When you’re navigating the busy, often-congested corridors of the Puget Sound region, efficiency is the name of the game. Maneuvering a large RV through the traffic south of Seattle can be a challenge, and the last thing you want to do is waste time zigzagging across town for basic services. That’s why a spot like CHS Northwest in Auburn is such a critical pin to have on your map. It’s not a scenic campground or a resort park; it’s a working fuel co-op, and it’s one of the most practical, no-nonsense places to handle your rig’s essential needs in King County.
Let’s set the scene. Auburn is nestled in the Green River Valley, about thirty miles from the heart of Seattle, with those iconic views of Mount Rainier looming in the distance on a clear day. It’s a hub for a lot of activity, from the horse races at Emerald Downs to the massive outlet mall that draws shoppers from all over. It’s a crossroads, sitting right where major routes like I-5 and SR-167 converge, making it a natural stopping point for RVers heading toward the Cascades, the Olympic Peninsula, or just trying to bypass Tacoma’s traffic snarls. In an urban area like this, finding a dump station that is both accessible and affordable can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
This is where CHS Northwest comes in. It’s primarily a propane supplier and a 24-hour fueling station, catering to local farms and commercial trucks. For us RVers, that translates into a one-stop-shop for utilities. You can empty your tanks, fill up on diesel, and get your propane cylinders topped off all in one go. The ten-dollar fee for dumping is more than fair for this area; I’ve seen municipal stations closer to Seattle charge significantly more for fewer services. The sheer convenience of getting everything done at once saves you time, fuel, and a whole lot of stress.
Now, because this isn’t a traditional campground, the experience is a bit different. You’re not pulling into a leafy park; you’re pulling into a working industrial yard. During business hours, which are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, you’ll head into the office to check in and pay the fee. The staff are professional and used to dealing with all sorts of vehicles, but they’re also busy, so it helps to be self-sufficient. After hours, the dump station is still accessible, but you’ll likely be using a kiosk for payment, so have a credit card handy.
The dump station itself is located in the back, a simple concrete pad situated near the massive bulk propane tanks. This is a place where you need to be aware of your surroundings. Watch your clearances, especially if you have a tall fifth-wheel or a Class A. The ground is level, the access is straightforward, but you’ll be sharing the space with grain trucks and other commercial rigs. Patience is key. Everyone is there to get a job done, so just follow the flow, be courteous, and you’ll have no problems. It’s a good idea to use your wheel chocks here; it’s just part of the professional vibe of the place.
The most important thing to know about this spot, and this is a big one, is that there is no water available for rinsing your hose or filling your fresh tank. This is a non-negotiable part of your planning. You absolutely must bring your own water. I travel with a dedicated five-gallon collapsible container just for this purpose. It’s enough to give the sewer hose a thorough rinse and clean up the area when I’m done. You’ll also want to have your own gloves and any other sanitation supplies ready to go. Similarly, there are no public restrooms, trash cans, or laundry facilities. This is purely a utilitarian stop. Plan to take your bathroom breaks and dispose of your trash at a rest area down the road.
While it lacks those creature comforts, it does have a few perks. The 24-hour fuel pumps are a massive advantage, especially if you’re trying to beat traffic by traveling at odd hours. And because it's a co-op, the on-site shop has a few useful items like diesel exhaust fluid, filters, and other minor hardware that might just save the day if you need a quick fix.
A couple of tips for a smooth visit: try to arrive before the late afternoon rush, especially on a weekday, if you need to speak with someone in the office. The yard gets busy toward the end of the business day. Make sure to follow the posted signs for traffic flow to avoid getting in the way of the big trucks. And this is a strict no-pets-outside-the-rig zone. It’s an active industrial yard, so for their safety, your furry companions need to stay inside your RV.
So, what’s the final word on CHS Northwest Auburn? It’s not a destination, but it’s an incredibly valuable tool for any RVer passing through the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. If you’re looking for a place to have a picnic and let the kids run around, this isn’t it. But if you need to efficiently and affordably refuel, restock propane, and empty your tanks in a single, well-located stop, it is absolutely one of the best options around. Prepare for the lack of water, and you’ll appreciate this place for exactly what it is: a perfect pit stop on your way to grander adventures.
238 8th St SE, Auburn, WA 98002
(253) 833-7220
Cost: $10
Category: Propane supplier
No Water
chsnw.com/energy