Let me tell you, finding a reliable spot to empty the tanks along Oregon’s Interstate 5 can feel like a bit of a gamble, especially when you’re navigating the long stretches between major cities. You can pull off and hope for the best at some random gas station, or you can plan ahead for a sure thing. For anyone rolling through the Roseburg area, Gecko RV & Boat Storage is one of those sure things I keep bookmarked on my map. It’s located at 350 NE Pomona Street, which sounds like it might be a complicated detour, but it’s honestly just a few quick turns off the interstate. This makes it a perfect swing-off, swing-back-on stop before you start the climb into the Cascade Mountains or continue your journey south toward the California border. It’s the kind of easy logistics that can lower your travel-day stress levels considerably.
As the name clearly states, this place is a storage facility first and foremost. That might sound a little odd if you’re used to the hustle and bustle of a truck stop dump station, but it’s actually one of Gecko’s biggest advantages. Instead of being an afterthought squeezed between a diesel pump and a parking lot, the RV sanitation station here is a deliberate, well-maintained feature. The owners clearly understood that RVers, whether they store their rig here or are just passing through, need a clean, accessible place to handle their business. You can dump your tanks, fill up on fresh, potable water, and be on your way without any fuss. For full-timers and vacationers alike, that kind of streamlined experience is worth its weight in gold.
The vibe here is completely different from what you’ll find at a travel plaza. Because it’s a secure storage yard, the whole atmosphere is much calmer and more controlled. The entire property is fenced, well-lit, and monitored by cameras. This provides a sense of security that you just don’t get when you’re trying to empty the black tank at two in the morning next to a running semi. You’re not fighting for space with eighteen-wheelers or dodging cars in a chaotic parking lot. The lanes are designed to accommodate large vehicles, including big Class A motorhomes, so you’ll have plenty of room to maneuver without feeling like you’re threading a needle. For anyone who’s ever had to perform a tight, multi-point turn just to get aligned with a poorly placed dump inlet, the spaciousness here will feel like a luxury.
Now, because it is a storage business, you have to play by their rules. This isn’t a 24/7 free-for-all. They have defined hours, and access is typically through a coded gate. This is why my number one piece of advice is to always call ahead. A quick phone call can confirm their operating hours for the day, the current fee for using the dump station, and any specific check-in procedures. Sometimes they’ll want you to pop into the office first, sign a quick waiver, or handle payment before you proceed to the dump station. It’s a small extra step, but it ensures everything goes smoothly. Don’t just show up at 8 p.m. on a Sunday expecting the gate to be open.
The process itself is as standard as it gets. You’ll find the dump inlet is clean and well-maintained. Just pull up, align your rig’s outlet, and get out your trusty sewer hose. It’s the familiar routine: connect the hose, pull the black tank valve, wait for it to empty, then pull the grey tank valve to give the hose a good flush. The availability of potable water here is a huge plus. You can properly rinse your gear and, more importantly, top off your freshwater tank before you head out. This is especially handy if you’ve been boondocking in the nearby Umpqua National Forest and are running low on every resource.
One thing to keep in mind is what’s not here. Gecko is focused on storage and sanitation. You won’t find propane refills, a gas station, or a convenience store. There’s also no public trash disposal, which is a critical detail. You’ll need to pack out everything you bring in, including your used gloves and any garbage bags. It’s a small inconvenience, but easy to plan for. Just make a mental note to swing by a gas station or rest stop a few miles down the road to toss your trash.
The real beauty of this stop, however, is its location. Roseburg is the heart of Oregon’s “Land of Umpqua,” a region that’s an RVer’s paradise. You’re just a stone’s throw from Highway 138, famously known as the “Highway of Waterfalls.” You can spend a day exploring stunning, easily accessible falls like Susan Creek and Fall Creek Falls. If you’ve got a tow vehicle, the spectacular rim of Crater Lake National Park is a manageable day trip away, about 107 miles to the east. The whole area is also an emerging wine region, with beautiful vineyards dotting the hillsides. Stopping at Gecko isn’t just about the chore of emptying your tanks; it’s a gateway to some of Oregon’s best-kept secrets. You can handle the dirty work and then immediately reward yourself with a waterfall hike or a wine tasting. That’s how you turn a mundane travel task into part of the adventure.
So, what’s the final verdict? Gecko RV & Boat Storage offers a fantastic combination of security, easy access, and essential services for anyone traveling on I-5. The peace of mind from using a clean, spacious, and gated facility is a huge selling point. While you’ll have to call ahead to confirm the price and hours, and remember to pack out your own trash, those are minor trade-offs for the quality of the experience. It’s the perfect stop for the RVer who values a calm, orderly process over the chaos of a busy travel center. Add it to your trip planner and enjoy the ride through southern Oregon with one less thing to worry about.
350 NE Pomona St, Roseburg, OR 97470
(541) 677-8400
Cost: Price not available
Category: Storage facility
Has Water
storagepro.com/storage-units/oregon/roseburg/gecko-rv-and-boat-storage-417000