RV Dump Stations In Colfax, Washington
46.8802° N, 117.3644° W
Quick Overview
Colfax sits in the heart of the Palouse, the rolling wheat country of southeastern Washington, right on US Route 195 about 60 miles south of Spokane and 30 miles north of Pullman. It is the Whitman County seat and a practical waypoint for RVers touring the byways that thread through these hills. If you are chasing the classic Palouse landscape photos or working your way between Spokane and the college towns, Colfax is a natural stop to dump, restock, and stretch out. There are around several dump stations in and around the area, and Palouse pricing is among the friendliest in Washington, with several free or low-cost options for travelers passing through.
Your main dump-and-camp options here are the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds in town, which offers RV camping and a dump station that is free for registered campers or a small fee for dump-only use, and the Boyer Park and Marina Snake River KOA on Granite Road, a big-rig-friendly, full-hookup spot down on the Snake River that stays open year-round. The headline attraction is Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site, a 3,618-foot quartzite butte 12 miles north on US-195 that delivers 360-degree views over the wheat fields. Farther out, Palouse Falls thunders over basalt about 90 minutes west, spectacular during spring runoff. Summers here are short, warm, and dry, and winters are cold and snowy, so plan a late-spring-through-fall visit. Colfax itself is a small, easygoing farm town with a grocery, fuel, and propane, which makes it a comfortable place to slow down between the bigger stops at Spokane and Pullman. Check the Washington State Parks site for Discover Pass rules before you go.
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Gear for Your Trip to Colfax
All Dump Stations Near Colfax
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palouse Empire Fair | 0.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| City Sewage Plant | 13.0 mi | 5.0 | Dump Station | Free |
| Palouse RV Park | 13.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Palouse Wastewater Treatment Plant | 13.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| City of Pullman RV Park | 14.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| KOA - Boyer Park & Marina / Snake River KOA | 14.1 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Free |
| Boyer RV Park & Marina | 14.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Latah County Fairgounds | 21.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Scenic 6 Park Campground | 22.0 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Free |
| Arthur Johnson City Park | 28.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
Palouse Empire Fair
0.2 miCity Sewage Plant
13.0 miPalouse RV Park
13.5 miPalouse Wastewater Treatment Plant
13.6 miCity of Pullman RV Park
14.0 miKOA - Boyer Park & Marina / Snake River KOA
14.1 miBoyer RV Park & Marina
14.4 miLatah County Fairgounds
21.0 miScenic 6 Park Campground
22.0 miArthur Johnson City Park
28.5 miTraveling to Colfax by RV
Colfax has no interstate at its doorstep, but US Route 195 does the heavy lifting, running north-south straight through town and connecting Spokane about 60 miles north with Pullman about 30 miles south. From Spokane you can pick up I-90; from Pullman you reach Moscow, Idaho, and US-95. State Route 26 heads west from the Colfax area toward the Columbia Basin, and State Route 27 branches off toward the town of Palouse and Pullman. Together these form the Palouse Scenic Byway.
US-195 has rolling grades as it climbs and dips through the wheat hills, but it is fully RV-passable with no unusual restrictions. Fuel and diesel are available in Colfax, with more choices in Pullman if you are running low. During summer harvest, expect slow-moving combines and grain trucks on the rural highways, so leave extra following distance. For scenic-drive planning across the region, the Palouse Scenic Byway site maps the loops and pull-offs worth your time.
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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 Colfax, Washington, 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 Colfax
The Palouse is one of the more affordable corners of Washington for RVers. Dump-station access here typically runs free for registered campers or roughly $5 to $10 for dump-only use, with the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds among the cheapest options in town. Of the roughly several dump stations in the area, several are low-cost or free, which helps stretch your budget on the long US-195 corridor where services are spread out. Full-hookup camping at the Snake River KOA costs more but gives you power, water, and sewer down by the river. State park visits to Steptoe Butte and Palouse Falls require a Washington Discover Pass, which runs about $30 for the year or $10 for a day, so the annual pass pays off fast if you are touring the region. Fuel in Colfax is reasonable, though Pullman sometimes runs cheaper thanks to more competition.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Colfax by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
26F - 35F
Crowds: Low
Very cold and cloudy with about 23 inches of snow a year; February is snowiest. Watch for ice on US-195 and the byway roads. The Snake River KOA stays open.
Spring
Mar - May
40F - 58F
Crowds: Medium
Green rolling hills and roaring Palouse Falls during runoff. Cool, changeable weather; a great time for photography.
Summer
Jun - Aug
58F - 84F
Crowds: High
Short, warm, dry, and clear; prime touring season. Watch for slow farm equipment on the byways during wheat harvest.
Fall
Sep - Oct
40F - 62F
Crowds: Medium
Harvest season with clear skies and comfortable days; the Palouse Empire Fair draws crowds in early fall.
Explore the Colfax Area
Think of Colfax as your Palouse basecamp. The fairgrounds dump is cheap or free for campers, and the Snake River KOA at Boyer Park is your full-hookup fallback when you want power and a real shower. For propane, AmeriGas serves the Colfax area and there is a Clearwater Propane bottle-fill location in town, with more options 30 miles south in Pullman. Groceries are covered in town, but for a big supermarket run, Pullman and Moscow, Idaho are your best bets.
The whole reason to be here is the light on the wheat hills, so time Steptoe Butte for sunrise or sunset when the shadows rake across the Palouse. The drive up the butte is narrow and winding, so many RVers park a tow vehicle at the base or bring a smaller rig up. If you push west to Palouse Falls, go in spring when the runoff is roaring; by late summer the flow drops off. And keep your speed reasonable on the byway roads during harvest season, because farm equipment moves slow and turns off into fields without much warning. Bring a Discover Pass for the state parks.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Colfax
Are there RV dump stations in Colfax, Washington?
Yes. There are around several dump stations in and around Colfax, and the Palouse is one of the more affordable areas in Washington for dumping. The Palouse Empire Fairgrounds in town offers a dump station that is free for registered campers or a small fee, typically $5 to $7, for dump-only use. The Boyer Park and Marina Snake River KOA on Granite Road has full facilities and is free for its guests. Because services are spread out along US-195, we recommend dumping here when you have the chance rather than waiting for the next town.
Can I park my RV overnight in Colfax?
Colfax is a small farm town and the Whitman County seat, without a dedicated municipal overnight RV lot or a large travel plaza. Your best overnight options are the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds, which offers RV camping in town, and the Boyer Park and Marina Snake River KOA on Granite Road, which has full hookups and stays open year-round down on the Snake River. Both are practical bases for touring the Palouse. We recommend booking ahead during the early-fall fair and harvest season, when local sites see more demand from travelers and workers.
What highways run through Colfax?
US Route 195 is the main highway, running north-south straight through Colfax and connecting Spokane about 60 miles north with Pullman about 30 miles south. State Route 26 heads west from the area toward the Columbia Basin, and State Route 27 branches toward the town of Palouse. Together these make up the Palouse Scenic Byway. There is no interstate directly at Colfax, but I-90 is reachable near Spokane. US-195 has rolling grades through the wheat hills but is fully RV-passable with no unusual size or weight restrictions.
What is Steptoe Butte and can I drive an RV up it?
Steptoe Butte is a 3,618-foot quartzite butte 12 miles north of Colfax on US-195, preserved as a Washington State Parks heritage site. It rises like an island above the surrounding Palouse wheat fields and offers 360-degree panoramic views, making it one of the most photographed spots in the region. The paved road spirals up to the summit, but it is narrow and winding, so many RVers leave the big rig at the base and drive up in a tow vehicle. You will need a Washington Discover Pass for parking. Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best light.
What is the weather like for RVing in Colfax?
Colfax has a climate of short, warm, dry summers and very cold, snowy winters typical of the inland Palouse. August is the warmest month with highs around 84F, while January runs cold with highs near 35F and lows around 26F. The area gets about 23 inches of snow a year, with February the snowiest month, and summers are essentially snow-free. The best RVing window is late spring through early fall. Spring is prime for green hills and roaring Palouse Falls, while fall brings clear harvest skies and comfortable temperatures.
How do I get to Palouse Falls from Colfax?
Palouse Falls is worth the trip but it is not right next door. From Colfax it is about a 90-minute drive west and south, typically via State Route 26 and then SR-261. The falls drop roughly 200 feet over basalt cliffs and are Washington's official state waterfall. They are at their most dramatic during spring runoff in April and May, when snowmelt swells the Palouse River; by late summer the flow drops considerably. There is a state park at the falls with a viewing area, so bring your Discover Pass. Fuel up in Colfax before the drive, since services thin out west of town.
Are there propane services in Colfax?
Yes. AmeriGas serves the Colfax area for propane refills and tank exchange, and there is a Clearwater Propane bottle-fill location in town. If you need more options, Pullman about 30 miles south has additional propane suppliers including AmeriGas. Because the Palouse is rural and services are spread out along US-195, we recommend topping off propane in Colfax or Pullman before heading into the more remote stretches of the byway. As always with small-town suppliers, call ahead to confirm hours, since counters may keep limited or weekday-only schedules.
Where can I get fuel and groceries near Colfax?
Fuel and diesel are available in Colfax right on US Route 195, which is convenient since it is the main corridor. For more fuel choices and sometimes better prices, Pullman is about 30 miles south. Groceries are covered in Colfax for basics and resupply, but for a full supermarket run you will want to drop into Pullman or Moscow, Idaho, which sit close together just across the state line. We usually top off fuel and grab groceries whenever we pass through a service town in the Palouse, because the distances between full-service stops add up on the byway.
What is the Palouse Scenic Byway?
The Palouse Scenic Byway is a network of connected rural highways, including US-195, SR-27, and SR-26, that winds through the rolling wheat and lentil hills of southeastern Washington. Colfax sits right on the byway, making it a natural hub for exploring the loops. The drive is famous for its sculpted, almost surreal hills that change color through the seasons, from spring green to golden harvest tones. Pull-offs and viewpoints dot the route, and Steptoe Butte offers the highest vantage. Drive it slowly, especially during harvest when farm equipment shares the road, and give yourself time to stop for photos.
Is there boondocking or free camping near Colfax?
Free camping is limited around Colfax because the Palouse is overwhelmingly private farmland, so casual pull-off camping in the wheat country is not an option. Your realistic free or low-cost choices are the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds and some access areas down toward the Snake River, where primitive camping exists near the water. For anything reliable, we recommend sticking to established sites like the fairgrounds or the Snake River KOA. If you do find dispersed camping on public land near the river, come fully self-contained and pack out everything, and dump back in town before continuing.
When is the Palouse Empire Fair?
The Palouse Empire Fair is held at the fairgrounds in Colfax, typically in early September, and it is a genuine agricultural county fair that draws crowds from across the region. If you are traveling through during the fair, expect the fairgrounds RV camping to be busier and book ahead. Outside fair time, the fairgrounds are a quiet, affordable place to camp and dump. The fair is a good window into Palouse farm culture if your timing lines up, with livestock shows, a rodeo, and local food. Check the fairgrounds schedule before planning around it, since exact dates shift year to year.
What attractions are near Colfax for RVers?
The Palouse packs a lot of scenery into a compact area. Steptoe Butte State Park, 12 miles north, offers the region's best panoramic views. Kamiak Butte County Park, about 15 miles east, gives you a forested, hikeable contrast to the open wheat hills. The Palouse Scenic Byway itself is the main attraction, a network of gorgeous rural drives. Farther afield, Palouse Falls is a spectacular waterfall about 90 minutes west, and the college towns of Pullman and Moscow offer museums, dining, and events. For photographers, the whole area around Colfax is one big rolling canvas.
What is the best time of year to visit Colfax?
Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot for RVing in Colfax. Spring, roughly April into June, brings green hills and roaring Palouse Falls during snowmelt, ideal for photography. Summer is short, warm, and dry with clear skies, though you will share the byways with harvest equipment. Early fall offers golden landscapes, comfortable temperatures, and the Palouse Empire Fair. Winter, by contrast, is cold and snowy with about 23 inches a year and icy byway roads, so most RVers skip it, though the Snake River KOA stays open year-round if you do come in the off-season.
Are there RV dump stations in Colfax, Washington?
Yes. There are around {{stationCount}} dump stations in and around Colfax, and the Palouse is one of the more affordable areas in Washington for dumping. The Palouse Empire Fairgrounds in town offers a dump station that is free for registered campers or a small fee, typically $5 to $7, for dump-only use. The Boyer Park and Marina Snake River KOA on Granite Road has full facilities and is free for its guests. Because services are spread out along US-195, we recommend dumping here when you have the chance rather than waiting for the next town.
Can I park my RV overnight in Colfax?
Colfax is a small farm town and the Whitman County seat, without a dedicated municipal overnight RV lot or a large travel plaza. Your best overnight options are the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds, which offers RV camping in town, and the Boyer Park and Marina Snake River KOA on Granite Road, which has full hookups and stays open year-round down on the Snake River. Both are practical bases for touring the Palouse. We recommend booking ahead during the early-fall fair and harvest season, when local sites see more demand from travelers and workers.
What highways run through Colfax?
US Route 195 is the main highway, running north-south straight through Colfax and connecting Spokane about 60 miles north with Pullman about 30 miles south. State Route 26 heads west from the area toward the Columbia Basin, and State Route 27 branches toward the town of Palouse. Together these make up the Palouse Scenic Byway. There is no interstate directly at Colfax, but I-90 is reachable near Spokane. US-195 has rolling grades through the wheat hills but is fully RV-passable with no unusual size or weight restrictions.
What is Steptoe Butte and can I drive an RV up it?
Steptoe Butte is a 3,618-foot quartzite butte 12 miles north of Colfax on US-195, preserved as a Washington State Parks heritage site. It rises like an island above the surrounding Palouse wheat fields and offers 360-degree panoramic views, making it one of the most photographed spots in the region. The paved road spirals up to the summit, but it is narrow and winding, so many RVers leave the big rig at the base and drive up in a tow vehicle. You will need a Washington Discover Pass for parking. Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best light.
What is the weather like for RVing in Colfax?
Colfax has a climate of short, warm, dry summers and very cold, snowy winters typical of the inland Palouse. August is the warmest month with highs around 84F, while January runs cold with highs near 35F and lows around 26F. The area gets about 23 inches of snow a year, with February the snowiest month, and summers are essentially snow-free. The best RVing window is late spring through early fall. Spring is prime for green hills and roaring Palouse Falls, while fall brings clear harvest skies and comfortable temperatures.
How do I get to Palouse Falls from Colfax?
Palouse Falls is worth the trip but it is not right next door. From Colfax it is about a 90-minute drive west and south, typically via State Route 26 and then SR-261. The falls drop roughly 200 feet over basalt cliffs and are Washington's official state waterfall. They are at their most dramatic during spring runoff in April and May, when snowmelt swells the Palouse River; by late summer the flow drops considerably. There is a state park at the falls with a viewing area, so bring your Discover Pass. Fuel up in Colfax before the drive, since services thin out west of town.
Are there propane services in Colfax?
Yes. AmeriGas serves the Colfax area for propane refills and tank exchange, and there is a Clearwater Propane bottle-fill location in town. If you need more options, Pullman about 30 miles south has additional propane suppliers including AmeriGas. Because the Palouse is rural and services are spread out along US-195, we recommend topping off propane in Colfax or Pullman before heading into the more remote stretches of the byway. As always with small-town suppliers, call ahead to confirm hours, since counters may keep limited or weekday-only schedules.
Where can I get fuel and groceries near Colfax?
Fuel and diesel are available in Colfax right on US Route 195, which is convenient since it is the main corridor. For more fuel choices and sometimes better prices, Pullman is about 30 miles south. Groceries are covered in Colfax for basics and resupply, but for a full supermarket run you will want to drop into Pullman or Moscow, Idaho, which sit close together just across the state line. We usually top off fuel and grab groceries whenever we pass through a service town in the Palouse, because the distances between full-service stops add up on the byway.
What is the Palouse Scenic Byway?
The Palouse Scenic Byway is a network of connected rural highways, including US-195, SR-27, and SR-26, that winds through the rolling wheat and lentil hills of southeastern Washington. Colfax sits right on the byway, making it a natural hub for exploring the loops. The drive is famous for its sculpted, almost surreal hills that change color through the seasons, from spring green to golden harvest tones. Pull-offs and viewpoints dot the route, and Steptoe Butte offers the highest vantage. Drive it slowly, especially during harvest when farm equipment shares the road, and give yourself time to stop for photos.
Is there boondocking or free camping near Colfax?
Free camping is limited around Colfax because the Palouse is overwhelmingly private farmland, so casual pull-off camping in the wheat country is not an option. Your realistic free or low-cost choices are the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds and some access areas down toward the Snake River, where primitive camping exists near the water. For anything reliable, we recommend sticking to established sites like the fairgrounds or the Snake River KOA. If you do find dispersed camping on public land near the river, come fully self-contained and pack out everything, and dump back in town before continuing.
When is the Palouse Empire Fair?
The Palouse Empire Fair is held at the fairgrounds in Colfax, typically in early September, and it is a genuine agricultural county fair that draws crowds from across the region. If you are traveling through during the fair, expect the fairgrounds RV camping to be busier and book ahead. Outside fair time, the fairgrounds are a quiet, affordable place to camp and dump. The fair is a good window into Palouse farm culture if your timing lines up, with livestock shows, a rodeo, and local food. Check the fairgrounds schedule before planning around it, since exact dates shift year to year.
What attractions are near Colfax for RVers?
The Palouse packs a lot of scenery into a compact area. Steptoe Butte State Park, 12 miles north, offers the region's best panoramic views. Kamiak Butte County Park, about 15 miles east, gives you a forested, hikeable contrast to the open wheat hills. The Palouse Scenic Byway itself is the main attraction, a network of gorgeous rural drives. Farther afield, Palouse Falls is a spectacular waterfall about 90 minutes west, and the college towns of Pullman and Moscow offer museums, dining, and events. For photographers, the whole area around Colfax is one big rolling canvas.
What is the best time of year to visit Colfax?
Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot for RVing in Colfax. Spring, roughly April into June, brings green hills and roaring Palouse Falls during snowmelt, ideal for photography. Summer is short, warm, and dry with clear skies, though you will share the byways with harvest equipment. Early fall offers golden landscapes, comfortable temperatures, and the Palouse Empire Fair. Winter, by contrast, is cold and snowy with about 23 inches a year and icy byway roads, so most RVers skip it, though the Snake River KOA stays open year-round if you do come in the off-season.
Are there free dump stations in Colfax?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Colfax.
All Dump Stations Near Colfax (35)
RV Dump StationsPalouse Empire Fair
RV Dump StationsKOA - Boyer Park & Marina / Snake River KOA
RV Dump StationsBoyer RV Park & Marina
RV Dump StationsCity Sewage Plant
RV Dump StationsCity of Pullman RV Park
RV Dump StationsPalouse RV Park
RV Dump StationsPalouse Wastewater Treatment Plant
RV Dump Stations





