Where To Find RV Dump Stations In San Diego

Don’t be caught unaware; when you’re RVing, it’s vitally important to know where all the RV dump stations are near you! Although it’s not the most glamorous aspect of RVing, knowing how to properly use dump stations and keep your black and grey water tanks clean is paramount to having a pain-free (and mess-free) RV experience. 

If you’re planning on a trip to San Diego, there’s no need to worry about finding places to stop. Thankfully, there are plenty of RV dump stations in San Diego and its neighboring cities.

In our article today, we’ll be going over the ins and outs of everything dump station related— no pun intended. Plus, where to find RV dump stations in San Diego no matter where you are in the area. 

Grab your sanitary gloves and sewer hose, and let’s get to it!

But First: How Do RV Dump Stations Work?

Before we get into the semantics of how to use a dump station properly, we have to get the golden rule out of the way first. Always remember to empty the black tank first. By emptying the grey water tank after the black tank, you’ll ensure that any residue leftover in the sewer hose is cleared out. 

To empty your black and grey water tanks, you’ll first need to line up your RV with the dump station. With gloves on, attach the sewer hose to your RV using the transparent elbow; make sure that it’s firmly attached within the sewer dump inlet. Then, firmly attach the sewer end of the hose to the dump station’s drain. Open the black tank valve by pulling on the handle.

After this is done, close the black tank valve and open the grey water valve. When it’s done draining, you’ll be able to open the black tank valve again after the grey tank has been closed. Using the RV’s flush-out hose and the station’s water tap, you can now fully rinse out the black water tank and the sewer hose.

And that’s it!

Does My RV Come With A Sewer Hose?

If you’re buying an RV, it will not come with a sewer hose and you’ll have to purchase one. RV rentals should come with a sewer hose, but be sure to check with your RV’s host ahead of time just in case. 

How Long Does It Take To Empty Black And Grey Water Tanks?

You should factor in at least a half hour to fully clean out and empty the tanks. For this reason, and also due to the fact that you can’t always count on an RV campground to have a dump station, we strongly recommend scheduling your dump station stops beforehand.  

You don’t want to have a literal mess on your hands.

Where Can I Find RV Dump Stations?

The main sources for RV dump stations are in RV campgrounds/parks and in wastewater treatment facilities or transfer stations. 

Although many RV campgrounds have dump stations on site, you shouldn’t assume that all will. Many campgrounds in state parks that have minimal to no hookups often don’t have dump stations, for instance. And while RV campgrounds typically allow guests free use of their stations if they do have them, people looking to use the dump station that aren’t staying at the park will be charged a fee. 

Because wastewater treatment facilities and transfer stations can be found in the majority of cities, you don’t necessarily have to rely on RV campgrounds to provide a dump station for you. However, they are incredibly convenient if you’re staying overnight in them!

Where To Find RV Dump Stations In San Diego

Although there are a number of Elks Lodge sites throughout the San Diego area that have dump stations, we haven’t included them in our list. Because Elks Lodge sites are private and members only, we’ve omitted them.

South Carlsbad State Beach

Just north of San Diego, South Carlsbad State Beach offers use of its dump station for $10 for registered guests within the park. Outside prices are $25 for dump station use. Because South Carlsbad State Beach is an incredibly popular beach in the San Diego area, we recommend arriving early to miss the high point of crowds.

South Carlsbad State Beach is located at 7201 Carlsbad Boulevard in Carlsbad.

Paso Picacho Campground

The Paso Picacho Campground is found within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in San Diego. Use of its dump station is free for registered guests or costs $10 for dump station use only. Paso Picacho can be found at 13652 Highway 79.

Oceanside Harbor

Gorgeous Oceanside Harbor in Oceanside provides dump station use for the many RVs that pass through. The cost for usage is $10 universally. The beach and harbor are located north of Carlsbad on North Pacific Street.

KOA – San Diego Metro KOA Campground

The KOA brand well known for its family-friendly atmosphere and surplus of amenities has a home in San Diego. The San Diego Metro KOA Campground is located at 111 North 2nd Avenue in Chula Vista. Use of the dump station is free for registered guests and costs $12 otherwise.

La Pacifica RV Park

La Pacifica RV Park is another resort located within San Diego itself at 1010 West San Ysidro Boulevard. Dump station use is free for registered guests or $10 for outside use. 

Mission Bay Boat Launch

The Mission Bay Boat Launch at South Shores Park provides free dump station use for all visitors. The boat launch can be found at 1660 South Shores Park in San Diego and is open year round.

Vacationer RV Resort

If you’re staying in the hills above San Diego to the northeast, Vacationer RV Resort is conveniently located for its dump station availability. The pump is free for registered guests to use and otherwise costs $20. The park is open 24/7 and also provides drinking and rinse water for visitors.

 

There are plenty of RV dump stations in San Diego due to the high popularity of the city as an RV destination! So no matter where you are on your trip, you’ll be all set as long as you plan accordingly. Make sure your RV rental is squared away and then get on the road!