RV Dump Stations In Clarksville, Iowa
42.7847° N, 92.6677° W
Quick Overview
Passing through Butler County with full tanks? Clarksville is a quiet little Iowa town that handles RVers better than its size suggests. Sitting along US-218, the Avenue of the Saints, with Iowa Highway 3 crossing east to west, it sits near a pair of county campgrounds that both offer dump stations, plus a reported free public dump in town. For tank duty in this stretch of north-central Iowa, that is a solid setup.
The closest reliable option is Heery Woods State Park, just a quarter mile south of town on Highway 188 and managed by Butler County Conservation. It has 19 sites with 30 and 50 amp electric, river access on the Shell Rock, and a dump station, open roughly May through October. About nine miles southwest on Highway 3, Shell Rock Recreation Area is a second county campground with around 30 sites and a station of its own.
There is also reportedly a free dump station in Clarksville itself, which is worth confirming with a quick call to Butler County Conservation at (319) 346-6551. The pattern here is simple: dump at the free station or a campground during the day, and book a county site if you want to stay. Overnight parking is not really a thing in town, so line up a campsite separately and Most travelers pair a dump stop with a night at Heery Woods, a ride on the Rolling Prairie Trail, or a little walleye fishing on the Shell Rock before moving on. It is the kind of low-key Iowa stop that turns a routine chore into a relaxing overnight.
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All Dump Stations Near Clarksville
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heery Woods State Park | 1.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Bremer County North Cedar Park | 8.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Cedar Bend Campground | 8.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Greene Recreational Area | 10.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Waverly Park Maintenance | 10.8 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Free |
| Cedar View City Park | 13.3 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Bremer County Alcock Park | 19.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| George Wyth Memorial State Park | 21.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| 218 Fuel Express | 23.6 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camping World of Cedar Falls | 24.3 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Free |
Heery Woods State Park
1.0 miBremer County North Cedar Park
8.7 miCedar Bend Campground
8.9 miGreene Recreational Area
10.1 miWaverly Park Maintenance
10.8 miCedar View City Park
13.3 miBremer County Alcock Park
19.2 miGeorge Wyth Memorial State Park
21.5 mi218 Fuel Express
23.6 miCamping World of Cedar Falls
24.3 miTraveling to Clarksville by RV
Clarksville sits along US-218, the Avenue of the Saints corridor that runs north and south through this part of Iowa, with Iowa Highway 3 crossing east to west and Highway 188 heading the short distance south to Heery Woods State Park. No interstate serves the town directly, so US-218 is your main approach and the easiest route for a motorhome or trailer.
The Butler County terrain is flat prairie and RV-friendly, with no steep grades to worry about on the highways near town. If you continue far east on Highway 3, the road eventually climbs into hillier, curvier country, but that is well beyond Clarksville. For services, Waverly is your hub, about 18 miles southeast on US-218, with the nearest Walmart Supercenter for groceries. The closest 24-hour diesel and propane are at the Kwik Star in Shell Rock, roughly nine miles away. There is no dedicated RV repair in town, so plan on Waverly at 18 miles or Iowa Falls at about 35 miles for service.
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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, Iowa, 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
Tank duty around Clarksville can be cheap. There is reportedly a free public dump station in town, so if you can confirm it with Butler County Conservation, that is your no-cost option. Otherwise, the campground stations at Heery Woods State Park and Shell Rock Recreation Area come with a modest use or camping fee, with sites generally in the zero to 25 dollar per night range, which is a bargain by national standards.
If you are camping anyway, the dump is effectively bundled into that low nightly rate. Budget normally for fuel and propane at the Kwik Star in Shell Rock, and for a bigger grocery run plan a trip to Waverly, where prices and selection beat the small towns nearby. There are no toll roads or surprise fees out here, so your main costs are the campsite and your fuel, which keeps a stop in Butler County easy on the wallet.
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
14F - 29F
Crowds: Low
Cold and snowy with hard freezes; December averages about 4.5 inches of snow. Seasonal campground dumps close, so plan winter dumping elsewhere.
Spring
Mar - May
40F - 60F
Crowds: Low
Variable and windy, with March the gustiest. Campgrounds reopen around May, so early-spring dumping options are limited locally.
Summer
Jun - Aug
64F - 83F
Crowds: Medium
Warm and pleasant, the main camping season. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms and possible hail June through August; dump between storms.
Fall
Sep - Oct
41F - 61F
Crowds: Medium
September is ideal, 70s with low humidity and early color. Campground dumps stay open into October before seasonal closure.
Explore the Clarksville Area
A few practical notes for dumping around Clarksville. First, call Butler County Conservation at (319) 346-6551 before you rely on the free town dump, since details on these courtesy stations change and a quick call saves a wasted trip. Heery Woods, a quarter mile south on Highway 188, is the clear first choice for camping and dumping, with Shell Rock Recreation Area as a nearby backup.
Second, remember the campgrounds are seasonal, roughly May through October, so there is no winter dumping infrastructure here; plan ahead if you are traveling in the cold months. Third, stock up before you settle in. Waverly is your retail hub at about 18 miles, and the nearest 24-hour diesel and propane are in Shell Rock, around nine miles out. Fourth, if you have time, ride the Rolling Prairie Trail or fish the Shell Rock River for walleye and smallmouth, which is what makes this a pleasant overnight rather than just a tank stop. The county enforces a two-week max stay and closes gates overnight, so plan arrivals before 10:30 p.m.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Clarksville
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Clarksville, Iowa?
Your most reliable options are the area campgrounds. Heery Woods State Park, just a quarter mile south of town on Highway 188, has a dump station and is managed by Butler County Conservation. Shell Rock Recreation Area, about nine miles southwest on Highway 3, is another county-run campground with a station. There is also reportedly a free public dump in Clarksville itself, so it is worth a call to Butler County Conservation at (319) 346-6551 to confirm the current location and hours before you arrive. For a small Iowa town, that is a decent set of choices.
Is there a free RV dump station in Clarksville?
Word is yes. A free dump station is reportedly available in Clarksville, but details can change, so the smart move is to call Butler County Conservation at (319) 346-6551 to confirm exactly where it is and whether it is open before you count on it. County conservation departments in Iowa often provide these as a courtesy, and they sometimes shift locations or close seasonally. If the free station is not available when you pass through, the campground dumps at Heery Woods and Shell Rock Recreation Area are your backups, tied to a modest camping or use fee.
Can I dump at Heery Woods State Park without camping?
Heery Woods State Park sits just a quarter mile south of Clarksville on Highway 188 and has a dump station, but like most park stations it is primarily there for registered campers. Day-use dump access can vary, so call Butler County Conservation at (319) 346-6551 to confirm whether non-campers can use it and whether a fee applies. If you are staying the night, you are all set. The park has 19 sites with 30 and 50 amp electric, though no water or sewer hookups at the sites, plus the Shell Rock River for fishing and paddling.
What are the camping options around Clarksville?
Two solid public campgrounds anchor the area, both run by Butler County Conservation. Heery Woods State Park is the closest, a quarter mile south of town on Highway 188, with 19 sites, 30 and 50 amp electric, and river access, open roughly May through October. Shell Rock Recreation Area sits about nine miles southwest on Highway 3, with around 30 sites and similar electric service. Both are budget-friendly, generally in the zero to 25 dollar range per night. There is no confirmed free RV camping nearby, and the county enforces a two-week maximum stay with gates closed overnight.
What highways lead into Clarksville, Iowa?
Clarksville sits along US-218, the Avenue of the Saints corridor running north and south, with Iowa Highway 3 crossing east and west and Highway 188 heading south to Heery Woods State Park. There is no interstate directly serving the town, so US-218 is your main artery and the easiest approach for an RV. The Butler County stretch of Highway 3 is flat and straightforward for big rigs. If you continue east on Highway 3 well beyond the county, the road eventually enters hillier, curvier terrain, so plan for a calmer rural drive on the state routes here.
Are the roads around Clarksville RV-friendly?
For the most part, yes. US-218 and the Butler County portion of Iowa Highway 3 are flat and easy, which suits motorhomes and trailers fine. The short hop south on Highway 188 to Heery Woods is simple too. The terrain right around Clarksville is gentle prairie, so you will not face steep grades or tight mountain switchbacks. The one caution is Highway 3 far to the east, which climbs into hillier, curvier country well outside the immediate area, so if you are routing a long rig through, keep to the through highways and take rural turns at an easy pace.
Where is the nearest fuel and propane to Clarksville?
The nearest 24-hour fuel with diesel is the Kwik Star in Shell Rock, about nine miles away, which is also a good bet for propane, though it is worth a call ahead at (319) 885-4324 to confirm propane availability. AmeriGas and Innovative Ag Services in the Allison area, roughly ten miles out, are another propane option. There is no full-service truck stop in Clarksville itself, so top off before you arrive or plan a short detour to Shell Rock. For a small town, having diesel and propane within ten miles is reasonable for trip planning.
Where can I get groceries and RV service near Clarksville?
Waverly is your hub, about 18 miles southeast on US-218. That is where you will find the nearest Walmart Supercenter for a full grocery run and general supplies. For RV repair, there is nothing dedicated in Clarksville, so plan on Waverly at roughly 18 miles or Iowa Falls at about 35 miles for service work. The practical approach is to stage in Clarksville for the quiet county camping and the river, then make a supply or service run to Waverly when you need it. Stock up before you settle in, since the town itself keeps only the basics.
Can I park overnight at a dump station in Clarksville?
Not really. Clarksville has no specific overnight RV ordinance on the books, and the campground dump stations are tied to camping rather than overnight parking. Iowa rest areas allow up to 24 hours but prohibit camping. The cleanest plan is to dump during the day and book a site at Heery Woods or Shell Rock Recreation Area for the night, where the county enforces a two-week maximum stay and closes gates from about 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. If you have questions about parking in town, Clarksville City Hall is the place to ask before assuming anything.
When is the best time to visit Clarksville for RV travel?
Mid-June through early September is the prime window, and September is the real sweet spot, with highs in the 70s, low humidity, and the first hints of fall color. Summer is warm and green but brings the chance of thunderstorms and hail from June through August, so keep an eye on the sky. The campgrounds run seasonally, roughly May through October, so there is no real winter camping infrastructure here. Winters are cold and snowy with hard freezes, which closes the seasonal dump stations, so plan accordingly if you are passing through in the cold months.
Do I need to bring my own dumping equipment?
Yes, always carry your own gear. Bring a quality sewer hose, disposable gloves, and a clear elbow fitting so you can see when the tanks run clear, plus tank treatment for the rinse. Rural and county dump stations like the ones around Clarksville rarely supply anything beyond the sewer connection. It is also wise to carry a dedicated non-potable rinse hose separate from your drinking-water hose. Having a complete kit ready means you can dump quickly and cleanly at the county campgrounds or the free station, which matters most at courtesy facilities that do not provide supplies.
What is there to do around Clarksville?
More than you might expect for a small Iowa town. The Rolling Prairie Trail is a roughly 20-mile paved rail trail connecting Bristow, Allison, Clarksville, and Shell Rock, with a trailhead at Volunteer City Park, great for biking or walking off a travel day. Heery Woods State Park offers fishing, canoeing, and boating on the Shell Rock River, plus a nature center. The Shell Rock River itself has strong populations of smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish per recent DNR surveys, so it is worth wetting a line. It is a quiet, outdoorsy stop rather than a tourist hub.
Is there potable water for filling fresh tanks in Clarksville?
Fresh water is generally available at the campgrounds rather than at a standalone fill point in town. Heery Woods State Park and Shell Rock Recreation Area have water at their facilities for campers. The dump stations are for emptying tanks, so do not assume potable water is co-located, and never fill a fresh tank from a hose used to rinse a dump area. If you need to top off, do it at your campsite spigot and use a clearly marked drinking-water hose. Calling Butler County Conservation ahead can confirm where potable water is available if you are not camping.
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Clarksville, Iowa?
Your most reliable options are the area campgrounds. Heery Woods State Park, just a quarter mile south of town on Highway 188, has a dump station and is managed by Butler County Conservation. Shell Rock Recreation Area, about nine miles southwest on Highway 3, is another county-run campground with a station. There is also reportedly a free public dump in Clarksville itself, so it is worth a call to Butler County Conservation at (319) 346-6551 to confirm the current location and hours before you arrive. For a small Iowa town, that is a decent set of choices.
Is there a free RV dump station in Clarksville?
Word is yes. A free dump station is reportedly available in Clarksville, but details can change, so the smart move is to call Butler County Conservation at (319) 346-6551 to confirm exactly where it is and whether it is open before you count on it. County conservation departments in Iowa often provide these as a courtesy, and they sometimes shift locations or close seasonally. If the free station is not available when you pass through, the campground dumps at Heery Woods and Shell Rock Recreation Area are your backups, tied to a modest camping or use fee.
Can I dump at Heery Woods State Park without camping?
Heery Woods State Park sits just a quarter mile south of Clarksville on Highway 188 and has a dump station, but like most park stations it is primarily there for registered campers. Day-use dump access can vary, so call Butler County Conservation at (319) 346-6551 to confirm whether non-campers can use it and whether a fee applies. If you are staying the night, you are all set. The park has 19 sites with 30 and 50 amp electric, though no water or sewer hookups at the sites, plus the Shell Rock River for fishing and paddling.
What are the camping options around Clarksville?
Two solid public campgrounds anchor the area, both run by Butler County Conservation. Heery Woods State Park is the closest, a quarter mile south of town on Highway 188, with 19 sites, 30 and 50 amp electric, and river access, open roughly May through October. Shell Rock Recreation Area sits about nine miles southwest on Highway 3, with around 30 sites and similar electric service. Both are budget-friendly, generally in the zero to 25 dollar range per night. There is no confirmed free RV camping nearby, and the county enforces a two-week maximum stay with gates closed overnight.
What highways lead into Clarksville, Iowa?
Clarksville sits along US-218, the Avenue of the Saints corridor running north and south, with Iowa Highway 3 crossing east and west and Highway 188 heading south to Heery Woods State Park. There is no interstate directly serving the town, so US-218 is your main artery and the easiest approach for an RV. The Butler County stretch of Highway 3 is flat and straightforward for big rigs. If you continue east on Highway 3 well beyond the county, the road eventually enters hillier, curvier terrain, so plan for a calmer rural drive on the state routes here.
Are the roads around Clarksville RV-friendly?
For the most part, yes. US-218 and the Butler County portion of Iowa Highway 3 are flat and easy, which suits motorhomes and trailers fine. The short hop south on Highway 188 to Heery Woods is simple too. The terrain right around Clarksville is gentle prairie, so you will not face steep grades or tight mountain switchbacks. The one caution is Highway 3 far to the east, which climbs into hillier, curvier country well outside the immediate area, so if you are routing a long rig through, keep to the through highways and take rural turns at an easy pace.
Where is the nearest fuel and propane to Clarksville?
The nearest 24-hour fuel with diesel is the Kwik Star in Shell Rock, about nine miles away, which is also a good bet for propane, though it is worth a call ahead at (319) 885-4324 to confirm propane availability. AmeriGas and Innovative Ag Services in the Allison area, roughly ten miles out, are another propane option. There is no full-service truck stop in Clarksville itself, so top off before you arrive or plan a short detour to Shell Rock. For a small town, having diesel and propane within ten miles is reasonable for trip planning.
Where can I get groceries and RV service near Clarksville?
Waverly is your hub, about 18 miles southeast on US-218. That is where you will find the nearest Walmart Supercenter for a full grocery run and general supplies. For RV repair, there is nothing dedicated in Clarksville, so plan on Waverly at roughly 18 miles or Iowa Falls at about 35 miles for service work. The practical approach is to stage in Clarksville for the quiet county camping and the river, then make a supply or service run to Waverly when you need it. Stock up before you settle in, since the town itself keeps only the basics.
Can I park overnight at a dump station in Clarksville?
Not really. Clarksville has no specific overnight RV ordinance on the books, and the campground dump stations are tied to camping rather than overnight parking. Iowa rest areas allow up to 24 hours but prohibit camping. The cleanest plan is to dump during the day and book a site at Heery Woods or Shell Rock Recreation Area for the night, where the county enforces a two-week maximum stay and closes gates from about 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. If you have questions about parking in town, Clarksville City Hall is the place to ask before assuming anything.
When is the best time to visit Clarksville for RV travel?
Mid-June through early September is the prime window, and September is the real sweet spot, with highs in the 70s, low humidity, and the first hints of fall color. Summer is warm and green but brings the chance of thunderstorms and hail from June through August, so keep an eye on the sky. The campgrounds run seasonally, roughly May through October, so there is no real winter camping infrastructure here. Winters are cold and snowy with hard freezes, which closes the seasonal dump stations, so plan accordingly if you are passing through in the cold months.
Do I need to bring my own dumping equipment?
Yes, always carry your own gear. Bring a quality sewer hose, disposable gloves, and a clear elbow fitting so you can see when the tanks run clear, plus tank treatment for the rinse. Rural and county dump stations like the ones around Clarksville rarely supply anything beyond the sewer connection. It is also wise to carry a dedicated non-potable rinse hose separate from your drinking-water hose. Having a complete kit ready means you can dump quickly and cleanly at the county campgrounds or the free station, which matters most at courtesy facilities that do not provide supplies.
What is there to do around Clarksville?
More than you might expect for a small Iowa town. The Rolling Prairie Trail is a roughly 20-mile paved rail trail connecting Bristow, Allison, Clarksville, and Shell Rock, with a trailhead at Volunteer City Park, great for biking or walking off a travel day. Heery Woods State Park offers fishing, canoeing, and boating on the Shell Rock River, plus a nature center. The Shell Rock River itself has strong populations of smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish per recent DNR surveys, so it is worth wetting a line. It is a quiet, outdoorsy stop rather than a tourist hub.
Is there potable water for filling fresh tanks in Clarksville?
Fresh water is generally available at the campgrounds rather than at a standalone fill point in town. Heery Woods State Park and Shell Rock Recreation Area have water at their facilities for campers. The dump stations are for emptying tanks, so do not assume potable water is co-located, and never fill a fresh tank from a hose used to rinse a dump area. If you need to top off, do it at your campsite spigot and use a clearly marked drinking-water hose. Calling Butler County Conservation ahead can confirm where potable water is available if you are not camping.
Are there free dump stations in Clarksville?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Clarksville.
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