Every now and then on the road, you find a spot that feels like a secret handshake, a place that isn’t on all the big apps and isn’t designed for the masses. It’s the kind of place you hear about from another RVer at a potluck or read about on a deep forum thread. Art’s RV Sites in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is exactly that kind of place. It’s not a resort, it’s not a bustling campground, and it’s certainly not a truck stop. It’s a small, privately owned collection of sixteen pads tucked away on a quiet residential street, and for the right kind of RVer, it’s a perfect solution.
Let’s be clear from the get go, this isn't the spot you pull into if you’re looking for a pool, a playground, or a camp store stocked with s'mores ingredients. This is a utilitarian stop for the self sufficient traveler who values quiet and privacy over amenities. The primary function of Art's is to provide long term spots for folks staying in the Fayetteville area, but the owner is known to be accommodating to travelers who just need to pull in for a quick dump and water fill, as long as there’s an open spot and you’ve called ahead to make arrangements.
Finding it is part of the adventure. Your GPS will get you to Windermere Drive, but from there, you need to rely on your eyes. It’s a tree lined residential street, and you’ll want to drive slowly and respectfully. The park itself is a simple gravel lot, shaded by mature trees. There’s no big sign, no grand entrance, just a neat and tidy layout of RV pads. The experience is entirely different from a commercial facility. There’s no office or kiosk to check into. The entire process is handled over the phone with the owner. You call, explain what you need, and if he has space, he’ll give you instructions. Payment is usually handled with cash or an electronic transfer. It’s a system built on trust and mutual respect.
The dump station itself isn’t a dedicated lane but rather a shared sewer riser, likely located at an empty pad. The owner will guide you, telling you which spot to back into. This is key, you’ll likely need to be comfortable with backing your rig into a site. The ground is gravel, so it’s stable, but you’ll want to be mindful of the other rigs, many of which belong to permanent or long term residents. This is their home, so courtesy is paramount. Drive slowly, keep the noise down, and operate efficiently.
The trade off for this quiet, private experience is a lack of services. There are no public restrooms, no showers, and no trash dumpsters for you to use. You must be fully self contained and prepared to pack out everything you bring in. This is a deal breaker for some, but for seasoned boondockers or full timers who are used to being self reliant, it’s a non issue. The water hookups provide good municipal water, which is great for a fresh tank fill. However, there’s a very important and unusual rule here: no pets are allowed. This is likely to maintain peace and quiet for the long term residents, and it’s a rule that must be respected. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, you’ll need to find another solution.
The value proposition of a place like Art's is not in its amenities, but in its simplicity and tranquility. You get to avoid the noise, the lines, and the sometimes chaotic environment of larger, more public dump stations. The cost is unpublished and likely determined on a case by case basis, but past visitors have reported it to be very reasonable. Sometimes, the owner might prefer you rent a site for an hour or so, giving you ample time to handle your business without feeling rushed.
Fayetteville itself has a lot to offer, making this a strategic location. It’s home to Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, and the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum is a truly fascinating visit. If you’re visiting family stationed at the base, Art’s could be an incredibly convenient, low profile place to service your rig. For outdoor lovers, the Cape Fear River Trail and the Cape Fear Botanical Garden offer beautiful green spaces to explore.
Here are my essential tips for using a place like Art's RV Sites. First and foremost, you absolutely must call ahead. Do not just show up. This is private property, and permission is required. Schedule your arrival during normal business hours when you can easily communicate with the owner. Second, be prepared to back in and bring your own leveling blocks, as some spots may have a slight slope. Third, respect the no pet policy without exception. Finally, embrace the quiet. This is a chance to get a necessary chore done without the usual hustle and bustle.
So, who is Art’s for? It’s for the veteran RVer who knows their rig, values their privacy, and doesn’t need any hand holding. It’s for the traveler who prefers a quiet residential street to a roaring interstate. If you’re self contained, pet free, and comfortable with a more personal, less commercial transaction, Art’s RV Sites is one of those little secrets of the road that you’ll be glad you discovered. It’s a simple, no fuss solution in the heart of Fayetteville.