Where To Find RV Dump Stations In Florida
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 Florida, there’s no need to worry about finding places to stop. Thankfully, there are plenty of RV dump stations in Florida 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 Florida 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 Florida
Where To Find RV Dump Stations In Miami
Although Miami is one of the most popular destinations in the US for RV travel, the city itself is notoriously sparse when it comes to RV campgrounds. As such, we’ve provided a list of places as close to Miami as you can get to access RV dump stations.
Hollywood KOA
Miami’s KOA campgrounds are located at 5931 Polk St in Hollywood. The park has all of the amenities that the KOA brand is known for, and is a 40 minute drive from Miami Beach. Use of the park’s dump station is free for registered guests or $20 for visitors to use.
Hollywood KOA is conveniently close to the US 441 corridor for ease of travel.
Pilot/Flying J
The closest Pilot station to Miami is in Medley off of Highway 27 N. It can be found at 12200 Northwest South River Drive, a little less than a half hour away. Use of the dump station costs $10.
C.B. Smith Park
The park at C.B. Smith allows use of its dump station for $10 or less depending on how long you use it for. C.B. Smith Park is located in Pembroke Pines, which is 40 minutes away from downtown Miami. The location is at 900 North Flamingo Road.
Where To Find RV Dump Stations In Orlando
KOA – Orlando Northwest / Orange Blossom KOA
KOA Orlando is located at 3800 W Orange Blossom Trail in neighboring Apopka. It comes with the full scale of KOA’s amenities and is a great place to stay while visiting Orlando’s resorts at a little less than a half hour’s drive away.
Dump station use is free for registered guests at Orlando Northwest and costs $20 otherwise.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Right above Orlando to the north, Wekiwa Springs State Park is a hidden gem in the Orlando area that’s well worth a visit during your trip. The beautiful state park is home to gorgeous turquoise water holes that are perfect for swimming or kayaking on a hot summer’s day.
The park’s dump station costs $10 for people to use.
Elite Resorts at Citrus Valley
West of Orlando by a 40 minute drive, Elite Resorts at Citrus Valley provides free dump station use for registered guests. For all other visitors, inquire here for more information on dump station use.
Elite Resorts is located at 16246 Citrus Parkway.
Where To Find RV Dump Stations In Key West
Boyd’s Key West Campground
Boyd’s is an incredibly popular RV resort in Key West, and it’s not hard to see why. With oceanfront sites, tiki bars, and a history of hospitality, Boyd’s Key West Campground is a mainstay of the RV scene on the islands.
Use of the dump station at Boyd’s is free for registered guests and costs $25 otherwise for visitors. The park is located at 6401 Maloney Ave on Key West itself.
KOA – Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Campground
As the name suggests, KOA Sugarloaf Key can be found on the island of its title at 251 State Road 939 Fl 20. Its dump station is free for registered guests to use. For information on the fee for all other visitors, inquire here.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
This amazing park is a must-visit destination if you’re visiting the Florida Keys period. Its extraordinary underwater statues and reef are a one of a kind experience in the US, and you’d be remiss not to visit if you’re able to.
Additionally, dump stations in the upper Keys are notoriously difficult to come across. The dump station at John Pennekamp costs $10 to use.
There are plenty of RV dump stations in Florida 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!