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RV Dump Stations In Bumpus Mills, Tennessee

36.6048° N, 87.8375° W

Quick Overview

Bumpus Mills is a tiny, wooded community in Stewart County, Tennessee, tucked along the upstream arm of Lake Barkley next to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. RVers come here for the fishing, the boating, and the quiet, and the good news for tank chores is that the local Corps of Engineers campground has a dump station. Our directory lists several dump options in the area, and the anchor is the campground right in town, with more choices a short drive away.

The main stop is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bumpus Mills Campground at 764 Forest Trail, on the shore of Lake Barkley. It has 15 sites with water and 30/50 amp electric but no sewer at the sites, so you camp on water and electric and use the central dump station on your way out, alongside hot showers and a boat ramp. Fees run about $24 to $26, and you can check dates and reserve through recreation.gov. One important catch: it is seasonal, open roughly May to early September, and the narrow, tree-lined access roads mean rigs over 30 feet should stay away and base in Dover instead.

Because the Corps campground is small and seasonal, plan around it. In the warm months, dump on your way out of a stay here and pair it with fishing on Lake Barkley or a day in Land Between the Lakes, with its elk and bison prairie and living-history farm. Outside the season, or if you are running a big rig, shift dumping and fresh water to a year-round LBL campground or an RV park near Dover, about 10 miles away on US-79. Fuel, groceries, and propane are easiest in Dover, with full services in Clarksville near I-24. Come in spring or early fall for the best mix of weather, fishing, and easy dump access, and you will find Bumpus Mills one of the more peaceful lakeside stops in the region.

4.5 ★Avg Rating
112Reviews

Traveling to Bumpus Mills by RV

Bumpus Mills sits in rural Stewart County near the upstream end of Lake Barkley. The main paved route is TN-120, reached from US-79 near Dover; from Nashville the common approach is US-79 south about 20 miles to TN-120, then roughly 10 miles into Bumpus Mills. There is no interstate in the county, with I-24 near Clarksville about 40 miles east. The one real caution is the final access to the Corps campground: the roads are narrow and tree-lined, and reviewers recommend that rigs over 30 feet avoid them.

If you are running something large, base in Dover, where the roads and services are far easier and RV parks and Land Between the Lakes campgrounds offer wider access and year-round dumping. Fill fresh water and fuel in Dover before the last stretch of narrow road, since Bumpus Mills itself has very limited services. You can check the Corps campground season, sites, and dump availability at recreation.gov before you commit to the drive in.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Bumpus Mills, Tennessee, 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 Bumpus Mills

Dumping around Bumpus Mills costs a modest fee, since there is no free municipal station in this rural lake country. At the Corps of Engineers Bumpus Mills Campground, camping runs about $24 to $26 a night with the dump station included for guests; non-guest dump policies at Corps sites vary, so ask first. Land Between the Lakes campgrounds and Dover-area RV parks generally charge a small fee, often $10 to $20, to dump if you are not staying overnight.

The clear way to save is to dump on a day you are already paying for a site, which effectively makes the dump free and buys you lake access and showers on top. If your tanks can wait and you are heading out, the I-24 corridor near Clarksville about 40 miles east has more parks and travel plazas with possible dumps. But for the convenience of a quiet lakeside stop in season, the small campground fee here is easy to justify. Carry a little cash and confirm seasonal hours before you go.

Free: 3 stations (50%)
Paid: 3 stations (50%)

Contact station for pricing details.

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

What RVers Are Saying About Bumpus Mills

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Best Time to Visit Bumpus Mills by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

30F - 48F

Crowds: Low

Mild but with regular overnight freezes, and Bumpus Mills Campground is closed. For a winter dump, use a year-round LBL campground or a Dover-area park, and time a lake visit for the bald and golden eagles that gather here in the cold months.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

46F - 68F

Crowds: Medium

The campground reopens around May with prime crappie and bass fishing. Comfortable days, no freeze worries, and the dump station and fresh-water fills run full service once the season starts.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

68F - 90F

Crowds: High

Peak lake season, hot and humid with busy weekends. Dump early or late to skip the heat, rinse the black tank well, and reserve the small 15-site Corps campground well ahead since it fills fast.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

46F - 72F

Crowds: Low

Crisp and quiet as summer crowds fade, but the Corps campground closes around early September, so confirm dates. Once it closes, shift dumping to LBL or Dover for the rest of the season.

Explore the Bumpus Mills Area

A few things we would tell a friend heading to Bumpus Mills to dump. First, the Corps campground has a dump station but no sewer at the sites, and it is only open about May to early September, so plan any dump around that window and use LBL or Dover the rest of the year. Second, mind your rig size: the access roads are narrow and tree-lined, and anything over 30 feet should stage in Dover and day-trip the lake instead.

Third, fill fresh water and fuel in Dover before the last stretch of road, because services in Bumpus Mills are minimal. Fourth, if you visit in winter for the outstanding bald and golden eagle watching, remember the campground is closed and route your dumping to a year-round site. Finally, reserve the small 15-site campground well ahead in summer, and do not pass a known dump with tanks over two-thirds full, since options out here are spread apart.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Bumpus Mills

Where can I dump my RV tanks in Bumpus Mills, TN?

The main dump option right in Bumpus Mills is the Corps of Engineers Bumpus Mills Campground at 764 Forest Trail on the upstream arm of Lake Barkley. It has a dump station serving its 15 water-and-electric sites, along with hot showers and a boat ramp. Keep in mind it is a seasonal campground, open roughly May to early September, so it is not an option in the colder months. When it is closed or full, the Land Between the Lakes campgrounds nearby and the RV parks around Dover, about 10 miles away, give you year-round dump access. Call ahead to confirm non-guest dumping and current fees.

Does Bumpus Mills Campground have a dump station?

Yes. The Corps of Engineers Bumpus Mills Campground has a dump station, though the 15 individual sites offer water and 30/50 amp electric with no sewer hookups. So you camp on water and electric and use the central dump station on your way out. The campground also has hot showers, a boat ramp, and access to a nearby public marina, with fees around $24 to $26. It is open only from about the beginning of May to the beginning of September, so plan any dump around that window. Reservations can be made up to six months ahead, which is smart given it only has 15 sites.

Are there free dump stations near Bumpus Mills?

Not that we can verify, and we would rather tell you straight. The reliable dumps here are paid: the Corps campground at Bumpus Mills and the developed campgrounds in Land Between the Lakes, plus RV parks near Dover. This is a rural lake area without free municipal dump stations. If a free stop matters for your budget, you will more likely find one along the I-24 corridor near Clarksville, about 40 miles east, where travel plazas and larger parks cluster. Otherwise, budget a small fee for a campground dump and, ideally, dump on a day you are already paying for a site.

Can I get fresh water for my RV in Bumpus Mills?

Yes, when the Corps campground is open. Bumpus Mills Campground has potable water at its sites, so you can fill your fresh tank while you dump. Because the campground closes for winter and the surrounding community is tiny, it is smart to top off fresh water and fuel in Dover, about 10 miles away on US-79, before you head down the last stretch of narrow road. Carry a good drinking-water hose and an inline filter as usual. In the off-season, get your water and dumping handled at a year-round LBL campground or a Dover-area RV park rather than counting on the seasonal Corps site.

What highways lead into Bumpus Mills for an RV?

Bumpus Mills sits in rural Stewart County near the upstream end of Lake Barkley. The main paved route is TN-120, reached from US-79 near Dover; the common approach from Nashville is US-79 south about 20 miles to TN-120, then roughly 10 miles to Bumpus Mills. There is no interstate in the county, with I-24 near Clarksville about 40 miles east. The important caution is the final access: the roads to the Corps campground are narrow and tree-lined, and reviewers recommend that rigs over 30 feet avoid them. Larger rigs should base in Dover, where the roads and services are much easier to manage.

Can big rigs reach the dump station at Bumpus Mills?

This is the one real catch here. Bumpus Mills Campground is small and secluded, and the access roads are narrow with low tree branches and tight turns. Reviewers specifically recommend that rigs over 30 feet avoid them, so a big coach or long fifth wheel is not a good fit for the final approach. If you are running something large, the smarter play is to dump and camp at a Dover-area RV park or a bigger Land Between the Lakes campground with wider roads, then day-trip to the lake here. Smaller rigs, vans, and trailers under about 30 feet handle the Bumpus Mills roads and dump station fine.

How much does it cost to dump near Bumpus Mills?

At the Corps campground, camping runs about $24 to $26 a night, and the dump station is included for guests. Non-guest dump policies at Corps sites vary, so ask before you rely on it. Land Between the Lakes campgrounds and Dover-area RV parks generally charge a modest fee to dump if you are not staying, often in the $10 to $20 range. As always, the cheapest route is to dump on a day you are already paying for a site. Because Bumpus Mills is seasonal and small, budget a little cash and confirm hours and fees ahead, especially outside the May-to-September window.

When is the best time to travel and dump in Bumpus Mills?

The practical window is late spring through early fall, because the Corps campground and its dump station are only open from about the beginning of May to the beginning of September. Spring brings green woods and prime crappie and bass fishing, while early fall is crisp and quiet before the campground closes. Summer is peak season, hot and humid and busy, so reserve the small 15-site campground well ahead and dump early or late in the day. In winter the campground is closed, so shift dumping to a year-round LBL campground or a Dover-area park, and enjoy the excellent eagle watching on the lake.

Is the Bumpus Mills dump station open in winter?

No. Bumpus Mills Campground, along with its dump station, is normally open only from about the beginning of May to the beginning of September, so it is closed through the colder months. If you visit Lake Barkley in winter, which is a wonderful time for bald and golden eagle watching, plan to dump and refill fresh water at a year-round campground in Land Between the Lakes or at an RV park near Dover instead. Always confirm current seasonal dates before you travel, since Corps of Engineers open and close schedules can shift a bit year to year based on staffing and conditions.

What RV services can I find near Bumpus Mills?

Bumpus Mills itself is a tiny community with very limited services, so plan around Dover and Clarksville. Dover, about 10 miles away on US-79, has fuel, basic groceries, and propane, plus it sits near Fort Donelson National Battlefield. Clarksville, roughly 40 miles east near I-24, is the regional hub with full supermarkets, broader propane availability, and the nearest RV-specific repair. Treat Bumpus Mills as a quiet lake-and-camp base, top off fuel and fresh water in Dover before the last narrow stretch, and handle any real service needs in Clarksville. That keeps a stay here relaxed without getting caught short on supplies.

Are there attractions worth a stop while I dump near Bumpus Mills?

Very much so. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area sits right next door, a huge peninsula between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake with hiking, an elk and bison prairie, the Homeplace living-history farm, and a planetarium. Lake Barkley itself is superb for bass and crappie fishing and boating, and it draws bald and golden eagles in winter. Near Dover, Fort Donelson National Battlefield preserves a key Civil War site along the Cumberland River. Pairing a dump at the Corps campground with a day in LBL or an eagle-watching outing turns a routine tank chore into a genuine outdoors trip in northern Middle Tennessee.

Should I dump in Bumpus Mills or wait for Dover?

It depends on your rig and the season. If you are camping at Bumpus Mills Campground during its May-to-September season and running a rig under about 30 feet, dump on site before you leave since it is included and convenient. If you have a big rig, or you are traveling outside the campground season, head to Dover about 10 miles away, where RV parks, services, and easier roads make dumping simpler year-round. Our rule of thumb is never to pass a known good dump with tanks over two-thirds full, so if the Corps campground is open and suits your rig, take care of it there rather than banking on the next stop.

Can I dump at Land Between the Lakes campgrounds?

Yes, several campgrounds in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area have dump stations, and they make a reliable alternative when Bumpus Mills is full or closed for the season. LBL spans the peninsula between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake with a mix of developed campgrounds that have dumps and hookups and more primitive areas that do not. Because it is a large recreation area, check the specific campground you are heading to for a dump station and current fees before you arrive. For big rigs especially, the developed LBL campgrounds offer wider roads and easier access than the narrow lanes into Bumpus Mills.

Where can I dump my RV tanks in Bumpus Mills, TN?

The main dump option right in Bumpus Mills is the Corps of Engineers Bumpus Mills Campground at 764 Forest Trail on the upstream arm of Lake Barkley. It has a dump station serving its 15 water-and-electric sites, along with hot showers and a boat ramp. Keep in mind it is a seasonal campground, open roughly May to early September, so it is not an option in the colder months. When it is closed or full, the Land Between the Lakes campgrounds nearby and the RV parks around Dover, about 10 miles away, give you year-round dump access. Call ahead to confirm non-guest dumping and current fees.

Does Bumpus Mills Campground have a dump station?

Yes. The Corps of Engineers Bumpus Mills Campground has a dump station, though the 15 individual sites offer water and 30/50 amp electric with no sewer hookups. So you camp on water and electric and use the central dump station on your way out. The campground also has hot showers, a boat ramp, and access to a nearby public marina, with fees around $24 to $26. It is open only from about the beginning of May to the beginning of September, so plan any dump around that window. Reservations can be made up to six months ahead, which is smart given it only has 15 sites.

Are there free dump stations near Bumpus Mills?

Not that we can verify, and we would rather tell you straight. The reliable dumps here are paid: the Corps campground at Bumpus Mills and the developed campgrounds in Land Between the Lakes, plus RV parks near Dover. This is a rural lake area without free municipal dump stations. If a free stop matters for your budget, you will more likely find one along the I-24 corridor near Clarksville, about 40 miles east, where travel plazas and larger parks cluster. Otherwise, budget a small fee for a campground dump and, ideally, dump on a day you are already paying for a site.

Can I get fresh water for my RV in Bumpus Mills?

Yes, when the Corps campground is open. Bumpus Mills Campground has potable water at its sites, so you can fill your fresh tank while you dump. Because the campground closes for winter and the surrounding community is tiny, it is smart to top off fresh water and fuel in Dover, about 10 miles away on US-79, before you head down the last stretch of narrow road. Carry a good drinking-water hose and an inline filter as usual. In the off-season, get your water and dumping handled at a year-round LBL campground or a Dover-area RV park rather than counting on the seasonal Corps site.

What highways lead into Bumpus Mills for an RV?

Bumpus Mills sits in rural Stewart County near the upstream end of Lake Barkley. The main paved route is TN-120, reached from US-79 near Dover; the common approach from Nashville is US-79 south about 20 miles to TN-120, then roughly 10 miles to Bumpus Mills. There is no interstate in the county, with I-24 near Clarksville about 40 miles east. The important caution is the final access: the roads to the Corps campground are narrow and tree-lined, and reviewers recommend that rigs over 30 feet avoid them. Larger rigs should base in Dover, where the roads and services are much easier to manage.

Can big rigs reach the dump station at Bumpus Mills?

This is the one real catch here. Bumpus Mills Campground is small and secluded, and the access roads are narrow with low tree branches and tight turns. Reviewers specifically recommend that rigs over 30 feet avoid them, so a big coach or long fifth wheel is not a good fit for the final approach. If you are running something large, the smarter play is to dump and camp at a Dover-area RV park or a bigger Land Between the Lakes campground with wider roads, then day-trip to the lake here. Smaller rigs, vans, and trailers under about 30 feet handle the Bumpus Mills roads and dump station fine.

How much does it cost to dump near Bumpus Mills?

At the Corps campground, camping runs about $24 to $26 a night, and the dump station is included for guests. Non-guest dump policies at Corps sites vary, so ask before you rely on it. Land Between the Lakes campgrounds and Dover-area RV parks generally charge a modest fee to dump if you are not staying, often in the $10 to $20 range. As always, the cheapest route is to dump on a day you are already paying for a site. Because Bumpus Mills is seasonal and small, budget a little cash and confirm hours and fees ahead, especially outside the May-to-September window.

When is the best time to travel and dump in Bumpus Mills?

The practical window is late spring through early fall, because the Corps campground and its dump station are only open from about the beginning of May to the beginning of September. Spring brings green woods and prime crappie and bass fishing, while early fall is crisp and quiet before the campground closes. Summer is peak season, hot and humid and busy, so reserve the small 15-site campground well ahead and dump early or late in the day. In winter the campground is closed, so shift dumping to a year-round LBL campground or a Dover-area park, and enjoy the excellent eagle watching on the lake.

Is the Bumpus Mills dump station open in winter?

No. Bumpus Mills Campground, along with its dump station, is normally open only from about the beginning of May to the beginning of September, so it is closed through the colder months. If you visit Lake Barkley in winter, which is a wonderful time for bald and golden eagle watching, plan to dump and refill fresh water at a year-round campground in Land Between the Lakes or at an RV park near Dover instead. Always confirm current seasonal dates before you travel, since Corps of Engineers open and close schedules can shift a bit year to year based on staffing and conditions.

What RV services can I find near Bumpus Mills?

Bumpus Mills itself is a tiny community with very limited services, so plan around Dover and Clarksville. Dover, about 10 miles away on US-79, has fuel, basic groceries, and propane, plus it sits near Fort Donelson National Battlefield. Clarksville, roughly 40 miles east near I-24, is the regional hub with full supermarkets, broader propane availability, and the nearest RV-specific repair. Treat Bumpus Mills as a quiet lake-and-camp base, top off fuel and fresh water in Dover before the last narrow stretch, and handle any real service needs in Clarksville. That keeps a stay here relaxed without getting caught short on supplies.

Are there attractions worth a stop while I dump near Bumpus Mills?

Very much so. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area sits right next door, a huge peninsula between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake with hiking, an elk and bison prairie, the Homeplace living-history farm, and a planetarium. Lake Barkley itself is superb for bass and crappie fishing and boating, and it draws bald and golden eagles in winter. Near Dover, Fort Donelson National Battlefield preserves a key Civil War site along the Cumberland River. Pairing a dump at the Corps campground with a day in LBL or an eagle-watching outing turns a routine tank chore into a genuine outdoors trip in northern Middle Tennessee.

Should I dump in Bumpus Mills or wait for Dover?

It depends on your rig and the season. If you are camping at Bumpus Mills Campground during its May-to-September season and running a rig under about 30 feet, dump on site before you leave since it is included and convenient. If you have a big rig, or you are traveling outside the campground season, head to Dover about 10 miles away, where RV parks, services, and easier roads make dumping simpler year-round. Our rule of thumb is never to pass a known good dump with tanks over two-thirds full, so if the Corps campground is open and suits your rig, take care of it there rather than banking on the next stop.

Can I dump at Land Between the Lakes campgrounds?

Yes, several campgrounds in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area have dump stations, and they make a reliable alternative when Bumpus Mills is full or closed for the season. LBL spans the peninsula between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake with a mix of developed campgrounds that have dumps and hookups and more primitive areas that do not. Because it is a large recreation area, check the specific campground you are heading to for a dump station and current fees before you arrive. For big rigs especially, the developed LBL campgrounds offer wider roads and easier access than the narrow lanes into Bumpus Mills.

What is the highest-rated dump station in Bumpus Mills?

The highest-rated station is Bumpus Mills Campground with a rating of 4.4/5 stars.

Are there free dump stations in Bumpus Mills?

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