dump station/park camping question

[turnip4545]

I have two practical questions 

1. Dump stations. I'm ok with paying to use DS. Seems Love's is everywhere and they have them for a charge. Do I need to  get Love's store card to use DS there or do I just go inside to pay or is there a way to pay right at the DS?

2. Camping at state parks. This is the one I was looking to go to for my first trip.  https://gastateparks.org/StephenCFoster
One source says there is a $5 entrance fee but on the site itself I see higher charge rates for different spots? I dont need electrical, water etc I just want some place to park on-site. Can someone give me some clues on what to do here.

 

[RoamerRV428]

not sure on Love's but I doubt you need a store card. pay and dump.

state parks. call or roll in and hit office and say I need to dump....they will tell ya on that easily

there is 'free dump stations' when ya google like RVdumps.com etc

for state parks one can usually just go to 'day area parking' and enjoy the park but again, find out if cost to use dump station etc. Those people are so nice at directing everyone to what services they provide etc. I never had troubles with staff, most are so helpful definitely.

Campgrounds, any and all private campgrounds, just call or stop in. For a small charge they let ya dump, I mean some might not, most will so you got a ton of options definitely.

We are rv people and never have dump issues. It seems you can unload in a ton of places, just ask, know and research a bit etc and you are good to go!

 

[landyachtman]

Welcome to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome turnip4545! You do not need a card for Love's dump stations. Flying J will give you a small discount if you use their card. Sometimes you can pay at the dump station with a credit card. This is a good site for dump stations: https://www.sanidumps.com/

 State park sites are often confusing. To find the fees you may need to go through the steps of making a reservation even though you can stop short of actually making the reservation. It looks like all of the campsites are electric and most are $35.00 a night. This should include the day fee although that is not always true. Some states charge a day fee on top of the camping fee. https://gastateparks.reserveamerica.com/campsitePaging.do?contractCode=GA&parkId=530194&startIdx=0

 

[WanderingRose]

Sometimes state parks will allow a vehicle or Bvan to take a tent site, so it never hurts to call the park and ask.

 

[turnip4545]

my post is really two separate unrelated questions
1. for the DS. Do I have to go inside to pay first or to at least let the attendants know that I need to use DS first?
2. For the second I really was confused by the pricing that I've heard from several sources. I guess I may just call them(the park) and ask.

 

[abnorm]

#2........Of course you pay....entrance fee and the camping fee........Most accept our "oldfarts" National Parks Pass for half-off some of the fees....

#1.....Every Dump Station is different.......you use your "stinky slinkie"

Gas stations and Sani-Dump you often find the credit-card Kiosk.....swipe your card and an electric foot-valve opens......you have one-minute to insert your hose........about $10 charge average........Wash water with their hose........Maybe they have fresh water but NO trash disposal

Most State Parks as well as RV parks offering the service are our favorite.......They greet you at your door/Guard Gate and you ask to "dump your tanks" ......and pay.....average $15....the dump station will have an open pipe and non-potable wash water from their hose.....they usually have fresh water (your white hose) nearby as well as Dumpsters included

This is a big country......YMMV

 

[Jraulpilot1983]

I have two practical questions

1. Dump stations. I'm ok with paying to use DS. Seems Love's is everywhere and they have them for a charge. Do I need to get Love's store card to use DS there or do I just go inside to pay or is there a way to pay right at the DS?

2. Camping at state parks. This is the one I was looking to go to for my first trip. https://gastateparks.org/StephenCFoster
One source says there is a $5 entrance fee but on the site itself I see higher charge rates for different spots? I dont need electrical, water etc I just want some place to park on-site. Can someone give me some clues on what to do here.

Some are "day" fees and other "overnite" fees. No worries........the Rangers, Park hosts and other Gov. People are just great..!

 

[Calaverasgrande]

it varies.
I've seen people just pull up to a dump station in a campground do their business and leave.
I'm at a campground in NC right now and saw 3 of those just today.
This campground only has site hosts, no actual park attendant at the booth.
So I guess they figured that out and are taking advantage?
As far as fees.
State, National Parks, USACE parks are all a little different. Some make it very complicated.
Everybody pays a per vehicle or day use fee, campers pay site fee, campers with RVs pay electric fee etc.
I got bent out of shape once when I thought I was getting $14 a day but it turned out to be almost $30.
I've found that people running campgrounds are a lot more lenient in the winter months when things are slow.
Especially if you are willing to hang out and talk for a while.

 

[AmargosaWayne]

A web directory of dump sites.

https://rvdumpsites.net/
Dump sites are cross listed on Free Campsites.

http://freecampsites.net/