RV Dump Stations In Clarksville, Arkansas
35.4715° N, 93.4666° W
Quick Overview
Clarksville, Arkansas is the southern gateway to the Ozark National Forest, sitting right on I-40 in the Arkansas River Valley. For RVers, it is both a handy interstate stop and a launch point for some genuinely beautiful backcountry. The forest starts at the northern city limits, and AR-21, the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, climbs north into hiking, paddling, and fall foliage country. The several dump stations in the area center on the Loves Travel Stop at Exit 57, which is the services hub for the whole town.
That Loves is worth knowing about: it has a dump station, fuel, propane, and four RV sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups, all open 24 hours. It makes Clarksville one of the easier dump-and-go stops along this stretch of I-40. The Walmart Supercenter at 230 Market Street has also allowed overnight RV parking with manager permission, though that is never guaranteed. For a real stay, campgrounds north of town toward the forest give you more, but the interstate services keep quick stops simple.
The big routing caution is AR-21 north. The first 10 to 15 miles are manageable, but beyond the community of Oark the road narrows and is not recommended for rigs over 35 feet, so explore the forest by smaller vehicle if you are in a large coach. Plan visits for May through June or mid-August through mid-October to dodge the worst heat, and have a tornado shelter plan in spring. You can check forest recreation details at the US Forest Service site.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Clarksville
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All Dump Stations Near Clarksville
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piney Bay Recreation Area | 9.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Shoal Bay | 11.6 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Free |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Aux Arc Park | 19.8 mi | 4.0 | Dump Station | Free |
| Mt. Magazine State Park | 23.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Old Post Road Campground | 23.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Pilot Flying J Travel Plazas #605 | 24.9 mi | 4.0 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Waveland Park | 27.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Waveland Park Campground | 27.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Outlet Area Campground | 27.6 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Free |
| Outlet Recreation Area | 27.7 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
Piney Bay Recreation Area
9.9 miU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Shoal Bay
11.6 miU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Aux Arc Park
19.8 miMt. Magazine State Park
23.1 miU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Old Post Road Campground
23.5 miPilot Flying J Travel Plazas #605
24.9 miWaveland Park
27.1 miU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Waveland Park Campground
27.3 miU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Outlet Area Campground
27.6 miOutlet Recreation Area
27.7 miTraveling to Clarksville by RV
I-40 runs straight through Clarksville with Exits 57, 58, 60, and 64, and US-64 parallels it through downtown, both fully RV-friendly. The Loves Travel Stop at Exit 57 is the natural hub for fuel, propane, and dumping. The route that requires real care is AR-21, the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, heading north into the national forest. The first 10 to 15 miles are fine, but the road narrows significantly beyond Oark and is not recommended for rigs over 35 feet. With a big coach, base near the interstate and head into the forest in a tow vehicle.
Distances to the highlights vary. The forest boundary is right at the city limits, Big Piney Creek is a short drive north on AR-21, and Alum Cove Natural Bridge is about 30 miles north. The 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail is accessible via AR-21 as well. Because services thin out fast once you leave town, top off fuel and propane and stock groceries in Clarksville first. Winter ice storms can close I-40 and AR-21, so check idrivearkansas.com before traveling in cold weather or heading into the high country.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Clarksville, Arkansas, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Clarksville
Dumping costs in Clarksville are low and centered on the Loves Travel Stop at Exit 57, which offers a dump station along with fuel and propane. Campgrounds toward the Ozark National Forest include dumping for guests and may charge non-guests a small fee, usually 5 to 15 dollars. There is no widely advertised free municipal sani-dump, but the Walmart at 230 Market Street has allowed overnight parking with permission, which can save a night fee if you are just passing through.
For camping, the Loves RV sites and public forest campgrounds run well below private resort rates, making this an affordable Ozark base. Summer heat means a full-hookup site with 50-amp service for air conditioning is money well spent in July. Fuel and propane are priced normally in town but get scarce and pricier in the backcountry, so fill up before heading up AR-21. Overall, Clarksville is an inexpensive gateway to the Ozarks if you lean on the interstate services and public forest sites.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Clarksville by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
33F - 51F
Crowds: Low
Cold with occasional ice storms December through February and possible light snow. Protect water lines below 20F. Ice storms can close I-40 and AR-21, so watch the forecast before mountain side trips.
Spring
Mar - May
51F - 73F
Crowds: Medium
Pleasant but this is tornado season, March through May, in the Arkansas River Valley corridor. Severe thunderstorms are possible, so have a shelter plan. Wildflowers and green Ozark scenery make it a pretty time to visit.
Summer
Jun - Aug
71F - 92F
Crowds: High
Hot and humid with 26-plus muggy days in July. Full hookups with air conditioning are strongly recommended. The Peach Festival in July brings crowds, and orchards sell fresh peaches into August.
Fall
Sep - Oct
52F - 74F
Crowds: Medium
Ideal touring weather with comfortable October days. Prime time for the Ozark National Forest, Big Piney Creek, and the fall foliage along AR-21. Cool nights make for great camping.
Explore the Clarksville Area
The Loves Travel Stop at Exit 57 is the services hub: fuel, propane, dump, hookups, and 24-hour access all in one place. It is the most convenient dump-and-fuel stop in town and a fine quick overnight with its four RV sites.
Mind the mountain road. AR-21 is the key route into the Ozark National Forest, but only the first 10 to 15 miles suit larger rigs. Beyond Oark it narrows, so anything over 35 feet should stay in town and explore by smaller vehicle. Cell coverage also drops fast up there, so download offline maps before you go.
Plan around the weather and the peaches. Tornado season runs March through May, and an RV is no shelter, so know where to go if a warning hits. Winter ice storms can close the interstate. On the fun side, Clarksville is the Peach Capital of Arkansas, with orchards selling fresh peaches late June through August and a July Peach Festival that fills campgrounds, so book ahead if you visit then. And grab an Arkansas fishing license at Walmart or agfc.com before fishing Big Piney Creek.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Clarksville
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Clarksville, Arkansas?
The clear hub is the Loves Travel Stop at I-40 Exit 57, which has a dump station, fuel, propane, and four RV sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups, open 24 hours. We count several dump stations in the immediate area, and the Loves is the most convenient for a quick interstate stop. Beyond that, campgrounds heading north into the Ozark National Forest offer dumping for guests. If you are just passing through on I-40, the Loves at Exit 57 is your easiest and most reliable option by a wide margin.
Are there free dump stations near Clarksville, Arkansas?
Free dumping is limited around Clarksville. Most options are at the Loves Travel Stop or tied to campgrounds, where registered guests dump as part of their stay and non-guests may pay a small fee. The Walmart Supercenter at 230 Market Street has allowed overnight RV parking with manager permission, though that is not guaranteed and is not a dump facility. For reliable dumping, plan on the Loves at Exit 57 or a campground. As always, leave any station clean and treat the free or low-cost spots with respect so they stay available.
How do I get into the Ozark National Forest from Clarksville?
AR-21 north, also called the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, is the key route into the forest, and Clarksville is its southern gateway. Here is the important caveat for RVers: the first 10 to 15 miles are manageable, but beyond the community of Oark the road narrows significantly and is not recommended for rigs over 35 feet. If you have a large coach, base in Clarksville and explore the forest by tow vehicle or day-trip car rather than taking the big rig up the mountain. I-40 and US-64 through town are both RV-friendly.
What can I do around Clarksville, Arkansas?
Outdoor recreation is the draw. The Ozark National Forest begins at the northern city limits, offering hiking, fishing, and spectacular fall foliage. Big Piney Creek north of town via AR-21 is a pristine Ozark stream for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. About 30 miles north, the Alum Cove Natural Bridge is a 1.1-mile trail to a 130-foot natural sandstone bridge. The 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail, one of the most scenic in the country, is accessible via AR-21. In town, the Johnson County Peach Festival each July is Arkansas longest-running food festival.
When is the best time to visit Clarksville by RV?
Target early May through late June and mid-August through mid-October for the best balance of weather and scenery. Fall is especially good, with comfortable temperatures and Ozark foliage along AR-21. Summer is hot and humid with 26-plus muggy days in July, so plan on full hookups and air conditioning if you come then. Spring is pleasant but is tornado season in the Arkansas River Valley, so have a shelter plan. Winter is quiet and cold with occasional ice storms that can close roads, making the shoulder seasons the safest choice.
Is there a good travel-stop option for a quick overnight?
Yes. The Loves Travel Stop at I-40 Exit 57 is the services hub for Clarksville, with fuel, propane, a dump station, and four dedicated RV sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups, all open 24 hours. It is ideal for a quick overnight or a fuel-and-dump stop while traveling I-40. The Walmart Supercenter at 230 Market Street has also allowed overnight RV parking with manager permission, though that is at the store discretion and not guaranteed. For a planned stay, a campground gives you more, but the Loves is hard to beat for convenience.
What weather risks should I plan for here?
The biggest concern is tornadoes. Clarksville sits in the tornado-prone Arkansas River Valley corridor, and spring, March through May, is the active season. An RV offers no protection in a tornado, so know where the nearest sturdy shelter is and keep an eye on watches and warnings. Summer heat can be oppressive with high humidity. In winter, ice storms can close I-40 and AR-21, so check road conditions at idrivearkansas.com before traveling or heading up into the forest. Plan around these and you will have a great trip.
Can large RVs handle the roads around Clarksville?
On the main routes, yes. I-40 runs directly through town and US-64 parallels it through downtown, both fully RV-friendly. The route that demands caution is AR-21 heading north into the Ozark National Forest. The first 10 to 15 miles are fine, but beyond Oark the road narrows and is not recommended for rigs over 35 feet. The smart play with a big coach is to stay in or near town with easy I-40 access and explore the forest in a smaller vehicle. That keeps the scenic drives stress-free.
Why is Clarksville called the Peach Capital?
Clarksville is the Peach Capital of Arkansas, and local orchards sell fresh peaches from late June through August. The Johnson County Peach Festival, held every July, is the longest-running food festival in the state and a genuine local institution. If you visit in summer, stopping at the orchards for fresh fruit is a treat worth building into your trip. Just know the Peach Festival brings crowds and fills nearby campgrounds, so if your dates overlap, reserve your site ahead of time rather than counting on a walk-up spot.
Do I need a fishing license in the area?
Yes. A valid Arkansas fishing license is required to fish Big Piney Creek, Horsehead Lake, and the other waters around Clarksville. Licenses are easy to obtain, available at the local Walmart or online through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at agfc.com. Big Piney Creek is a beautiful Ozark stream popular for fishing alongside paddling, and Horsehead Lake in the national forest is another good spot. Pick up your license before you head out, since enforcement is active and the convenience of buying online means there is no reason to skip it.
Is there propane, fuel, and groceries in Clarksville?
Yes, and the Loves Travel Stop at I-40 Exit 57 covers fuel, propane, and dumping in one stop, open 24 hours. In town you will also find grocery stores, including a Walmart Supercenter at 230 Market Street, plus the usual fuel options along the interstate. Because the surrounding Ozark country is rural and services thin out quickly once you head up AR-21, we recommend topping off fuel and propane and stocking groceries in Clarksville before any extended forest exploring. The town is a good resupply point before heading into the backcountry.
How is cell coverage around Clarksville?
Coverage is reliable in town and along I-40, but it degrades quickly once you head north on AR-21 into the Ozark National Forest. If you plan to explore the forest, Big Piney Creek, or the Ozark Highlands Trail, download offline maps before you lose signal and let someone know your plans. For most travelers staying near town and the interstate, connectivity is fine for navigation and streaming. Just do not count on a strong signal deep in the forest, where the terrain blocks reception across much of the high country.
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Clarksville, Arkansas?
The clear hub is the Loves Travel Stop at I-40 Exit 57, which has a dump station, fuel, propane, and four RV sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups, open 24 hours. We count {{stationCount}} dump stations in the immediate area, and the Loves is the most convenient for a quick interstate stop. Beyond that, campgrounds heading north into the Ozark National Forest offer dumping for guests. If you are just passing through on I-40, the Loves at Exit 57 is your easiest and most reliable option by a wide margin.
Are there free dump stations near Clarksville, Arkansas?
Free dumping is limited around Clarksville. Most options are at the Loves Travel Stop or tied to campgrounds, where registered guests dump as part of their stay and non-guests may pay a small fee. The Walmart Supercenter at 230 Market Street has allowed overnight RV parking with manager permission, though that is not guaranteed and is not a dump facility. For reliable dumping, plan on the Loves at Exit 57 or a campground. As always, leave any station clean and treat the free or low-cost spots with respect so they stay available.
How do I get into the Ozark National Forest from Clarksville?
AR-21 north, also called the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, is the key route into the forest, and Clarksville is its southern gateway. Here is the important caveat for RVers: the first 10 to 15 miles are manageable, but beyond the community of Oark the road narrows significantly and is not recommended for rigs over 35 feet. If you have a large coach, base in Clarksville and explore the forest by tow vehicle or day-trip car rather than taking the big rig up the mountain. I-40 and US-64 through town are both RV-friendly.
What can I do around Clarksville, Arkansas?
Outdoor recreation is the draw. The Ozark National Forest begins at the northern city limits, offering hiking, fishing, and spectacular fall foliage. Big Piney Creek north of town via AR-21 is a pristine Ozark stream for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. About 30 miles north, the Alum Cove Natural Bridge is a 1.1-mile trail to a 130-foot natural sandstone bridge. The 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail, one of the most scenic in the country, is accessible via AR-21. In town, the Johnson County Peach Festival each July is Arkansas longest-running food festival.
When is the best time to visit Clarksville by RV?
Target early May through late June and mid-August through mid-October for the best balance of weather and scenery. Fall is especially good, with comfortable temperatures and Ozark foliage along AR-21. Summer is hot and humid with 26-plus muggy days in July, so plan on full hookups and air conditioning if you come then. Spring is pleasant but is tornado season in the Arkansas River Valley, so have a shelter plan. Winter is quiet and cold with occasional ice storms that can close roads, making the shoulder seasons the safest choice.
Is there a good travel-stop option for a quick overnight?
Yes. The Loves Travel Stop at I-40 Exit 57 is the services hub for Clarksville, with fuel, propane, a dump station, and four dedicated RV sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups, all open 24 hours. It is ideal for a quick overnight or a fuel-and-dump stop while traveling I-40. The Walmart Supercenter at 230 Market Street has also allowed overnight RV parking with manager permission, though that is at the store discretion and not guaranteed. For a planned stay, a campground gives you more, but the Loves is hard to beat for convenience.
What weather risks should I plan for here?
The biggest concern is tornadoes. Clarksville sits in the tornado-prone Arkansas River Valley corridor, and spring, March through May, is the active season. An RV offers no protection in a tornado, so know where the nearest sturdy shelter is and keep an eye on watches and warnings. Summer heat can be oppressive with high humidity. In winter, ice storms can close I-40 and AR-21, so check road conditions at idrivearkansas.com before traveling or heading up into the forest. Plan around these and you will have a great trip.
Can large RVs handle the roads around Clarksville?
On the main routes, yes. I-40 runs directly through town and US-64 parallels it through downtown, both fully RV-friendly. The route that demands caution is AR-21 heading north into the Ozark National Forest. The first 10 to 15 miles are fine, but beyond Oark the road narrows and is not recommended for rigs over 35 feet. The smart play with a big coach is to stay in or near town with easy I-40 access and explore the forest in a smaller vehicle. That keeps the scenic drives stress-free.
Why is Clarksville called the Peach Capital?
Clarksville is the Peach Capital of Arkansas, and local orchards sell fresh peaches from late June through August. The Johnson County Peach Festival, held every July, is the longest-running food festival in the state and a genuine local institution. If you visit in summer, stopping at the orchards for fresh fruit is a treat worth building into your trip. Just know the Peach Festival brings crowds and fills nearby campgrounds, so if your dates overlap, reserve your site ahead of time rather than counting on a walk-up spot.
Do I need a fishing license in the area?
Yes. A valid Arkansas fishing license is required to fish Big Piney Creek, Horsehead Lake, and the other waters around Clarksville. Licenses are easy to obtain, available at the local Walmart or online through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at agfc.com. Big Piney Creek is a beautiful Ozark stream popular for fishing alongside paddling, and Horsehead Lake in the national forest is another good spot. Pick up your license before you head out, since enforcement is active and the convenience of buying online means there is no reason to skip it.
Is there propane, fuel, and groceries in Clarksville?
Yes, and the Loves Travel Stop at I-40 Exit 57 covers fuel, propane, and dumping in one stop, open 24 hours. In town you will also find grocery stores, including a Walmart Supercenter at 230 Market Street, plus the usual fuel options along the interstate. Because the surrounding Ozark country is rural and services thin out quickly once you head up AR-21, we recommend topping off fuel and propane and stocking groceries in Clarksville before any extended forest exploring. The town is a good resupply point before heading into the backcountry.
How is cell coverage around Clarksville?
Coverage is reliable in town and along I-40, but it degrades quickly once you head north on AR-21 into the Ozark National Forest. If you plan to explore the forest, Big Piney Creek, or the Ozark Highlands Trail, download offline maps before you lose signal and let someone know your plans. For most travelers staying near town and the interstate, connectivity is fine for navigation and streaming. Just do not count on a strong signal deep in the forest, where the terrain blocks reception across much of the high country.
What is the highest-rated dump station in Clarksville?
The highest-rated station is U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Shoal Bay with a rating of 4.6/5 stars.
Are there free dump stations in Clarksville?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Clarksville.
All Dump Stations Near Clarksville (25)
RV Dump StationsPiney Bay Recreation Area
RV Dump StationsU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Shoal Bay
RV Dump StationsMt. Magazine State Park
RV Dump StationsU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Aux Arc Park
RV Dump StationsU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Old Post Road Campground
RV Dump StationsWaveland Park
RV Dump StationsU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Waveland Park Campground
RV Dump Stations



