RV Dump Stations In Camden, Tennessee
36.0590° N, 88.0978° W
Quick Overview
Camden is a small Benton County town on US-70 in West Tennessee, sitting just east of the Tennessee River where it widens into Kentucky Lake. For RVers, it is a practical stop between Jackson and Nashville with lake access, a handful of real services, and a dependable place to empty your tanks. We count roughly several dump options in the wider area, and the anchor is Birdsong Resort, Marina & Campground on the Kentucky Lake shoreline.
Birdsong is the one we send friends to. It sits at 255 Marina Road, about 9 miles north of I-40, on a 58-acre family-run spread that has been going since 1961. There are more than 50 RV pads, most of them concrete with a few pull-throughs, all wired for 20, 30, and 50 amp service with water and some full sewer, plus a dump station, pool, and marina. If you only need to empty tanks, call ahead about a dump-only fee. The nearby Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park normally offers camping and dump facilities about 8 miles out near Eva, but its Happy Hollow and Lakefront campgrounds are closed for structural renovation and are not expected to reopen until early 2027. The trails, Pilot Knob, and the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center stay open for day use in the meantime.
One thing to plan around: the Camden Walmart Supercenter on Highway 641 N posts no-overnight-parking signs, so it is not a place to sleep or dump. Empty gray and black tanks only at a designated station, never at a boat ramp or along the lake, since Kentucky Lake is a serious fishing resource and dumping anywhere else is both illegal and a quick way to earn a fine. Roll in on US-70 from Jackson and Huntingdon or come up US-641 from the interstate, fill fuel and propane in town, and settle in. Spring through fall is the sweet spot here, with the lake at its liveliest in summer and the quietest, most comfortable camping in September and October before the wet, cold winter sets in.
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All Dump Stations Near Camden
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Bedford Forrest Historic Area | 6.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Birdsong Resort, Marina and Lakeside RV and Tent Campgrounds | 7.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| KOA - Buffalo / I-40 / Exit 143 KOA | 21.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Buchanan Resort | 24.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| KOA - Paris Landing / Kentucky Lake KOA | 24.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Paris Landing State Park | 26.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Natchez Trace Resort Park & Forest | 27.5 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Free |
| USDA Forest Service - Piney Campground | 29.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| South Welcome Station at Land Between the Lakes | 33.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Wildcat Creek Recreation Area | 38.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Nathan Bedford Forrest Historic Area
6.8 miBirdsong Resort, Marina and Lakeside RV and Tent Campgrounds
7.0 miKOA - Buffalo / I-40 / Exit 143 KOA
21.1 miBuchanan Resort
24.5 miKOA - Paris Landing / Kentucky Lake KOA
24.6 miParis Landing State Park
26.3 miNatchez Trace Resort Park & Forest
27.5 miUSDA Forest Service - Piney Campground
29.8 miSouth Welcome Station at Land Between the Lakes
33.4 miWildcat Creek Recreation Area
38.3 miTraveling to Camden by RV
Camden sits on US-70, the main east-west route through Benton County, which runs in from Jackson and Huntingdon before crossing the Tennessee River just east of town. US-641 is the north-south connector and links Camden down to Interstate 40, roughly 15 miles south, while TN-69 feeds in from the region as well. These are wide, well-maintained state highways used daily by trucks, and the US-70 stretch from the Camden Bypass to the river has been widened to five lanes, so a 40-foot rig tows through comfortably with no notable low bridges or weight limits.
The town is an easy resupply. Top off diesel or gas at stations along US-70 and US-641, including the Walmart fuel center on Highway 641 N, refill propane at local dealers and farm co-ops, and stock groceries at the Walmart Supercenter. Fill fresh water and propane here before heading into the quieter river country to the north, where services thin out. For trail and day-use details at the state park, check the official Tennessee State Parks page, and remember its campgrounds stay closed until early 2027.
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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 Camden, 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 Camden
Camden is an easy stop on the wallet. A full-hookup lakeside site at Birdsong Resort lands in the usual private-park range, and because a full-hookup pad includes sewer, dumping is bundled into your nightly rate rather than billed on top. If you are only passing through and need to empty tanks without staying the night, call ahead to ask about a dump-only fee, which most private parks keep modest for travelers just topping off.
Once the Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park campgrounds reopen in early 2027, their nightly rates will run lower than the private resort, though you trade some convenience for a more rustic lakeside setup. Between reasonable site rates, affordable fuel along US-70 and US-641, and free or low-cost attractions like the Patsy Cline Memorial and the state park trails, a couple of days around Camden costs a fraction of what the same stay runs in a lakefront resort town. The freshwater pearl farm tour is an inexpensive extra worth the stop.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Camden by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
31F - 45F
Crowds: Low
Cold and wet along the Tennessee River with hard freezes. Lake traffic all but stops, so winterize your tanks and watch for icy hookups and ramps if you dump in freezing temps.
Spring
Mar - May
50F - 69F
Crowds: Medium
Mild and green as Kentucky Lake wakes up. Fishing picks up and strong West Tennessee storms roll through, but sites and dump stations are easy to grab midweek.
Summer
Jun - Aug
69F - 89F
Crowds: High
Hot, muggy peak season on the lake. Weekends fill with anglers and boaters, so reserve hookups and a dump station ahead and expect afternoon thunderstorms.
Fall
Sep - Oct
48F - 70F
Crowds: Low
The quiet sweet spot. September and October bring settled weather, cooler nights, thinning crowds, and easy walk-in availability before the first hard freeze.
Explore the Camden Area
A few things we would tell a friend heading to Camden. First, do not count on the Walmart for an overnight; it posts no-parking signs, so book a real site with a dump station instead of gambling on the retail lot. Second, with the state park campgrounds closed through 2027, Birdsong Resort is your dependable dump-and-hookup stop, so make it your plan rather than a backup.
Third, Kentucky Lake is a genuine fishing destination, so summer weekends book up fast; reserve a full-hookup site early if you are coming June through August. Fourth, treat Camden as your resupply point, filling fuel, fresh water, and propane in town before you head north into quieter river country where the gaps between services stretch out. Finally, do not dump anywhere but a designated station. Boat ramps and the shoreline are off limits, and with the lake this important to the local economy, a careless dump can bring a stiff fine and a lot of ill will.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Camden
Where can I dump my RV tanks near Camden, TN?
The most reliable place to empty your gray and black tanks around Camden is Birdsong Resort, Marina & Campground at 255 Marina Road, which has a dump station on site along with full hookups on most of its 50-plus pads. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park normally offers dump facilities too, but its Happy Hollow and Lakefront campgrounds are closed for structural renovation and are not expected to reopen until early 2027. With roughly several dump options in the wider area, the safest plan is to dump at Birdsong when you pass through, since the town itself does not run a free public station.
Does the Camden Walmart allow overnight RV parking?
No. The Camden Walmart Supercenter at 2200 Highway 641 N posts no-overnight-parking signs, so it is not a place to sleep or to dump tanks. Some travelers assume any Walmart is fair game, but this one clearly opts out, and dumping anywhere other than a designated station is both illegal and a good way to earn a fine. The better move is to book a lakeside site at Birdsong Resort, which gives you a level pad, hookups, and a proper dump station for a modest nightly rate rather than risking a knock on the door at the retail lot.
What highways lead into Camden for an RV?
Camden sits on US-70, the main east-west route through Benton County, which runs from Jackson and Huntingdon before crossing the Tennessee River just east of town. US-641 is the main north-south connector and links Camden down to Interstate 40, which lies roughly 15 miles south. These are wide, well-maintained state highways used daily by trucks, and the Benton County stretch of US-70 from the Camden Bypass to the river has been widened to five lanes. There are no notable low bridges or weight limits on the main routes, so a 40-foot rig tows through comfortably.
Are the state park campgrounds near Camden open?
Not right now. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, about 8 miles from Camden near Eva, normally runs the Happy Hollow campground with water and electric hookups plus a primitive Lakefront campground, but both are closed for structural renovation. The park expects them to reopen in early 2027. The good news is that the day-use areas, hiking trails, Pilot Knob, and the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center all remain open, so it is still worth a visit. For camping and dumping in the meantime, plan on Birdsong Resort, which stays open year-round on Kentucky Lake.
How much does it cost to camp and dump near Camden?
Camden is an affordable stop by RV standards. A full-hookup lakeside site at Birdsong Resort runs in the typical private-park range, and because a full-hookup pad includes sewer, dumping is bundled into your nightly rate rather than charged separately. If you are only passing through and need to empty tanks without staying, call ahead to ask about a dump-only fee, which most private parks keep modest. Once the state park campgrounds reopen in 2027, their nightly rates will be lower still, though you trade some convenience for a more rustic setup along the lake.
Is there RV camping on Kentucky Lake near Camden?
Yes. Birdsong Resort, Marina & Campground is the anchor, sitting on a 58-acre spread along Kentucky Lake at 255 Marina Road, about 9 miles north of I-40. It has more than 50 RV pads, most of them concrete with a few pull-throughs, all wired for 20, 30, and 50 amp service with water and some full sewer, plus a dump station, pool, marina, and free Wi-Fi. Kentucky Lake is the largest man-made lake in the United States by surface area, so you get real waterfront camping and some of the best crappie and bass fishing in West Tennessee right outside your door.
When is the best time of year to visit Camden in an RV?
Spring through fall is the window. April and May green up the lake country and start the fishing season, summer brings hot, muggy days that are peak season for boaters and anglers on Kentucky Lake, and September into October is arguably the best stretch with settled weather, cooler nights, and thinning crowds. Summers are humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and the region averages around 47 inches of rain a year, so pack for wet spells. Winters are cold and damp with hard freezes, so if you come off-season, winterize your tanks and watch for icy hookups.
What services can I find in Camden for my RV?
Camden is a small regional hub, so the basics are covered. You can refill propane bottles at local dealers and farm co-ops, top off diesel or gas at stations along US-70 and US-641 including the Walmart fuel center on Highway 641 N, and stock up at the Walmart Supercenter and local grocers in town. Basic auto and truck repair is available locally, though for serious RV-specific service the larger shops are toward Jackson. Fill your fresh water and propane here before heading into the quieter river country to the north, where services thin out between towns.
Can I dump tanks at a boat ramp or on Kentucky Lake?
No, and this matters. Emptying gray or black tanks anywhere other than a designated dump station is illegal and harmful to the lake, and boat ramps and shoreline areas are never legal dump points. Kentucky Lake is a major fishing and recreation resource, and waste discharge fouls the water and can bring stiff fines. Always use a proper station like the one at Birdsong Resort, which is set up to handle RV waste safely. If your tanks are getting full and no station is open, plan your route to hit Birdsong rather than improvising, because the convenience is not worth the risk.
What is there to do around Camden besides camp?
Plenty for a one or two day stay. The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm and Museum at Birdsong Resort is the only freshwater pearl farm in the country, with tours and jewelry sold at the source. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers Pilot Knob, the highest point in West Tennessee, with panoramic river views and the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center. The Patsy Cline Memorial, 2.8 miles north on Mt. Carmel Road, marks the 1963 plane crash that killed the country legend and several others. And Kentucky Lake itself draws anglers from all over for crappie and bass.
How far is Camden from Interstate 40?
Camden sits roughly 15 miles north of Interstate 40, reached by taking US-641 north from the highway. Birdsong Resort, on the Kentucky Lake side, is about 9 miles north of I-40, which makes it an easy detour if you are running the interstate between Jackson and Nashville and want a lakeside overnight with hookups and a dump station. US-70 also parallels I-40 across this part of Tennessee and runs straight through Camden, so you have a couple of comfortable approaches depending on which direction you are coming from. Either way the roads are truck-friendly and simple to tow.
Are the roads around Camden big-rig friendly?
Generally yes. US-70 and US-641 are wide, well-maintained state highways used daily by commercial trucks, and the Benton County stretch of US-70 from the Camden Bypass to the Tennessee River has been widened to five lanes, which eases the pinch points near the river crossing. There are no notable low bridges or posted weight limits on the main routes, so a 40-foot motorhome or a long fifth-wheel combo tows through without drama. The road down to Birdsong off the highways is straightforward as well. As always, take the marina and shoreline approach roads slowly and watch for tight turns near the water.
Do I need reservations to camp near Camden?
It depends on timing. For most of spring and fall you can often roll into Birdsong Resort and find an open pad, but Kentucky Lake is a fishing and boating destination, so summer weekends and holidays fill fast and reservations are strongly recommended. Because the Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park campgrounds are closed for renovation until early 2027, Birdsong carries most of the local demand, which tightens availability further during peak season. Call ahead or book online for any June through August weekend, and you will have a much easier time securing a full-hookup site with a dump station.
Where can I dump my RV tanks near Camden, TN?
The most reliable place to empty your gray and black tanks around Camden is Birdsong Resort, Marina & Campground at 255 Marina Road, which has a dump station on site along with full hookups on most of its 50-plus pads. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park normally offers dump facilities too, but its Happy Hollow and Lakefront campgrounds are closed for structural renovation and are not expected to reopen until early 2027. With roughly {{stationCount}} dump options in the wider area, the safest plan is to dump at Birdsong when you pass through, since the town itself does not run a free public station.
Does the Camden Walmart allow overnight RV parking?
No. The Camden Walmart Supercenter at 2200 Highway 641 N posts no-overnight-parking signs, so it is not a place to sleep or to dump tanks. Some travelers assume any Walmart is fair game, but this one clearly opts out, and dumping anywhere other than a designated station is both illegal and a good way to earn a fine. The better move is to book a lakeside site at Birdsong Resort, which gives you a level pad, hookups, and a proper dump station for a modest nightly rate rather than risking a knock on the door at the retail lot.
What highways lead into Camden for an RV?
Camden sits on US-70, the main east-west route through Benton County, which runs from Jackson and Huntingdon before crossing the Tennessee River just east of town. US-641 is the main north-south connector and links Camden down to Interstate 40, which lies roughly 15 miles south. These are wide, well-maintained state highways used daily by trucks, and the Benton County stretch of US-70 from the Camden Bypass to the river has been widened to five lanes. There are no notable low bridges or weight limits on the main routes, so a 40-foot rig tows through comfortably.
Are the state park campgrounds near Camden open?
Not right now. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, about 8 miles from Camden near Eva, normally runs the Happy Hollow campground with water and electric hookups plus a primitive Lakefront campground, but both are closed for structural renovation. The park expects them to reopen in early 2027. The good news is that the day-use areas, hiking trails, Pilot Knob, and the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center all remain open, so it is still worth a visit. For camping and dumping in the meantime, plan on Birdsong Resort, which stays open year-round on Kentucky Lake.
How much does it cost to camp and dump near Camden?
Camden is an affordable stop by RV standards. A full-hookup lakeside site at Birdsong Resort runs in the typical private-park range, and because a full-hookup pad includes sewer, dumping is bundled into your nightly rate rather than charged separately. If you are only passing through and need to empty tanks without staying, call ahead to ask about a dump-only fee, which most private parks keep modest. Once the state park campgrounds reopen in 2027, their nightly rates will be lower still, though you trade some convenience for a more rustic setup along the lake.
Is there RV camping on Kentucky Lake near Camden?
Yes. Birdsong Resort, Marina & Campground is the anchor, sitting on a 58-acre spread along Kentucky Lake at 255 Marina Road, about 9 miles north of I-40. It has more than 50 RV pads, most of them concrete with a few pull-throughs, all wired for 20, 30, and 50 amp service with water and some full sewer, plus a dump station, pool, marina, and free Wi-Fi. Kentucky Lake is the largest man-made lake in the United States by surface area, so you get real waterfront camping and some of the best crappie and bass fishing in West Tennessee right outside your door.
When is the best time of year to visit Camden in an RV?
Spring through fall is the window. April and May green up the lake country and start the fishing season, summer brings hot, muggy days that are peak season for boaters and anglers on Kentucky Lake, and September into October is arguably the best stretch with settled weather, cooler nights, and thinning crowds. Summers are humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and the region averages around 47 inches of rain a year, so pack for wet spells. Winters are cold and damp with hard freezes, so if you come off-season, winterize your tanks and watch for icy hookups.
What services can I find in Camden for my RV?
Camden is a small regional hub, so the basics are covered. You can refill propane bottles at local dealers and farm co-ops, top off diesel or gas at stations along US-70 and US-641 including the Walmart fuel center on Highway 641 N, and stock up at the Walmart Supercenter and local grocers in town. Basic auto and truck repair is available locally, though for serious RV-specific service the larger shops are toward Jackson. Fill your fresh water and propane here before heading into the quieter river country to the north, where services thin out between towns.
Can I dump tanks at a boat ramp or on Kentucky Lake?
No, and this matters. Emptying gray or black tanks anywhere other than a designated dump station is illegal and harmful to the lake, and boat ramps and shoreline areas are never legal dump points. Kentucky Lake is a major fishing and recreation resource, and waste discharge fouls the water and can bring stiff fines. Always use a proper station like the one at Birdsong Resort, which is set up to handle RV waste safely. If your tanks are getting full and no station is open, plan your route to hit Birdsong rather than improvising, because the convenience is not worth the risk.
What is there to do around Camden besides camp?
Plenty for a one or two day stay. The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm and Museum at Birdsong Resort is the only freshwater pearl farm in the country, with tours and jewelry sold at the source. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers Pilot Knob, the highest point in West Tennessee, with panoramic river views and the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center. The Patsy Cline Memorial, 2.8 miles north on Mt. Carmel Road, marks the 1963 plane crash that killed the country legend and several others. And Kentucky Lake itself draws anglers from all over for crappie and bass.
How far is Camden from Interstate 40?
Camden sits roughly 15 miles north of Interstate 40, reached by taking US-641 north from the highway. Birdsong Resort, on the Kentucky Lake side, is about 9 miles north of I-40, which makes it an easy detour if you are running the interstate between Jackson and Nashville and want a lakeside overnight with hookups and a dump station. US-70 also parallels I-40 across this part of Tennessee and runs straight through Camden, so you have a couple of comfortable approaches depending on which direction you are coming from. Either way the roads are truck-friendly and simple to tow.
Are the roads around Camden big-rig friendly?
Generally yes. US-70 and US-641 are wide, well-maintained state highways used daily by commercial trucks, and the Benton County stretch of US-70 from the Camden Bypass to the Tennessee River has been widened to five lanes, which eases the pinch points near the river crossing. There are no notable low bridges or posted weight limits on the main routes, so a 40-foot motorhome or a long fifth-wheel combo tows through without drama. The road down to Birdsong off the highways is straightforward as well. As always, take the marina and shoreline approach roads slowly and watch for tight turns near the water.
Do I need reservations to camp near Camden?
It depends on timing. For most of spring and fall you can often roll into Birdsong Resort and find an open pad, but Kentucky Lake is a fishing and boating destination, so summer weekends and holidays fill fast and reservations are strongly recommended. Because the Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park campgrounds are closed for renovation until early 2027, Birdsong carries most of the local demand, which tightens availability further during peak season. Call ahead or book online for any June through August weekend, and you will have a much easier time securing a full-hookup site with a dump station.
Are there free dump stations in Camden?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Camden.
All Dump Stations Near Camden (20)
RV Dump StationsBirdsong Resort, Marina and Lakeside RV and Tent Campgrounds
RV Dump StationsNathan Bedford Forrest Historic Area
RV Dump StationsKOA - Buffalo / I-40 / Exit 143 KOA
RV Dump StationsBuchanan Resort
RV Dump StationsKOA - Paris Landing / Kentucky Lake KOA
RV Dump StationsParis Landing State Park
RV Dump StationsNatchez Trace Resort Park & Forest
RV Dump Stations





