RV Dump Stations In Hot Springs, Arkansas
34.5037° N, 93.0552° W
Quick Overview
Hot Springs is a genuine RV destination with a park sitting right in the middle of town, which is great for sightseeing but means you need a plan for tanks. Our database lists several dump stations in and around the city, so finding a place to empty gray and black and top off fresh water is not the problem here. The catch is the rules: it is unlawful to park a detached trailer on Hot Springs city streets, so there is no pull-over-and-dump option downtown. You handle waste at a campground or an established station, not curbside.
The most convenient spot for most of us is the dump station at Gulpha Gorge Campground inside Hot Springs National Park, just two miles from Bathhouse Row. It is free if you are a registered guest and carries a small fee for non-guests, so it is worth a call to (501) 620-6715 before you roll in. Around Lake Hamilton, Camp Lake Hamilton runs a station for about two dollars, and Young's Lakeshore RV Resort is free for guests. Several in-town parks like Hot Rod Hill also keep dump stations for their campers.
Logistics-wise, plan your dump-and-fill before you tackle the historic district. Downtown around Bathhouse Row is tight, hilly, and short on big-rig parking, so you want your fresh water full and your tanks empty before you get into it. Come in on US-70 or US-270 off I-30, hit propane and fuel on the way, service your tanks at a campground, then park the rig and tour town in the tow vehicle. Handle the utility side first and Hot Springs is an easy, rewarding stop.
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All Dump Stations Near Hot Springs
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs National Park - Gulpha Gorge Campground | 1.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| KOA - Hot Springs National Park KOA | 2.8 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Free |
| Exxon 70 East Truck Stop | 2.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| E Z Mart | 4.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Camp Lake Hamilton | 4.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lake Catherine State Park | 9.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Brady Mountain Campground | 9.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Lake Ouachita State Park | 10.4 mi | 4.8 | Dump Station | Free |
| Cloud Nine RV Park Inc. | 10.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Arlie Moore Campground | 17.8 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Free |
Hot Springs National Park - Gulpha Gorge Campground
1.8 miKOA - Hot Springs National Park KOA
2.8 miExxon 70 East Truck Stop
2.8 miE Z Mart
4.0 miCamp Lake Hamilton
4.8 miLake Catherine State Park
9.2 miU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Brady Mountain Campground
9.2 miLake Ouachita State Park
10.4 miCloud Nine RV Park Inc.
10.6 miU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Arlie Moore Campground
17.8 miTraveling to Hot Springs by RV
Getting a rig to Hot Springs is simple. US-70 and US-270 are the main routes in from I-30, which you reach near Benton about 45 minutes east, and Little Rock sits roughly an hour northeast for major supply runs. AR-7 (Scenic 7) connects north and south through the Ouachita Mountains with grades and curves worth taking slow. The one hard constraint is the compact historic downtown around Bathhouse Row, which is tight and hilly with little room for a large vehicle.
For utility stops, propane is easy: Tractor Supply and Reliable Propane on Park Avenue both handle RV cylinders, and Reliable is set up for pull-through access with no backing. Fuel is straightforward along US-70 and at the I-30 corridor near Benton, and groceries, water, and general supplies are all in town. Do your fueling, propane, and tank service on the way in, before you drop into the narrow downtown streets where maneuvering a rig gets old fast.
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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 Hot Springs, 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 Hot Springs
Dumping in Hot Springs is cheap or free if you plan it right. Registered guests at Gulpha Gorge Campground pay nothing to use the dump station, and non-guests pay only a small fee, usually a few dollars, so it is worth calling first. Camp Lake Hamilton charges about two dollars, and Young's Lakeshore RV Resort is free for its guests. Of our several listed stations, a good share sit inside parks that let non-guests dump for a modest charge.
If you are camping anyway, factor the dump into your site fee rather than paying separately: Gulpha Gorge full-hookup sites run about 34 dollars, discounted near 17 dollars with an America the Beautiful Senior or Access pass, which makes tank service effectively free. Propane refills at Reliable Propane or Tractor Supply are priced by the gallon, so top off when you are already close to empty to get the best value.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Hot Springs by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
32F - 52F
Crowds: Medium
Cool and wet with occasional freezes; watch for frozen hoses at exposed stations. Oaklawn racing (Dec-May) keeps town lively but sites open.
Spring
Mar - May
50F - 72F
Crowds: Medium
Dogwood and azalea blooms bring visitors; May is the wettest month. Service tanks before storm days and expect fuller parks on weekends.
Summer
Jun - Aug
71F - 92F
Crowds: Medium
Hot and muggy with 60-70% humidity. Heavy AC and shower use fills gray tanks faster, so plan more frequent dumps. Lake parks stay full.
Fall
Sep - Oct
50F - 73F
Crowds: Medium
Ouachita Mountain foliage peaks late October and packs the town on weekends. Dump and refill midweek to skip the crush.
Explore the Hot Springs Area
Because trailers cannot legally park on city streets, treat every dump and fill as a destination stop, not a roadside errand. Gulpha Gorge is our first pick since its station is only two miles from Bathhouse Row and free for guests, but call ahead about the non-guest fee if you are not camping there.
Fill propane at Reliable Propane on Park Avenue, where you can pull straight through without backing, and top off fresh water at whichever park you use before heading toward the historic core. In summer the humidity runs 60 to 70 percent, so you will cycle gray water faster with the AC and showers going, plan your dump timing around that. If you are staging at Lake Hamilton or Lake Catherine, empty tanks at the park station before the drive back through downtown. And if you are chasing fall foliage in late October, service tanks midweek since weekend traffic through town backs up.
National Parks Nearby
RV Tips & Articles
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Hot Springs
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Hot Springs, Arkansas?
Your most convenient option is the dump station at Gulpha Gorge Campground inside Hot Springs National Park, only two miles from Bathhouse Row. It is free for registered guests and carries a small fee for non-guests, so call (501) 620-6715 first. Around Lake Hamilton, Camp Lake Hamilton runs a station for about two dollars and Young's Lakeshore RV Resort is free for its guests. Several in-town parks like Hot Rod Hill also keep dump stations. Our database lists several stations in the area, so you have plenty of choices, but there is no legal curbside dumping in town.
Can I park my RV overnight on the street in Hot Springs?
No. Hot Springs city ordinance makes it unlawful to park a detached trailer, including camper trailers, on city streets, so there is no legal street overnight parking or roadside dumping downtown. You need to base out of a campground or RV park. Gulpha Gorge inside the national park, the two lake state parks at Catherine and Ouachita, and private in-town parks all give you a legal spot with hookups or at least a dump station. Plan your overnights and tank service around one of those rather than expecting to pull over anywhere in the historic district.
Is the dump station at Gulpha Gorge free?
It is free if you are a registered campground guest. If you are not camping there, you can still use the dump station for a small fee, typically just a few dollars, but it is worth calling the campground at (501) 620-6715 to confirm the current rate and hours before you show up. Gulpha Gorge is the handiest station in the area because it sits only two miles from Bathhouse Row and inside the national park, so even non-guests find the short detour and modest fee worth it when they are already touring town.
Where can I fill fresh water near Hot Springs?
Fresh water fills are available at the area RV parks and campgrounds, including Gulpha Gorge, Lake Catherine State Park, Lake Ouachita State Park, and private parks around Lake Hamilton. The simplest approach is to top off fresh water at whichever park you use for a dump, since you are already hooked to their utilities. Fill before you head into the tight historic downtown, where maneuvering a rig to reach services is a hassle. In summer, plan on refilling more often because heavy AC and shower use during the humid stretch runs your fresh tank down quicker than you expect.
Where can I get propane for my RV in Hot Springs?
You have several good options. Reliable Propane at 8223 Park Avenue is set up for RVs with pull-through access and no backing required, which makes it our first pick. Tractor Supply store 1374 dispenses propane and you notify them through their app when you arrive. Ferrellgas on E. Grand Avenue and AmeriGas both handle refills and tank exchange too. Because propane is priced by the gallon, wait until your tank is fairly low before topping off to get the best value, and handle it on the way into town before you deal with the narrow downtown streets.
What highways do I take to get to Hot Springs with an RV?
The main routes in are US-70 and US-270, both of which connect to I-30. Coming from Little Rock, you head southwest on I-30 and pick up US-70 near Benton, about a 45-minute run. From the north or south, AR-7, known as Scenic 7, threads through the Ouachita Mountains but has grades and curves, so take it slow in a big rig. Highway driving into Hot Springs is easy overall. The only real constraint is the compact, hilly historic downtown around Bathhouse Row, which is best toured in your tow vehicle rather than the motorhome.
Are there RV dump stations along I-30 near Hot Springs?
Most of the reliable dump options are at the campgrounds and parks in and around Hot Springs itself rather than directly on I-30. If you are coming in on I-30, the smart move is to keep rolling to town and service tanks at Gulpha Gorge, one of the lake state parks, or a private park near Lake Hamilton. Our database lists several stations in the Hot Springs area, so you will not struggle to find one once you arrive. Plan to dump and fill at your destination park rather than counting on a highway pull-off.
Can non-guests use RV dump stations in Hot Springs?
Yes, at several of them. Gulpha Gorge Campground lets non-guests dump for a small fee, and Camp Lake Hamilton charges about two dollars whether or not you are staying. Young's Lakeshore RV Resort reserves free dumping for its guests but may accommodate others for a fee. The best practice is to call ahead, since non-guest access and pricing can change seasonally. If you are already paying for a campsite somewhere, use that park station and fold the dump into your nightly fee instead of paying a separate charge elsewhere.
How often will I need to dump tanks camping in Hot Springs?
It depends on your rig and the season, but summer here changes the math. With humidity running 60 to 70 percent, you will run the AC hard and take more showers, which fills the gray tank faster than you might in a dry climate. Plan on servicing tanks a bit more often in July and August than you would elsewhere. If you are on full hookups at Gulpha Gorge or a private park, you can leave the sewer connected and not worry about it. On water-and-electric sites at the lake state parks, budget a dump-station run every few days.
Do the Arkansas state parks near Hot Springs have dump stations?
Yes. Both Lake Catherine State Park, about 15 minutes southeast, and Lake Ouachita State Park, about 40 minutes northwest, offer water and electric campsites plus a dump station on site. They do not have full sewer hookups at each site, so you dump at the central station on your way out or as needed. These are excellent lakeside bases if Gulpha Gorge is full, which it often is. Empty your tanks at the park station before the drive back through Hot Springs, since you do not want to haul full black water through the tight downtown.
Is there a fee to dump at RV parks around Lake Hamilton?
Fees are modest. Camp Lake Hamilton charges about two dollars to dump, applied to guests and non-guests alike, which is about as cheap as it gets. Young's Lakeshore RV Resort is free for its registered guests. Other private parks around the lake typically fold the dump into your site fee if you are camping, or charge a few dollars for a drop-in. None of it is expensive. The main thing is to call ahead during busy stretches like Oaklawn racing season or fall foliage weekends, when parks are full and may limit non-guest access.
When is the best time to handle RV services in Hot Springs?
Do your utility stops on the way into town and midweek when you can. Because the historic downtown is tight and hilly, you want propane, fuel, and water handled before you drop into the core. Weekends draw crowds, especially during the late-October Ouachita Mountain foliage and December-to-May Oaklawn racing season, so tank service and propane runs go faster on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If you are staging at a lake park, empty tanks at the park station right before you leave rather than making a special trip back through the busy town center.
Does Hot Springs get cold enough to freeze RV hoses?
It can in winter. January is the coldest month with lows around freezing and occasional hard freezes, so if you camp December through February, watch exposed dump-station hoses and your fresh-water line on cold mornings. Disconnect and drain hoses overnight during a freeze, or use heated hose if you have it. Daytime highs usually climb back into the 50s, so freezes are short-lived, but they are real. The upside is that Oaklawn racing runs all winter and the town stays lively, so a cold-weather visit is still worthwhile if you manage your water lines.
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Hot Springs, Arkansas?
Your most convenient option is the dump station at Gulpha Gorge Campground inside Hot Springs National Park, only two miles from Bathhouse Row. It is free for registered guests and carries a small fee for non-guests, so call (501) 620-6715 first. Around Lake Hamilton, Camp Lake Hamilton runs a station for about two dollars and Young's Lakeshore RV Resort is free for its guests. Several in-town parks like Hot Rod Hill also keep dump stations. Our database lists {{stationCount}} stations in the area, so you have plenty of choices, but there is no legal curbside dumping in town.
Can I park my RV overnight on the street in Hot Springs?
No. Hot Springs city ordinance makes it unlawful to park a detached trailer, including camper trailers, on city streets, so there is no legal street overnight parking or roadside dumping downtown. You need to base out of a campground or RV park. Gulpha Gorge inside the national park, the two lake state parks at Catherine and Ouachita, and private in-town parks all give you a legal spot with hookups or at least a dump station. Plan your overnights and tank service around one of those rather than expecting to pull over anywhere in the historic district.
Is the dump station at Gulpha Gorge free?
It is free if you are a registered campground guest. If you are not camping there, you can still use the dump station for a small fee, typically just a few dollars, but it is worth calling the campground at (501) 620-6715 to confirm the current rate and hours before you show up. Gulpha Gorge is the handiest station in the area because it sits only two miles from Bathhouse Row and inside the national park, so even non-guests find the short detour and modest fee worth it when they are already touring town.
Where can I fill fresh water near Hot Springs?
Fresh water fills are available at the area RV parks and campgrounds, including Gulpha Gorge, Lake Catherine State Park, Lake Ouachita State Park, and private parks around Lake Hamilton. The simplest approach is to top off fresh water at whichever park you use for a dump, since you are already hooked to their utilities. Fill before you head into the tight historic downtown, where maneuvering a rig to reach services is a hassle. In summer, plan on refilling more often because heavy AC and shower use during the humid stretch runs your fresh tank down quicker than you expect.
Where can I get propane for my RV in Hot Springs?
You have several good options. Reliable Propane at 8223 Park Avenue is set up for RVs with pull-through access and no backing required, which makes it our first pick. Tractor Supply store 1374 dispenses propane and you notify them through their app when you arrive. Ferrellgas on E. Grand Avenue and AmeriGas both handle refills and tank exchange too. Because propane is priced by the gallon, wait until your tank is fairly low before topping off to get the best value, and handle it on the way into town before you deal with the narrow downtown streets.
What highways do I take to get to Hot Springs with an RV?
The main routes in are US-70 and US-270, both of which connect to I-30. Coming from Little Rock, you head southwest on I-30 and pick up US-70 near Benton, about a 45-minute run. From the north or south, AR-7, known as Scenic 7, threads through the Ouachita Mountains but has grades and curves, so take it slow in a big rig. Highway driving into Hot Springs is easy overall. The only real constraint is the compact, hilly historic downtown around Bathhouse Row, which is best toured in your tow vehicle rather than the motorhome.
Are there RV dump stations along I-30 near Hot Springs?
Most of the reliable dump options are at the campgrounds and parks in and around Hot Springs itself rather than directly on I-30. If you are coming in on I-30, the smart move is to keep rolling to town and service tanks at Gulpha Gorge, one of the lake state parks, or a private park near Lake Hamilton. Our database lists {{stationCount}} stations in the Hot Springs area, so you will not struggle to find one once you arrive. Plan to dump and fill at your destination park rather than counting on a highway pull-off.
Can non-guests use RV dump stations in Hot Springs?
Yes, at several of them. Gulpha Gorge Campground lets non-guests dump for a small fee, and Camp Lake Hamilton charges about two dollars whether or not you are staying. Young's Lakeshore RV Resort reserves free dumping for its guests but may accommodate others for a fee. The best practice is to call ahead, since non-guest access and pricing can change seasonally. If you are already paying for a campsite somewhere, use that park station and fold the dump into your nightly fee instead of paying a separate charge elsewhere.
How often will I need to dump tanks camping in Hot Springs?
It depends on your rig and the season, but summer here changes the math. With humidity running 60 to 70 percent, you will run the AC hard and take more showers, which fills the gray tank faster than you might in a dry climate. Plan on servicing tanks a bit more often in July and August than you would elsewhere. If you are on full hookups at Gulpha Gorge or a private park, you can leave the sewer connected and not worry about it. On water-and-electric sites at the lake state parks, budget a dump-station run every few days.
Do the Arkansas state parks near Hot Springs have dump stations?
Yes. Both Lake Catherine State Park, about 15 minutes southeast, and Lake Ouachita State Park, about 40 minutes northwest, offer water and electric campsites plus a dump station on site. They do not have full sewer hookups at each site, so you dump at the central station on your way out or as needed. These are excellent lakeside bases if Gulpha Gorge is full, which it often is. Empty your tanks at the park station before the drive back through Hot Springs, since you do not want to haul full black water through the tight downtown.
Is there a fee to dump at RV parks around Lake Hamilton?
Fees are modest. Camp Lake Hamilton charges about two dollars to dump, applied to guests and non-guests alike, which is about as cheap as it gets. Young's Lakeshore RV Resort is free for its registered guests. Other private parks around the lake typically fold the dump into your site fee if you are camping, or charge a few dollars for a drop-in. None of it is expensive. The main thing is to call ahead during busy stretches like Oaklawn racing season or fall foliage weekends, when parks are full and may limit non-guest access.
When is the best time to handle RV services in Hot Springs?
Do your utility stops on the way into town and midweek when you can. Because the historic downtown is tight and hilly, you want propane, fuel, and water handled before you drop into the core. Weekends draw crowds, especially during the late-October Ouachita Mountain foliage and December-to-May Oaklawn racing season, so tank service and propane runs go faster on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If you are staging at a lake park, empty tanks at the park station right before you leave rather than making a special trip back through the busy town center.
Does Hot Springs get cold enough to freeze RV hoses?
It can in winter. January is the coldest month with lows around freezing and occasional hard freezes, so if you camp December through February, watch exposed dump-station hoses and your fresh-water line on cold mornings. Disconnect and drain hoses overnight during a freeze, or use heated hose if you have it. Daytime highs usually climb back into the 50s, so freezes are short-lived, but they are real. The upside is that Oaklawn racing runs all winter and the town stays lively, so a cold-weather visit is still worthwhile if you manage your water lines.
Are there free dump stations in Hot Springs?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Hot Springs.
All Dump Stations Near Hot Springs (42)
RV Dump StationsHot Springs National Park - Gulpha Gorge Campground
RV Dump StationsExxon 70 East Truck Stop
RV Dump StationsKOA - Hot Springs National Park KOA
RV Dump StationsE Z Mart
RV Dump StationsCamp Lake Hamilton
RV Dump StationsLake Catherine State Park
RV Dump StationsU.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Brady Mountain Campground
RV Dump Stations





