Out on the east side of McKinney, Texas, where the city begins to transition back into open country, runs the busy US-380 highway. It’s a major artery for travelers, and right there, offering a convenient if no-frills solution, is 380 RV & Mini-Storage. This is, first and foremost, a storage yard for RVs and boats, but for the RVer in the know, it also offers an on-site dump station. Its primary selling point isn't a long list of fancy amenities, but rather its strategic location. This facility is your practical gateway to exploring one of the most charming and well-preserved historic towns in all of Texas: downtown McKinney.
Let’s be honest, sometimes a dump station stop is just a means to an end, and that’s perfectly fine. You might be making your way across North Texas and need a quick, functional place to take care of business. But the real magic of this particular stop is its proximity to the fun stuff. Historic Downtown McKinney is a true gem. Imagine spending an afternoon strolling under a canopy of mature trees, browsing over a hundred unique boutiques, and enjoying a fantastic meal at a farm-to-table restaurant. It feels like stepping back in time. For families, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers a fantastic escape with its boardwalk trails and impressive dinosaur sculptures. And if you need to really stretch your legs, the ten-mile trail loop at Erwin Park is a local favorite. So you can frame your stop at 380 RV Storage as the quick, necessary chore you perform before rewarding yourself with a fantastic day in a truly special place.
The on-the-ground experience here is best described as functional and straightforward. This is a stop for the RVer who is self-reliant and knows the drill. As with any storage yard, your first step should be a phone call to the office. You’ll need to get instructions for access, which might involve a temporary keypad code. The dump pad itself is a solid feature: it’s concrete and double-wide, which gives you plenty of room to position your rig without feeling cramped. That extra space is always appreciated. However, this is where you need to pay close attention to the details, because this facility is for the prepared RVer. This is not the place for a beginner who expects a full-service, hand-holding experience.
The most critical piece of information about this dump station is the water situation. There is no water spigot directly on the dump pad itself. Let me say that again, because it’s crucial: you will not find a rinse hose or spigot at the sewer inlet. This means you absolutely must arrive with your own solution for rinsing your hose and tank. For seasoned RVers, this might mean having a few gallon jugs of water on hand specifically for this purpose, or using your rig’s built-in black tank flush system connected to your own fresh water tank via a dedicated hose. The facility does have a potable water fill-up station, but it’s located elsewhere on the property. This means you’ll have a two-step process: first, you dump your tanks at the pad, and then you’ll have to move your rig to a different spot to fill your fresh tank. It’s a bit less convenient, but perfectly manageable if you know what to expect.
Beyond that, the amenity list is short. There are no electric outlets at the pad, no on-site propane refills, and no public restrooms or showers. This is a pure utility stop. Crucially, there are also no trash bins available for public use, so you must be prepared to pack out everything you bring in, including your used disposable gloves. And, following the standard for most storage facilities, pets are not allowed inside the yard. Thankfully, McKinney has some great options for a pre-dump dog walk, like the excellent Bonnie Wenk Dog Park, which is a short drive away.
The bottom line for 380 RV & Mini-Storage is all about managing expectations. The price for using the dump station isn’t published, so that phone call to the office is non-negotiable. You’ll need to confirm the current rate and what payment methods they accept. Given the lack of on-pad amenities, particularly the rinse water, the value of this stop is tied directly to its location. If the fee is nominal, say five dollars or so, then it’s a reasonable price to pay for the convenience of being right near downtown McKinney. If the fee is significantly higher, you might want to weigh whether the location alone is worth it compared to a more full-featured facility further down the road. My pro tip would be to combine your stop with a visit to the town. Plan to arrive during off-peak hours, like late morning on a weekday. This will make the dump process quicker and finding parking for your rig downtown a bit easier if you plan to eat or shop.
Ultimately, this storage facility is a solid, functional choice for the self-sufficient RVer. If you carry your own gear, have a plan for rinsing your hoses, and your main objective is to explore the historic charm of McKinney, this stop will serve you well. It’s not a destination in itself, but it is a perfect logistical tool that enables a much grander adventure. Just make that call, come prepared, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a great meal and a beautiful afternoon downtown in no time.
3380 E University Dr, McKinney, TX 75069
(214) 544-2644
Cost: Price not available
Category: Boat storage facility
No Water
380rvstorage.com