Wintering in Arizona is a rite of passage for many RVers, but anyone who’s spent time in popular snowbird destinations like Lake Havasu City knows that convenience often comes with a hefty price tag. Finding a place to park your rig, let alone a spot to handle essential maintenance like dumping your tanks, can be a competitive and expensive endeavor. That’s why discovering a place like J Bird Outdoor Storage is like finding a secret handshake among fellow travelers. It’s primarily a storage facility, but it’s one that understands the needs of the RV community, offering an on-site dump station that serves both its long-term tenants and short-term visitors passing through.
Lake Havasu City is a magnet for a reason. The stark beauty of the desert landscape crashing into the brilliant blue of the Colorado River is something you have to see to believe. And of course, there’s the famous London Bridge, meticulously moved from England and reconstructed here piece by piece. It’s more than just a quirky landmark; it’s the heart of a town that revolves around water. With sixty miles of navigable waterways, this place is a paradise for boaters, paddlers, and anyone who loves to be on or near the water. Just a five-minute drive from a facility like J Bird, you can be at Windsor Beach in Lake Havasu State Park, enjoying sandy coves and taking a dip to escape the desert heat. After a long day of fun in the sun, there’s nothing better than hitting up a local spot like Hangar 24, a craft brewery where you can sip a cold pint and watch the sunset. This is the lifestyle that draws RVers here, and having practical amenities nearby makes it all the more enjoyable.
Using a dump station at an RV storage facility is a fundamentally different experience than at a bustling travel center or a crowded campground. The first thing you’ll notice is the sense of security and calm. These places are typically gated, and you’ll need a code to get in. This immediately cuts down on random traffic and creates a more controlled environment. At J Bird, the signage is clear, guiding you right to the dump pad. The aisles are wide, which is a huge relief for anyone maneuvering a big rig. I’ve been in some spots where you feel like you need a shoehorn to get your 40-footer into position, but here, there’s plenty of room to navigate without breaking a sweat.
The best part? You’ll often find zero wait times. While everyone else is lining up at the state park or the nearest RV resort, you can often have the place to yourself. It’s a quiet, efficient process. The trade-off is that these facilities can feel a bit impersonal. They are often monitored by cameras rather than on-site staff, so you need to be self-sufficient. Before you even head over, it’s a good idea to confirm how payment works. You might need to have exact change on hand, or they may have a system for online payment. A quick phone call beforehand can clear up any questions and ensure you’re prepared when you arrive.
When it comes to amenities, storage facilities are typically focused on the essentials. At J Bird, you can expect a functional dump station and a water fill, which is perfect for rinsing your tanks and topping off your fresh water supply. For those who store their RVs here long-term, the availability of electric hookups is a major plus. It allows you to keep your batteries on a trickle charge, ensuring everything is ready to go when you are. However, it’s important to know what’s not available. You won’t find showers, laundry facilities, or a propane filling station here. This is a purpose-built facility, not an all-in-one resort.
And here’s a critical detail for many travelers: there’s a strict no-pets-allowed policy on the premises. This is pretty common for storage yards to keep the area clean and secure. So, if you’re traveling with a furry co-pilot, you’ll need to make sure Fido has had his pit stop before you pull in. It’s also unlikely you’ll find trash receptacles for public use. Plan on packing out your own garbage. We always keep a collapsible trash tote in one of our storage bays for this very reason; it makes it easy to haul our waste to a proper disposal site later.
The cost of using the dump station isn’t publicly advertised, which is also typical for this kind of business. The pricing can be dynamic, and tenants often get a discount or have it included in their storage fees. Based on industry norms in a high-demand area like Lake Havasu, you can probably expect the fee for non-tenants to be somewhere in the $10 to $20 range. The best course of action is to just give them a call. Their number is readily available, and a quick conversation will get you the current rate and confirm their hours of operation for public dumping.
Here are a few pro-tips to make your visit as smooth as possible, especially in the desert environment. From May to September, the heat in Lake Havasu is no joke, with temperatures regularly soaring into the triple digits. Schedule your dump station visit for the early morning. It’s not only more comfortable for you, but it’s also better for your equipment. I also recommend bundling your chores. Plan a route where you can empty your tanks at J Bird, wash the rig at a nearby self-serve bay to get the desert dust off, and then head over to the London Bridge area for a walk and a meal. It turns a day of errands into a productive and enjoyable part of your travel experience.
So, who is this spot perfect for? For snowbirds who keep a rig stored in Lake Havasu for the season, J Bird is an absolute godsend. It provides a secure home for your RV with the added convenience of an on-site dump station. For weekend warriors or transient travelers just passing through, it offers a quiet, no-fuss alternative to the more crowded public options. As long as you call ahead to verify the price and water availability, and you plan around the lack of pet facilities and trash disposal, you’ll find it to be a valuable resource. It delivers on its promise of security and convenience, getting you back to enjoying the sunshine and the spectacular views of the Colorado River without any hassle.
2100 N Kiowa Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(714) 308-0758
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV storage facility
Has Water
jbirdstorage.com