RV Dump Stations In Lander, Wyoming
42.8330° N, 108.7307° W
Quick Overview
Lander is a budget RVer's favorite, and the good news on tank service is that the town runs a free public dump station. The Lander Public Works RV dump station sits at the junction of US-287 and WY-789 near the McDonald's, off Buena Vista Drive, and it costs nothing to use in season, which is genuinely rare in RV country. Pair it with the free three-night camping at the Lander City Park and you can base here and service tanks without spending a cent. We track several station options in the area, and the free public station is the obvious first stop.
Beyond the city station, the private RV parks in town, including Mountain Range, Twin Pines, and Sleeping Bear, all have dump stations included with a stay and sometimes available to non-guests for a small fee. For filling fresh water, use a marked potable spigot at an RV park or the City Park rather than the dump station's utility water, and keep your sewer and fresh-water hoses separate as always. Lander is the last full-service town before the Wind River Range, so it is the natural place to handle everything at once.
Two things to plan around. First, the free station is seasonal: Lander winters are cold, with lows near 13 degrees, so the city dump and most private parks close once hard freezes arrive and reopen in spring. In the cold months you will need a year-round option and a rig treated for the cold. Second, facilities vanish in the mountains. The Wind River high country up the Loop Road is national forest with no-hookup campgrounds and no dump stations, so the routine that works is simple: dump and fill in Lander before you head up, and service again when you come back through. Below we cover the stations, propane, water, and seasonal hours in detail.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Lander
All Dump Stations Near Lander
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lander Public Works Department | 0.4 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Free |
| Lander Public Works Department | 0.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Twin Pines RV Park & Campground | 7.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Mountain View Campground | 8.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Buggy Bath Car Wash | 22.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Riverton Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant | 22.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Jim Moss Ranch and Arena | 25.0 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Owl Creek Kampground | 26.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Boysen State Park | 48.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
Lander Public Works Department
0.4 miLander Public Works Department
0.4 miTwin Pines RV Park & Campground
7.8 miMountain View Campground
8.4 miBuggy Bath Car Wash
22.2 miRiverton Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant
22.8 miJim Moss Ranch and Arena
25.0 miOwl Creek Kampground
26.6 miBoysen State Park
48.5 miTraveling to Lander by RV
Lander is easy to reach with an RV on US-287, the main highway through town, with full fuel and diesel and the free dump station right at the US-287 and WY-789 junction. Riverton and the nearest airport are 25 miles northeast, and Interstate 80 at Rawlins is about 125 miles south. From the south, WY-28 climbs over scenic South Pass at around 9,000 feet, a fine summer route but one that closes or turns snowy in winter. Because the dump station, fuel, and propane all sit along US-287, you can service tanks, refuel, and restock in one easy pass.
The rougher driving is in the mountains, not on the approach. The Loop Road climbing west into the Wind River Range is partly gravel and not suited to big rigs, and WY-131 up Sinks Canyon is narrow and steep in spots, so plan to base in town and explore the high country in a tow vehicle. There are no services up there, so handle your dump, fresh water, propane, diesel, and groceries in Lander before heading into the Winds. Strong high-altitude sun and cold nights are normal even in summer, so prepare your rig and yourself for the elevation.
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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 Lander, Wyoming, 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 Lander
Lander is about as cheap as RV tank service gets, thanks to the free public station. The Lander Public Works dump station costs nothing to use in season, a rare find that pairs naturally with the free three-night camping at the City Park. That combination lets budget travelers explore the Wind River Range while spending almost nothing on the basics of camping and tank service. The private RV parks include dumping with a stay and may take non-guests for a small fee, usually in the ten to twenty dollar range, if you call ahead.
The main thing to budget around is the seasonal closure. Because the free station and most private parks shut for the long, cold winter, your only off-season choice may be a year-round full-service stop that charges, so factor that in for cold-month travel. During the summer season, though, Lander is hard to beat: free dump, free or cheap camping, and reasonable private-park rates only when you want hookups. The economical pattern here is to lean entirely on the free and public options and reserve a paid site only on nights you genuinely need to plug in. Confirm seasonal hours by phone before counting on the city station.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Lander by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
13F - 34F
Crowds: Low
The free Lander Public Works dump station closes for the season once hard freezes arrive, as do most private parks. Lows near 13 degrees freeze exposed valves; rely on a year-round full-service option and treat your rig for cold if you travel through.
Spring
Mar - May
32F - 58F
Crowds: Low
The public station and private parks reopen as nights warm through spring. A quiet, easy time to service tanks, though carry a backup early since the city station can stay closed until the freeze risk passes.
Summer
Jun - Aug
50F - 84F
Crowds: High
Everything is open and the free dump station and City Park draw budget travelers. Lines can form at the free dump on busy July weekends; go early or late to skip the wait.
Fall
Sep - Oct
34F - 60F
Crowds: Low
Good, uncrowded conditions into October. Confirm the public station's closing date before relying on it late in the season, since it shuts down with the first hard freezes.
Explore the Lander Area
A few pointers for tank service in Lander. Make the free Lander Public Works station your go-to: it is right on US-287 at the WY-789 junction near McDonald's, costs nothing in season, and pairs perfectly with the free City Park camping. Remember to fill fresh drinking water at a marked potable spigot, not the dump's utility water. If you are traveling in the shoulder season, call ahead or check before relying on the city station, since it closes with the first hard freezes and most private parks close too.
Time your dumps for early or late in the day on busy July weekends, when the free station draws a line of budget travelers. Build your tank routine around the mountains: empty waste tanks and fill fresh water in Lander before heading up the Loop Road into the Wind River Range, since the forest campgrounds have no dump stations and only basic water. On the way back, hit the free station again. Top off propane at AmeriGas and fuel the diesel in town before you go, because the high country has no services. And be a clean, courteous user of the free station so the city keeps offering it.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Lander
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Lander, Wyoming?
Lander has one of the best deals around: the Lander Public Works RV dump station is free of charge, located at the junction of US-287 and WY-789 near McDonald's, off Buena Vista Drive. It is seasonal but a genuine no-cost option, rare in RV country. Beyond the city station, the private RV parks in town, including Mountain Range, Twin Pines, and Sleeping Bear, have dump stations that come with a stay and sometimes allow non-guests for a fee. With several stations tracked in the area, the free public station is the obvious first stop for most travelers passing through on the way to the Wind River Range.
Is the Lander dump station really free?
Yes. The Lander Public Works Department operates an RV dump station that is free of charge, which is unusual and a real perk for budget-minded RVers. You will find it at the junction of US-287 and WY-789 near the McDonald's, turning on Buena Vista Drive. It pairs perfectly with the free three-night camping at the Lander City Park, letting you base in town and service tanks without spending a dime. The catch is that it is seasonal and closes for the cold months, so confirm it is open if you are traveling in the shoulder season. Be a courteous user, leave it clean, so the city keeps offering this perk to travelers.
Is the Lander dump station open year-round?
No, it is seasonal. The free Lander Public Works dump station operates through the warm months and closes once hard freezes set in, generally from late fall into spring, because the water lines and valves would freeze in Lander's cold winters, when lows drop to around 13 degrees. If you are traveling through in the shoulder season or winter, call the city or check before relying on it, and have a backup such as a year-round private park with heated facilities. Most of the private RV parks in town also close for the season, so winter tank service in the Lander area takes some planning. Carry tank treatment for cold-weather trips.
Where can I refill propane near Lander?
Lander has propane available through AmeriGas in town, and some of the local RV parks offer propane fills as well. For additional options, Riverton is about 25 miles northeast with more services. Because Lander is the main supply town before you head into the Wind River Range, top off propane here rather than counting on finding it in the mountains, where there is essentially no service. In the colder months, call ahead, as some smaller refill points keep shorter winter hours. Carrying a spare tank is smart in this area, especially if you plan to dry camp at the free City Park, Sinks Canyon, or a forest campground without hookups, where propane runs your fridge and heat.
Can I get potable water when I dump near Lander?
Yes, though use the right source. The free public dump station has utility water for rinsing, but for filling your fresh drinking-water tank, use a marked potable spigot at one of the private RV parks or at the Lander City Park, which has water spigots for campers. Always keep your sewer hose and your fresh-water hose strictly separate and only draw drinking water from clearly potable sources. Lander is a full-service town, so topping off fresh water, propane, and groceries here before heading up into the Wind River Range is the smart routine, since the high country has no services. If a water source looks questionable, fill at your campground instead.
What highways lead into Lander for RVers?
Lander sits on US-287, the main artery, which runs through town with full fuel and diesel and connects northeast to Riverton and south toward Rawlins and Interstate 80, about 125 miles away. WY-789 joins US-287 near the dump station, and WY-28 climbs south over scenic South Pass toward Farson, a high route at around 9,000 feet that is beautiful in summer but closes or turns snowy in winter. These are RV-friendly highways without low-clearance worries. The rougher driving is up in the mountains on the gravel Loop Road, not on the approach, so getting into Lander with a big rig is straightforward from any direction in the warm months.
Are there dump stations in the Wind River Range near Lander?
Facilities thin out fast once you leave Lander. The Wind River high country up the Loop Road is national forest with no-hookup campgrounds like Fiddlers Lake that offer at most drinking water and vault toilets, not RV dump stations. Sinks Canyon State Park southwest of town has basic facilities but is not a full-service dump stop. So the practical routine is to dump and fill in Lander, at the free public station or your RV park, before heading up into the mountains, then service again on your way back through town. Do not count on finding a dump station in the backcountry; arrive in the Winds with empty waste tanks and full fresh water.
Is there overnight RV parking in Lander?
Yes, and it is unusually generous. The Lander City Park allows up to three nights of free overnight camping for RVs and tents, with water spigots and restrooms but no hookups, right in town along the river. That is a rare and welcome perk, perfect for a self-contained rig. Beyond the City Park, the private RV parks in town offer full-hookup overnight sites, and Sinks Canyon State Park and the forest campgrounds provide public options. So unlike many towns, Lander actively welcomes overnighting RVers. Just respect the three-night limit at the City Park, keep it clean and quiet, and come prepared to dry camp since there are no hookups there.
Can I find diesel and RV services in Lander?
Yes. Lander has full fuel and diesel along US-287, plus RV service and parts options in town, and Riverton, 25 miles northeast, adds more dealers and big-box supplies. This makes the Lander area the logical place to fuel up, handle any repairs, refill propane, dump and fill water, and stock groceries before heading into the Wind River Range, where services disappear. If you need a repair during the busy summer climbing and hiking season, build in a buffer day, since local shops can be busy. Lander is the last real supply town before the wilderness, so handle your big resupply here rather than expecting options up the Loop Road.
How many dump stations are near Lander?
We track several dump station options in and around the Lander area, anchored by the free Lander Public Works station at US-287 and WY-789 and supplemented by the private RV parks in town, most of which include a dump with a stay. Because the public station and many of the private parks are seasonal, the number actually open varies through the year and drops sharply in winter when freezes shut them down. The dependable, no-cost choice in season is the public station, with an RV park as backup. Always confirm a specific station is open and whether it allows non-guest dumping before making a special trip, especially outside the summer season.
Should I dump before or after visiting the Wind River Range?
Dump and fill in Lander before you head up into the mountains, and plan to service again on your way back through town. Since the Wind River forest campgrounds up the Loop Road have no dump stations and at most basic drinking water, the smart routine is to empty your waste tanks and fill fresh water at the free public station or your RV park, then go up ready to dry camp. When you come back down, the free station is right there off US-287 for another no-cost dump before you move on. This keeps you from hunting for scarce facilities in the high country, where there essentially are none, and lets you focus on the hiking and fishing.
Does Sinks Canyon State Park have an RV dump station?
Sinks Canyon State Park, six miles southwest of Lander on WY-131, has campsites with drinking water and vault toilets but is a basic campground rather than a full-service RV stop, so do not count on a dump station there. If you are camping at Sinks Canyon, plan to use the free Lander Public Works dump station or a private RV park in town to empty tanks before or after your stay. The canyon road is also narrow and steep in places, better suited to smaller rigs. Treat Sinks Canyon as a scenic dry-camping destination and handle your tank service down in Lander, which is only a short drive back into town.
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Lander, Wyoming?
Lander has one of the best deals around: the Lander Public Works RV dump station is free of charge, located at the junction of US-287 and WY-789 near McDonald's, off Buena Vista Drive. It is seasonal but a genuine no-cost option, rare in RV country. Beyond the city station, the private RV parks in town, including Mountain Range, Twin Pines, and Sleeping Bear, have dump stations that come with a stay and sometimes allow non-guests for a fee. With {{stationCount}} stations tracked in the area, the free public station is the obvious first stop for most travelers passing through on the way to the Wind River Range.
Is the Lander dump station really free?
Yes. The Lander Public Works Department operates an RV dump station that is free of charge, which is unusual and a real perk for budget-minded RVers. You will find it at the junction of US-287 and WY-789 near the McDonald's, turning on Buena Vista Drive. It pairs perfectly with the free three-night camping at the Lander City Park, letting you base in town and service tanks without spending a dime. The catch is that it is seasonal and closes for the cold months, so confirm it is open if you are traveling in the shoulder season. Be a courteous user, leave it clean, so the city keeps offering this perk to travelers.
Is the Lander dump station open year-round?
No, it is seasonal. The free Lander Public Works dump station operates through the warm months and closes once hard freezes set in, generally from late fall into spring, because the water lines and valves would freeze in Lander's cold winters, when lows drop to around 13 degrees. If you are traveling through in the shoulder season or winter, call the city or check before relying on it, and have a backup such as a year-round private park with heated facilities. Most of the private RV parks in town also close for the season, so winter tank service in the Lander area takes some planning. Carry tank treatment for cold-weather trips.
Where can I refill propane near Lander?
Lander has propane available through AmeriGas in town, and some of the local RV parks offer propane fills as well. For additional options, Riverton is about 25 miles northeast with more services. Because Lander is the main supply town before you head into the Wind River Range, top off propane here rather than counting on finding it in the mountains, where there is essentially no service. In the colder months, call ahead, as some smaller refill points keep shorter winter hours. Carrying a spare tank is smart in this area, especially if you plan to dry camp at the free City Park, Sinks Canyon, or a forest campground without hookups, where propane runs your fridge and heat.
Can I get potable water when I dump near Lander?
Yes, though use the right source. The free public dump station has utility water for rinsing, but for filling your fresh drinking-water tank, use a marked potable spigot at one of the private RV parks or at the Lander City Park, which has water spigots for campers. Always keep your sewer hose and your fresh-water hose strictly separate and only draw drinking water from clearly potable sources. Lander is a full-service town, so topping off fresh water, propane, and groceries here before heading up into the Wind River Range is the smart routine, since the high country has no services. If a water source looks questionable, fill at your campground instead.
What highways lead into Lander for RVers?
Lander sits on US-287, the main artery, which runs through town with full fuel and diesel and connects northeast to Riverton and south toward Rawlins and Interstate 80, about 125 miles away. WY-789 joins US-287 near the dump station, and WY-28 climbs south over scenic South Pass toward Farson, a high route at around 9,000 feet that is beautiful in summer but closes or turns snowy in winter. These are RV-friendly highways without low-clearance worries. The rougher driving is up in the mountains on the gravel Loop Road, not on the approach, so getting into Lander with a big rig is straightforward from any direction in the warm months.
Are there dump stations in the Wind River Range near Lander?
Facilities thin out fast once you leave Lander. The Wind River high country up the Loop Road is national forest with no-hookup campgrounds like Fiddlers Lake that offer at most drinking water and vault toilets, not RV dump stations. Sinks Canyon State Park southwest of town has basic facilities but is not a full-service dump stop. So the practical routine is to dump and fill in Lander, at the free public station or your RV park, before heading up into the mountains, then service again on your way back through town. Do not count on finding a dump station in the backcountry; arrive in the Winds with empty waste tanks and full fresh water.
Is there overnight RV parking in Lander?
Yes, and it is unusually generous. The Lander City Park allows up to three nights of free overnight camping for RVs and tents, with water spigots and restrooms but no hookups, right in town along the river. That is a rare and welcome perk, perfect for a self-contained rig. Beyond the City Park, the private RV parks in town offer full-hookup overnight sites, and Sinks Canyon State Park and the forest campgrounds provide public options. So unlike many towns, Lander actively welcomes overnighting RVers. Just respect the three-night limit at the City Park, keep it clean and quiet, and come prepared to dry camp since there are no hookups there.
Can I find diesel and RV services in Lander?
Yes. Lander has full fuel and diesel along US-287, plus RV service and parts options in town, and Riverton, 25 miles northeast, adds more dealers and big-box supplies. This makes the Lander area the logical place to fuel up, handle any repairs, refill propane, dump and fill water, and stock groceries before heading into the Wind River Range, where services disappear. If you need a repair during the busy summer climbing and hiking season, build in a buffer day, since local shops can be busy. Lander is the last real supply town before the wilderness, so handle your big resupply here rather than expecting options up the Loop Road.
How many dump stations are near Lander?
We track {{stationCount}} dump station options in and around the Lander area, anchored by the free Lander Public Works station at US-287 and WY-789 and supplemented by the private RV parks in town, most of which include a dump with a stay. Because the public station and many of the private parks are seasonal, the number actually open varies through the year and drops sharply in winter when freezes shut them down. The dependable, no-cost choice in season is the public station, with an RV park as backup. Always confirm a specific station is open and whether it allows non-guest dumping before making a special trip, especially outside the summer season.
Should I dump before or after visiting the Wind River Range?
Dump and fill in Lander before you head up into the mountains, and plan to service again on your way back through town. Since the Wind River forest campgrounds up the Loop Road have no dump stations and at most basic drinking water, the smart routine is to empty your waste tanks and fill fresh water at the free public station or your RV park, then go up ready to dry camp. When you come back down, the free station is right there off US-287 for another no-cost dump before you move on. This keeps you from hunting for scarce facilities in the high country, where there essentially are none, and lets you focus on the hiking and fishing.
Does Sinks Canyon State Park have an RV dump station?
Sinks Canyon State Park, six miles southwest of Lander on WY-131, has campsites with drinking water and vault toilets but is a basic campground rather than a full-service RV stop, so do not count on a dump station there. If you are camping at Sinks Canyon, plan to use the free Lander Public Works dump station or a private RV park in town to empty tanks before or after your stay. The canyon road is also narrow and steep in places, better suited to smaller rigs. Treat Sinks Canyon as a scenic dry-camping destination and handle your tank service down in Lander, which is only a short drive back into town.
What is the highest-rated dump station in Lander?
The highest-rated station is Lander Public Works Department with a rating of 4.6/5 stars.
Are there free dump stations in Lander?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Lander.
All Dump Stations Near Lander (9)
RV Dump StationsLander Public Works Department
RV Dump StationsLander Public Works Department
RV Dump StationsTwin Pines RV Park & Campground
RV Dump StationsMountain View Campground
RV Dump StationsJim Moss Ranch and Arena
RV Dump StationsBuggy Bath Car Wash
RV Dump StationsRiverton Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant
RV Dump Stations





