, and it works best when everyone follows a shared code of conduct.

RV-friendly parking areas can be found in a variety of places—public lots, roadside pull-offs, or designated rest areas. Some locations are clearly marked for RV use, while others may allow it unofficially. In every case, it’s best to confirm before you settle in for the night.

Do’s and Don’ts of Overnight Parking

Do:

• Park only where permitted and take up as little space as you can.
  
  

• Keep a low profile—skip setting out chairs, awnings, or grills.
  
  

• Be considerate about noise, especially with generator use.
  
  

• Limit your stay to one night.
  
  

• Leave the space cleaner than you found it.
  
  

Don’t:

• Assume it’s allowed without checking.
  
  

• Block traffic or take up multiple spaces.
  
  

• Treat it like a campsite—overnight parking is for sleeping, not lounging.
  
  

• Overstay—this can cause locations to end RV access entirely.
  
  

The Jackpot: Overnight Parking with a Dump Station

Every RVer knows that finding a location with both overnight parking and a dump station is a huge win. It means you can rest for the night and take care of your tanks without adding an extra stop to your next travel day.

Where You Might Find Them

• Well-equipped public rest areas: Some have RV-specific amenities, including dump stations.
  
  

• Multi-use parking facilities: Certain locations designed for both RV and truck traffic include dump stations for traveler convenience.
  
  

• Community or municipal facilities: Some towns and cities have designated RV areas with both overnight parking and dump access.
  

With RV Overnights, finding these spots doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Our listings include detailed amenity information so you can plan your stops with confidence.

Ready to find your next stop?

Dump stations and overnight parking etiquette aren’t the most exciting parts of RV life, but they’re among the most important. Mastering these skills keeps your travels smoother, protects the environment, and helps preserve overnight parking access for the entire RV community.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or crossing the country, a little preparation goes a long way. Use dump stations correctly, follow overnight parking etiquette, and you’ll make the road better for yourself and every RVer who comes after you.

Search RV Overnights to discover verified overnight parking locations—many with dump stations—plus helpful details from fellow travelers. With the right information, you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the journey.