RV Dump Stations In Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
44.4279° N, 110.5885° W
Quick Overview
Yellowstone is one of the most important places in the country to understand RV dumping before you arrive, because hookups inside the park are almost nonexistent. Only one campground, Fishing Bridge RV Park, has full hookups; everywhere else you dry-camp and rely on dump stations. Our database lists several dump stations in and around the park, and a portion of them are free, so plan to dump at a campground rather than expecting a free roadside station. The right routine here is to arrive with full fresh water and empty tanks and then dump as you go.
The in-park dump stations sit at the major campgrounds: Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison, and Fishing Bridge. The dry campgrounds (Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison) have no hookups but do have dump stations and generally take rigs to about 40 feet. Fishing Bridge near Yellowstone Lake is the only full-hookup option, with 50/30-amp power, water, and sewer at the site, plus showers and laundry, but it is hard-sided RVs only because of active grizzlies, and it is the single hardest reservation to land in the park.
Because the interior is congested and services are limited, many RVers stage a full-hookup park in a gateway town like West Yellowstone or Cody for the nights they want power and showers, then dry-camp inside for proximity to the geysers and wildlife. Fill fuel and propane in the gateway towns before long interior loops. Staying a while? Our guide to RV parks in Yellowstone covers the campgrounds in detail.
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All Dump Stations Near Yellowstone National Park
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Mini Store RV Dump Station | 3.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Yellowstone National Park - Grant Village Campground | 3.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Yellowstone National Park - Bridge Bay Campground | 10.5 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Free |
| Fishing Bridge RV Park Lake | 14.3 mi | 4.3 | Dump Station | Free |
| Yellowstone National Park - Fishing Bridge RV Park | 14.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Yellowstone National Park - Madison Campground | 20.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park | 29.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Wagon Wheel Campground & Cabins | 30.3 mi | 3.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Madison Arm Resort Camp and Marina | 35.6 mi | 3.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| KOA - Yellowstone Park KOA Campground | 35.7 mi | 4.2 | Dump Station | Varies |
Grant Mini Store RV Dump Station
3.0 miYellowstone National Park - Grant Village Campground
3.1 miYellowstone National Park - Bridge Bay Campground
10.5 miFishing Bridge RV Park Lake
14.3 miYellowstone National Park - Fishing Bridge RV Park
14.4 miYellowstone National Park - Madison Campground
20.1 miYellowstone Grizzly RV Park
29.9 miWagon Wheel Campground & Cabins
30.3 miMadison Arm Resort Camp and Marina
35.6 miKOA - Yellowstone Park KOA Campground
35.7 miTraveling to Yellowstone National Park by RV
Yellowstone has five gates, fed from West Yellowstone and Gardiner in Montana, Cody in Wyoming, and the South entrance near Grand Teton, with Bozeman the nearest major airport. Main approaches are US-191, US-89, US-20, and US-14/16/20 from Cody to the East gate. Once inside, the interior roads are steep, narrow, and busy, especially in peak summer, so plan slow driving days. The Beartooth Highway, US-212 to the northeast, is spectacular but genuinely tough for big rigs.
Most in-park campgrounds cap rigs around 40 feet, with Fishing Bridge's upper loop taking the biggest rigs at 40 to 95 feet. Fuel is available at several in-park stations and in the gateway towns, but propane and full groceries are best handled in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cody before you enter, since in-park stores charge a premium and there is no real RV repair inside. Remember the season: roads and campgrounds open and close with the snow, roughly May into mid-October, and snow is possible any month at these elevations.
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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 Yellowstone National Park, 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 Yellowstone National Park
Dumping in Yellowstone is tied to camping rather than a cheap standalone fee. Of the several stations we track, a portion are free, so budget for a campground stay or park use to get service. The dry campgrounds with dump stations, like Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, and Madison, are mid-range and the value option if you are self-contained. Fishing Bridge, the only full-hookup park, is premium-priced because it is the one place inside with power, water, and sewer at the site, plus showers and laundry.
Gateway full-hookup parks in West Yellowstone and Cody add another cost tier but give you reliable power, showers, and a dump outside the park, which many RVers mix with cheaper dry-camp nights inside. Factor in premium in-park fuel and groceries too, which is why stocking up in the gateway towns saves money. Match the spend to your style: dry-camp with dump stations for value and proximity, or pay up for Fishing Bridge or a gateway park when you want full hookups.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Yellowstone National Park
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Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
9F - 28F
Crowds: Low
Most roads and campgrounds are closed and snowbound; RV camping is not viable, and access is by oversnow vehicle only in the interior.
Spring
Mar - May
30F - 52F
Crowds: Medium
Campgrounds and dump stations open on a staggered May schedule as snow clears; expect cold nights, mud, and possible late snow.
Summer
Jun - Aug
40F - 74F
Crowds: High
Peak season with the most campgrounds and dump stations open; reserve months ahead, especially Fishing Bridge, and expect busy interior roads.
Fall
Sep - Oct
28F - 55F
Crowds: Medium
Crisp days and great wildlife viewing before mid-October closures; service the rig and watch for early snow as campgrounds shut down.
Explore the Yellowstone National Park Area
The golden rule in Yellowstone is to plan around dry-camping. Only Fishing Bridge has hookups, so arrive with full fresh water and empty tanks, and use the dump stations at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, Grant Village, or Fishing Bridge as you move through the park. If you want power and showers, stage a full-hookup park in West Yellowstone or Cody for those nights and dry-camp inside for proximity to Old Faithful and the wildlife valleys.
Reserve early and seriously. Fishing Bridge full-hookup sites are the hardest to land in the park, so book the day your window opens, and remember it is hard-sided RVs only because grizzlies are active here, with all food and scented items kept locked inside. Top off fuel and propane in the gateway towns before long interior loops, since in-park options are limited and pricey. Drive the interior slowly, get to the Lamar and Hayden Valleys at dawn or dusk for the best bison, bear, and wolf viewing, and give yourself extra time for the congested, winding park roads.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Yellowstone National Park
Is there a free dump station in Yellowstone National Park?
No, there is no free standalone dump station in Yellowstone. Of the several stations we track in and around the park, a portion are free, so plan to dump at a campground rather than expecting a free roadside station. The dry campgrounds like Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, and Madison have dump stations tied to a campground stay or park use, and Fishing Bridge has full hookups at a premium price. Gateway towns like West Yellowstone and Cody also have full-hookup parks. The practical plan is to dry-camp, arrive with empty tanks, and dump at the in-park stations as you go.
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Yellowstone?
The in-park dump stations are at the major campgrounds: Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison, and Fishing Bridge. The dry campgrounds (Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison) have no hookups but do have dump stations and generally take rigs to about 40 feet. Fishing Bridge RV Park near Yellowstone Lake is the only full-hookup campground, where you dump at your own site. Because the park is huge and the stations are spread across it, plan your dumping around your route and which loop you are on rather than assuming you can dump anywhere in the park.
Does Yellowstone have full hookups for RVs?
Only at one campground. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the single place inside Yellowstone with full hookups, offering 50/30-amp electric, water, and sewer at the site, plus showers and laundry, at 7,800 feet near Yellowstone Lake. Every other campground in the park is dry camping with no hookups, though several have dump stations and potable water. Because of that, most RVers plan to dry-camp inside and either book Fishing Bridge well in advance or stage a full-hookup park in a gateway town for the nights they want power. Do not count on finding hookups elsewhere in the park.
How hard is it to get a Fishing Bridge RV Park reservation?
It is the hardest site to land in Yellowstone. Fishing Bridge is the only full-hookup RV park in the park, so demand far outstrips supply, especially for summer. The practical advice is to reserve the day your booking window opens through Yellowstone National Park Lodges and to have backup dates ready. If you cannot get Fishing Bridge, plan to dry-camp at the campgrounds with dump stations and stage a gateway full-hookup park in West Yellowstone or Cody for the nights you want power and showers. Booking early and being flexible on dates is the key to landing a spot.
Why are only hard-sided RVs allowed at Fishing Bridge?
Fishing Bridge sits in prime grizzly bear habitat near Yellowstone Lake, and the park requires hard-sided RVs only there for safety. Soft-sided units like pop-ups and tent trailers are not permitted because they offer little protection in active bear country. If you camp there, keep all food, coolers, and scented items locked inside your hard-sided rig and follow the park's bear-safety rules closely. This restriction is specific to Fishing Bridge because of its location; it is one more reason to plan ahead and know your rig type qualifies before you count on a reservation at this particular campground.
Can I dry-camp in Yellowstone and still dump tanks?
Yes, and that is what most RVers do. Since only Fishing Bridge has hookups, the standard approach is to dry-camp at campgrounds like Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, or Madison, all of which have RV dump stations even though the sites themselves have no hookups. Arrive with full fresh water and empty tanks, conserve water while you camp, and use the dump stations as you move between loops. Several campgrounds also have potable water to refill. This dry-camp-and-dump rhythm is the normal way to RV Yellowstone, so plan your water use around it rather than expecting hookups.
Should I stage at a gateway town for RV services?
Many RVers do, and it works well. Full-hookup parks in gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Montana, and Cody, Wyoming, give you reliable power, showers, a dump, fuel, propane, and full groceries outside the park. The common strategy is to mix gateway nights for comfort and resupply with cheaper dry-camp nights inside Yellowstone for proximity to the geysers and wildlife. Since in-park services are limited and pricey and there is no real RV repair inside, handling fuel, propane, and provisioning in the gateway towns before long interior loops saves money and hassle. Treat the gateways as your service base.
What size RV can I bring into Yellowstone campgrounds?
Most in-park campgrounds cap rigs at about 40 feet, so very large rigs have limited options. Fishing Bridge is the most big-rig friendly, with an upper loop that takes rigs from 40 up to 95 feet on paved sites, while its lower loop has shorter gravel back-ins. Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, and Madison generally accommodate rigs to around 40 feet. Beyond size, the interior roads are steep, narrow, and busy, so a large rig is slower and more stressful to maneuver in the park. If you run a big rig, Fishing Bridge or a gateway park is the more comfortable base.
When are Yellowstone campgrounds and dump stations open?
Yellowstone's camping season runs roughly May into mid-October, with campgrounds and their dump stations opening and closing on a staggered schedule as snow clears and returns. Fishing Bridge RV Park, for example, runs about May 8 to October 18 in 2026, while others open in mid to late May and close in September. Because dates vary by campground and shift year to year with the weather, check the National Park Service and Yellowstone National Park Lodges schedules before relying on a specific dump station, especially in the shoulder seasons. In winter, the interior is closed to RV camping and snowbound.
Where should I get fuel and propane for a Yellowstone trip?
Handle fuel and propane in the gateway towns before you commit to long interior loops. While there are several fuel stations inside the park, propane is limited and in-park prices run higher, so top off in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cody. Full groceries are also best bought in the gateway towns, since in-park general stores carry only basics at a premium. There is no real RV repair inside the park, so the gateway towns and Bozeman are where you find help if something breaks. Arriving fully fueled, provisioned, and serviced lets you focus on the park rather than chasing supplies.
How cold does Yellowstone get at night for RV campers?
Cold, even in summer. Most of Yellowstone sits between about 6,000 and 8,000 feet, so while summer days reach the 70s F, nights commonly drop into the 30s and 40s F, and snow is possible in any month. In spring and fall, hard freezes and snow are routine. Pack warm layers and a good cold-weather sleeping setup regardless of the season, and be mindful of overnight freezing if you are dry-camping with water in your tanks. The cold nights are part of the high-country experience, but they catch unprepared RVers off guard, so plan for genuine mountain weather.
What is the best plan for RV tank service across a Yellowstone visit?
Build your trip around dry-camping with strategic dumps. Enter with full fresh water and empty tanks, then dump at the in-park stations, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison, or Fishing Bridge, as you work through the park loops, refilling potable water where available. Use a gateway full-hookup park in West Yellowstone or Cody for nights when you want power, a long shower, and a thorough dump and refill. Book Fishing Bridge early if you want hookups inside. Top off fuel and propane in the gateways, drive the interior slowly, and you will have a smooth, well-serviced visit to the park.
Is there a free dump station in Yellowstone National Park?
No, there is no free standalone dump station in Yellowstone. Of the {{stationCount}} stations we track in and around the park, {{freePct}} are free, so plan to dump at a campground rather than expecting a free roadside station. The dry campgrounds like Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, and Madison have dump stations tied to a campground stay or park use, and Fishing Bridge has full hookups at a premium price. Gateway towns like West Yellowstone and Cody also have full-hookup parks. The practical plan is to dry-camp, arrive with empty tanks, and dump at the in-park stations as you go.
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Yellowstone?
The in-park dump stations are at the major campgrounds: Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison, and Fishing Bridge. The dry campgrounds (Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison) have no hookups but do have dump stations and generally take rigs to about 40 feet. Fishing Bridge RV Park near Yellowstone Lake is the only full-hookup campground, where you dump at your own site. Because the park is huge and the stations are spread across it, plan your dumping around your route and which loop you are on rather than assuming you can dump anywhere in the park.
Does Yellowstone have full hookups for RVs?
Only at one campground. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the single place inside Yellowstone with full hookups, offering 50/30-amp electric, water, and sewer at the site, plus showers and laundry, at 7,800 feet near Yellowstone Lake. Every other campground in the park is dry camping with no hookups, though several have dump stations and potable water. Because of that, most RVers plan to dry-camp inside and either book Fishing Bridge well in advance or stage a full-hookup park in a gateway town for the nights they want power. Do not count on finding hookups elsewhere in the park.
How hard is it to get a Fishing Bridge RV Park reservation?
It is the hardest site to land in Yellowstone. Fishing Bridge is the only full-hookup RV park in the park, so demand far outstrips supply, especially for summer. The practical advice is to reserve the day your booking window opens through Yellowstone National Park Lodges and to have backup dates ready. If you cannot get Fishing Bridge, plan to dry-camp at the campgrounds with dump stations and stage a gateway full-hookup park in West Yellowstone or Cody for the nights you want power and showers. Booking early and being flexible on dates is the key to landing a spot.
Why are only hard-sided RVs allowed at Fishing Bridge?
Fishing Bridge sits in prime grizzly bear habitat near Yellowstone Lake, and the park requires hard-sided RVs only there for safety. Soft-sided units like pop-ups and tent trailers are not permitted because they offer little protection in active bear country. If you camp there, keep all food, coolers, and scented items locked inside your hard-sided rig and follow the park's bear-safety rules closely. This restriction is specific to Fishing Bridge because of its location; it is one more reason to plan ahead and know your rig type qualifies before you count on a reservation at this particular campground.
Can I dry-camp in Yellowstone and still dump tanks?
Yes, and that is what most RVers do. Since only Fishing Bridge has hookups, the standard approach is to dry-camp at campgrounds like Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, or Madison, all of which have RV dump stations even though the sites themselves have no hookups. Arrive with full fresh water and empty tanks, conserve water while you camp, and use the dump stations as you move between loops. Several campgrounds also have potable water to refill. This dry-camp-and-dump rhythm is the normal way to RV Yellowstone, so plan your water use around it rather than expecting hookups.
Should I stage at a gateway town for RV services?
Many RVers do, and it works well. Full-hookup parks in gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Montana, and Cody, Wyoming, give you reliable power, showers, a dump, fuel, propane, and full groceries outside the park. The common strategy is to mix gateway nights for comfort and resupply with cheaper dry-camp nights inside Yellowstone for proximity to the geysers and wildlife. Since in-park services are limited and pricey and there is no real RV repair inside, handling fuel, propane, and provisioning in the gateway towns before long interior loops saves money and hassle. Treat the gateways as your service base.
What size RV can I bring into Yellowstone campgrounds?
Most in-park campgrounds cap rigs at about 40 feet, so very large rigs have limited options. Fishing Bridge is the most big-rig friendly, with an upper loop that takes rigs from 40 up to 95 feet on paved sites, while its lower loop has shorter gravel back-ins. Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, and Madison generally accommodate rigs to around 40 feet. Beyond size, the interior roads are steep, narrow, and busy, so a large rig is slower and more stressful to maneuver in the park. If you run a big rig, Fishing Bridge or a gateway park is the more comfortable base.
When are Yellowstone campgrounds and dump stations open?
Yellowstone's camping season runs roughly May into mid-October, with campgrounds and their dump stations opening and closing on a staggered schedule as snow clears and returns. Fishing Bridge RV Park, for example, runs about May 8 to October 18 in 2026, while others open in mid to late May and close in September. Because dates vary by campground and shift year to year with the weather, check the National Park Service and Yellowstone National Park Lodges schedules before relying on a specific dump station, especially in the shoulder seasons. In winter, the interior is closed to RV camping and snowbound.
Where should I get fuel and propane for a Yellowstone trip?
Handle fuel and propane in the gateway towns before you commit to long interior loops. While there are several fuel stations inside the park, propane is limited and in-park prices run higher, so top off in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cody. Full groceries are also best bought in the gateway towns, since in-park general stores carry only basics at a premium. There is no real RV repair inside the park, so the gateway towns and Bozeman are where you find help if something breaks. Arriving fully fueled, provisioned, and serviced lets you focus on the park rather than chasing supplies.
How cold does Yellowstone get at night for RV campers?
Cold, even in summer. Most of Yellowstone sits between about 6,000 and 8,000 feet, so while summer days reach the 70s F, nights commonly drop into the 30s and 40s F, and snow is possible in any month. In spring and fall, hard freezes and snow are routine. Pack warm layers and a good cold-weather sleeping setup regardless of the season, and be mindful of overnight freezing if you are dry-camping with water in your tanks. The cold nights are part of the high-country experience, but they catch unprepared RVers off guard, so plan for genuine mountain weather.
What is the best plan for RV tank service across a Yellowstone visit?
Build your trip around dry-camping with strategic dumps. Enter with full fresh water and empty tanks, then dump at the in-park stations, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, Madison, or Fishing Bridge, as you work through the park loops, refilling potable water where available. Use a gateway full-hookup park in West Yellowstone or Cody for nights when you want power, a long shower, and a thorough dump and refill. Book Fishing Bridge early if you want hookups inside. Top off fuel and propane in the gateways, drive the interior slowly, and you will have a smooth, well-serviced visit to the park.
Are there free dump stations in Yellowstone National Park?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Yellowstone National Park.
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