Skip to main content
Formerly known as Sanidumps.
RVingLife.com

RV Dump Stations In Donnelly, Idaho

44.7303° N, 116.0800° W

Quick Overview

Donnelly is a small crossroads town in Idaho's Long Valley, sitting right on ID-55 beside Lake Cascade between Cascade to the south and McCall to the north. For RVers it is mostly a resupply and dump stop on the way to the lake, the forest, or the ski slopes at Tamarack, and the good news is that the sanitary facilities here are genuinely solid for a town this size.

The heart of the dumping options is Lake Cascade State Park, which wraps around the reservoir at the edge of town. The park runs two open dump stations and offers full sewer hookups at its Poison Creek and Ridgeview campgrounds, so you can empty tanks either on your way out or right at your site. If you would rather not pay, the state park also operates a free RV dump station at Van Wyck Park on the edge of Cascade, about 13 miles south, which is an easy stop if your route runs that way. Around town, a couple of private parks including Chalet Family Campground offer hookups, though dump access is often limited to registered guests, so a quick call ahead saves a wasted trip.

Fresh water is easy to come by at the campgrounds and through town, but at nearly 4,900 feet in the mountains, this is snow country and timing matters. From late spring through early fall the dump stations and water spigots are open and reliable; through winter most parks close and the state park facilities shut down, leaving you to dump before you arrive or drive south toward Boise. Plan your tanks around the seasons, fill fresh water before heading up West Mountain Road into the Boise National Forest, and treat Donnelly as the last dependable service point before the backcountry. Get the logistics right and it is a comfortable, scenic base for the whole Cascade Lake area.

4.5 ★Avg Rating
302Reviews

Top Rated Dump Stations in Donnelly

No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!

Traveling to Donnelly by RV

Donnelly sits directly on ID-55, the Payette River Scenic Byway, which runs as the town Main Street. From the south it is about 90 miles up from Boise and I-84 through Horseshoe Bend and Cascade, a scenic but slow canyon drive that takes well over two hours with a rig. McCall is only about 15 miles north on the same highway. Through the Donnelly valley ID-55 is open and easy for any size RV, with no low clearances or weight limits in town.

The slow, careful section is the winding river canyon south of Cascade toward Boise, so take the curves gently if you are towing. For dumping and reservations, use Idaho State Parks at Lake Cascade, which lists open dump stations, sewer sites, and campground details. Fill fuel, propane, and fresh water in the valley towns of Donnelly, Cascade, or McCall before you head up West Mountain Road, where services end quickly.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Donnelly, Idaho, 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 Donnelly

Dumping around Donnelly can cost nothing or a small fee depending on where you go. The Van Wyck Park station near Cascade is free, making it the budget choice if the short drive south fits your route. Dump stations at Lake Cascade State Park campgrounds are generally folded into your camping or day-use fee rather than billed separately, so if you are already staying in the park you typically will not pay extra to empty tanks on the way out.

Private RV parks that let non-guests dump usually charge a modest fee, often a few dollars up to around fifteen, and some reserve dumping for registered campers only. Fresh water at the campgrounds is normally included with your site. Overall Donnelly is an inexpensive place to service a rig, especially if you time your route to hit the free Van Wyck station and buy fuel and propane in the valley towns rather than waiting until you are deep in the forest. Confirm current fees by phone, since seasonal pricing shifts.

Free: 6 stations (55%)
Paid: 5 stations (45%)

Contact station for pricing details.

Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Donnelly

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Best Time to Visit Donnelly by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

15F - 30F

Crowds: Low

Ski season on West Mountain but a hard time to dump. Most RV parks close, the state park campgrounds shut down, and you will be leaning on the winter landfill hours or hauling south. Expect snow and icy ID-55 canyon driving.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

32F - 55F

Crowds: Low

Snow lingers into May and backroads run muddy. Lake Cascade campgrounds and their dump stations open on a rolling schedule late in spring, so call ahead before you count on one being live.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

50F - 79F

Crowds: Medium

Peak season and your best window for reliable dumping and fresh water. Every state park dump station is open, the free Van Wyck station near Cascade is running, and warm dry days keep tanks and lines easy to manage.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

35F - 65F

Crowds: Low

A quiet sweet spot through September before the first freezes. Facilities stay open into early October, then start winterizing, so top off water and dump before you head out for the season.

Explore the Donnelly Area

A few things we would tell a friend rolling into Donnelly with full tanks. First, if the fee matters, route yourself past Van Wyck Park near Cascade, about 13 miles south, where the free state park dump station saves you the campground charge. Second, for a no-extra-stop setup, book a full-hookup sewer site at Poison Creek or Ridgeview in Lake Cascade State Park so you can dump right at your pad and skip the queue.

Third, this is high mountain country, so watch the calendar. The state park dump stations and most private parks are dependable from late May into October and closed the rest of the year, so confirm opening dates in the shoulder seasons before you count on a facility. Fourth, fill fresh water and fuel in the valley before heading up West Mountain Road or into the Boise National Forest, because dispersed sites out there have no water and no dump. Finally, on ID-55 south of Cascade take the canyon slow and watch for summer cyclists on the shoulder.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Donnelly

Where can I dump my RV tanks in Donnelly, Idaho?

Your most reliable dump options sit at Lake Cascade State Park, which wraps around the reservoir right at Donnelly and runs two open dump stations plus full-hookup sewer sites at its Poison Creek and Ridgeview campgrounds. If you want a free option, drive about 13 miles south to Van Wyck Park on the edge of Cascade, where the state park operates a free RV dump station. A handful of private parks in and around Donnelly also offer dumping, though several limit it to registered guests, so it pays to call ahead and confirm before you roll in with full tanks.

Is there a free RV dump station near Donnelly?

Yes, but not right in town. The nearest free RV dump station is at Van Wyck Park, part of Lake Cascade State Park on the edge of Cascade, roughly 13 miles south of Donnelly on ID-55. It is first-come, first-served and easy to reach on your way through the valley. Inside Donnelly the practical dump options are the paid facilities at Lake Cascade State Park campgrounds or at private RV parks, so if saving the fee matters, plan your route to pass Van Wyck rather than expecting a free station in Donnelly itself.

Can I get full hookups with sewer near Donnelly?

Yes. Lake Cascade State Park offers full hookups including sewer at its Poison Creek and Ridgeview campgrounds, which are the two units wired with power, water, and sewer at the site. These are the go-to for anyone who wants to dump without leaving their pad. The rest of the park mixes electric-only and basic sites, so if sewer at the site matters, reserve Poison Creek or Ridgeview specifically. Chalet Family Campground in Donnelly also offers RV sites with hookups. Book the state park sewer sites early, since they are the first to fill on summer weekends.

Where do I fill fresh water for my RV in Donnelly?

Fresh potable water is available at Lake Cascade State Park campgrounds, at The Ranch in Donnelly on Gold Fork Road, and through the town water system at local businesses. The simplest approach is to top off at whatever campground you stay in, since the state park and private parks all have potable spigots. Because Donnelly sits at nearly 4,900 feet with services scattered across a rural valley, we make a habit of filling fresh water before heading up West Mountain Road or into the Boise National Forest, where there is no reliable water once you leave the highway corridor.

Are the dump stations open year round in Donnelly?

No. Donnelly sits in snow country at almost 4,900 feet, and the state park dump stations along with most private parks close for winter to avoid freezing lines. The Lake Cascade State Park dump stations and the free Van Wyck station are dependable from late spring through early fall, roughly late May into October depending on the year. If you are traveling in winter, plan to dump before you arrive or be ready to drive south toward Boise, where lower-elevation facilities stay open. Always call ahead in the shoulder seasons, because opening and closing dates shift with the snowpack.

What does it cost to dump near Donnelly?

Costs vary by where you go. The Van Wyck Park dump station near Cascade is free, which makes it the budget pick if the short drive south works for your route. Dump stations at Lake Cascade State Park campgrounds are typically covered by your camping or day-use fee rather than charged separately, so if you are already camped there you generally will not pay extra. Private RV parks that allow non-guests to dump usually charge a small fee, often in the range of a few dollars up to around fifteen. Confirm current pricing when you call, since fees change season to season.

Where is the Valley County landfill and can RVers use it?

The Valley County Landfill sits at 240 Spink Lane in Donnelly and generally runs Monday through Saturday during daytime hours, closed Sundays. It is a solid waste transfer and disposal site rather than an RV sanitary dump, so it is the place for trash and household waste, not for emptying your black and gray tanks. For tank dumping, stick with the Lake Cascade State Park facilities or the free Van Wyck station. The landfill is still worth knowing about because full-timers accumulate real garbage, and having a legitimate place to drop it keeps your rig and your campsite clean.

What highway do I take to reach Donnelly with an RV?

Donnelly sits directly on ID-55, the Payette River Scenic Byway, which doubles as the town Main Street. Coming from the south you drive about 90 miles up ID-55 from Boise and I-84, through Horseshoe Bend and Cascade. From the north, McCall is only about 15 miles away on the same highway. ID-55 through the Donnelly valley is open and easy for any size rig, but the canyon stretch south of Cascade toward Boise is winding and slow, so give yourself extra time and take the curves gently if you are towing or running a long motorhome.

Can I camp and dump at Lake Cascade State Park?

Absolutely, and it is the best all-in-one option here. Lake Cascade State Park has 279 sites spread across 10 developed campgrounds around the reservoir, with two open dump stations for the park and full sewer hookups at the Poison Creek and Ridgeview units. You can reserve online through the Idaho State Parks system at getoutside.idaho.gov or by phone, though Van Wyck, Blue Heron, and Curlew stay first-come, first-served. Staying in the park means you can dump on your way out without a separate stop, and you get lakeside boating, fishing, and paddling right at your campsite.

Are there RV services like propane and repair in Donnelly?

Donnelly covers the basics, and the larger towns nearby fill the gaps. You can refill propane in Donnelly and at the bigger service centers in McCall to the north and Cascade to the south. Fuel, both gas and diesel, is available at stations along ID-55 in all three towns. For repair, expect basic auto and truck help locally, with more complete RV service found in McCall or down in the Boise area. Groceries are limited to a local market in Donnelly, so plan a bigger resupply run to McCall, about 15 miles north, when you need a full store.

What is the best time of year to RV in Donnelly?

Late June through September is the clear window. Summer brings warm dry days near 79 degrees and cool nights that make sleeping easy at elevation, and every dump station and campground is open and running. September stays lovely and quiet before the first freezes. Spring is slow to arrive with snow lingering into May and campgrounds opening late, while winter is genuine ski country with heavy snow, closed RV parks, and icy canyon driving on ID-55. If your trip is about the lake, the hot springs, and reliable services, aim for the heart of summer into early fall.

Is there dispersed or boondocking camping near Donnelly?

Yes. Boise National Forest surrounds the Donnelly valley on both sides, and you can find dispersed sites off West Mountain Road heading toward Tamarack Resort and along various forest roads east up Gold Fork. These are free but come with no hookups, no dump, and no water, so you need to arrive with full fresh tanks and a plan to dump afterward at Lake Cascade State Park or Van Wyck. If you would rather have facilities, the state park is the developed alternative right on the reservoir. Check forest road conditions in spring, since snowmelt keeps the higher routes muddy well into the season.

How far is Donnelly from Boise and McCall for an RV trip?

Donnelly is nicely positioned between the two. Boise, with its I-84 access and full big-city services, is roughly 90 miles south on ID-55, a scenic but slow drive through the Payette River canyon that takes well over two hours with a rig. McCall, a popular lake resort town, is only about 15 miles north on the same highway, close enough for a grocery or repair run. Cascade sits about 13 miles south and is home to the free Van Wyck dump station. This central spot makes Donnelly a handy base for exploring the whole Long Valley and Cascade Lake area.

Where can I dump my RV tanks in Donnelly, Idaho?

Your most reliable dump options sit at Lake Cascade State Park, which wraps around the reservoir right at Donnelly and runs two open dump stations plus full-hookup sewer sites at its Poison Creek and Ridgeview campgrounds. If you want a free option, drive about 13 miles south to Van Wyck Park on the edge of Cascade, where the state park operates a free RV dump station. A handful of private parks in and around Donnelly also offer dumping, though several limit it to registered guests, so it pays to call ahead and confirm before you roll in with full tanks.

Is there a free RV dump station near Donnelly?

Yes, but not right in town. The nearest free RV dump station is at Van Wyck Park, part of Lake Cascade State Park on the edge of Cascade, roughly 13 miles south of Donnelly on ID-55. It is first-come, first-served and easy to reach on your way through the valley. Inside Donnelly the practical dump options are the paid facilities at Lake Cascade State Park campgrounds or at private RV parks, so if saving the fee matters, plan your route to pass Van Wyck rather than expecting a free station in Donnelly itself.

Can I get full hookups with sewer near Donnelly?

Yes. Lake Cascade State Park offers full hookups including sewer at its Poison Creek and Ridgeview campgrounds, which are the two units wired with power, water, and sewer at the site. These are the go-to for anyone who wants to dump without leaving their pad. The rest of the park mixes electric-only and basic sites, so if sewer at the site matters, reserve Poison Creek or Ridgeview specifically. Chalet Family Campground in Donnelly also offers RV sites with hookups. Book the state park sewer sites early, since they are the first to fill on summer weekends.

Where do I fill fresh water for my RV in Donnelly?

Fresh potable water is available at Lake Cascade State Park campgrounds, at The Ranch in Donnelly on Gold Fork Road, and through the town water system at local businesses. The simplest approach is to top off at whatever campground you stay in, since the state park and private parks all have potable spigots. Because Donnelly sits at nearly 4,900 feet with services scattered across a rural valley, we make a habit of filling fresh water before heading up West Mountain Road or into the Boise National Forest, where there is no reliable water once you leave the highway corridor.

Are the dump stations open year round in Donnelly?

No. Donnelly sits in snow country at almost 4,900 feet, and the state park dump stations along with most private parks close for winter to avoid freezing lines. The Lake Cascade State Park dump stations and the free Van Wyck station are dependable from late spring through early fall, roughly late May into October depending on the year. If you are traveling in winter, plan to dump before you arrive or be ready to drive south toward Boise, where lower-elevation facilities stay open. Always call ahead in the shoulder seasons, because opening and closing dates shift with the snowpack.

What does it cost to dump near Donnelly?

Costs vary by where you go. The Van Wyck Park dump station near Cascade is free, which makes it the budget pick if the short drive south works for your route. Dump stations at Lake Cascade State Park campgrounds are typically covered by your camping or day-use fee rather than charged separately, so if you are already camped there you generally will not pay extra. Private RV parks that allow non-guests to dump usually charge a small fee, often in the range of a few dollars up to around fifteen. Confirm current pricing when you call, since fees change season to season.

Where is the Valley County landfill and can RVers use it?

The Valley County Landfill sits at 240 Spink Lane in Donnelly and generally runs Monday through Saturday during daytime hours, closed Sundays. It is a solid waste transfer and disposal site rather than an RV sanitary dump, so it is the place for trash and household waste, not for emptying your black and gray tanks. For tank dumping, stick with the Lake Cascade State Park facilities or the free Van Wyck station. The landfill is still worth knowing about because full-timers accumulate real garbage, and having a legitimate place to drop it keeps your rig and your campsite clean.

What highway do I take to reach Donnelly with an RV?

Donnelly sits directly on ID-55, the Payette River Scenic Byway, which doubles as the town Main Street. Coming from the south you drive about 90 miles up ID-55 from Boise and I-84, through Horseshoe Bend and Cascade. From the north, McCall is only about 15 miles away on the same highway. ID-55 through the Donnelly valley is open and easy for any size rig, but the canyon stretch south of Cascade toward Boise is winding and slow, so give yourself extra time and take the curves gently if you are towing or running a long motorhome.

Can I camp and dump at Lake Cascade State Park?

Absolutely, and it is the best all-in-one option here. Lake Cascade State Park has 279 sites spread across 10 developed campgrounds around the reservoir, with two open dump stations for the park and full sewer hookups at the Poison Creek and Ridgeview units. You can reserve online through the Idaho State Parks system at getoutside.idaho.gov or by phone, though Van Wyck, Blue Heron, and Curlew stay first-come, first-served. Staying in the park means you can dump on your way out without a separate stop, and you get lakeside boating, fishing, and paddling right at your campsite.

Are there RV services like propane and repair in Donnelly?

Donnelly covers the basics, and the larger towns nearby fill the gaps. You can refill propane in Donnelly and at the bigger service centers in McCall to the north and Cascade to the south. Fuel, both gas and diesel, is available at stations along ID-55 in all three towns. For repair, expect basic auto and truck help locally, with more complete RV service found in McCall or down in the Boise area. Groceries are limited to a local market in Donnelly, so plan a bigger resupply run to McCall, about 15 miles north, when you need a full store.

What is the best time of year to RV in Donnelly?

Late June through September is the clear window. Summer brings warm dry days near 79 degrees and cool nights that make sleeping easy at elevation, and every dump station and campground is open and running. September stays lovely and quiet before the first freezes. Spring is slow to arrive with snow lingering into May and campgrounds opening late, while winter is genuine ski country with heavy snow, closed RV parks, and icy canyon driving on ID-55. If your trip is about the lake, the hot springs, and reliable services, aim for the heart of summer into early fall.

Is there dispersed or boondocking camping near Donnelly?

Yes. Boise National Forest surrounds the Donnelly valley on both sides, and you can find dispersed sites off West Mountain Road heading toward Tamarack Resort and along various forest roads east up Gold Fork. These are free but come with no hookups, no dump, and no water, so you need to arrive with full fresh tanks and a plan to dump afterward at Lake Cascade State Park or Van Wyck. If you would rather have facilities, the state park is the developed alternative right on the reservoir. Check forest road conditions in spring, since snowmelt keeps the higher routes muddy well into the season.

How far is Donnelly from Boise and McCall for an RV trip?

Donnelly is nicely positioned between the two. Boise, with its I-84 access and full big-city services, is roughly 90 miles south on ID-55, a scenic but slow drive through the Payette River canyon that takes well over two hours with a rig. McCall, a popular lake resort town, is only about 15 miles north on the same highway, close enough for a grocery or repair run. Cascade sits about 13 miles south and is home to the free Van Wyck dump station. This central spot makes Donnelly a handy base for exploring the whole Long Valley and Cascade Lake area.

Are there free dump stations in Donnelly?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Donnelly.