Let me paint you a picture. You’ve just spent a long weekend completely off the grid, tucked away in a quiet corner of the Coconino or Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The Arizona sun has been warm, but up here on the Mogollon Rim, the cool whisper of the ponderosa pines has been your constant companion. Your batteries are getting low, your cooler is nearly empty, and more importantly, your black and gray tanks are telling you it’s time to head back toward civilization. For RVers who live for that kind of boondocking freedom, the question always becomes, now what? Finding a convenient, clean, and accessible dump station is the final, crucial step of a successful trip. And that’s where Woods Canyon Dump Station becomes a real lifesaver for folks exploring the high country around Payson.
This isn’t some grimy, forgotten spot behind a gas station. This is a proper, well-maintained facility managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and you can tell. It’s located within the Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area, so the whole experience feels less like a chore and more like a final, peaceful moment in the woods before you hit the highway. Getting there is half the pleasure. You climb Highway 87 out of the desert heat, watching the saguaros give way to junipers, and then finally to the towering pines that define Rim Country. The air itself changes, getting crisper and cleaner. You’ll turn off the main highway and wind your way down Woods Canyon Road. At an elevation of 7,500 feet, this is a genuine mountain stop.
The station itself is designed with RVs in mind, which is always a relief. You’re not trying to shoehorn a 35-foot Class A into a spot built for a sedan. The approach lanes are wide, giving you plenty of room to get lined up without a ten-point turn. There's a big, easy turnaround loop, so you can pull in, do your business, and pull out without any stressful backing maneuvers. For a modest seven-dollar fee, which feels more than fair, you get a clean and straightforward dumping experience. I’ve paid twice that for places that were half as nice. It’s a simple setup, but it’s effective and it’s exactly what you need after a few days in the wild.
The beauty of this spot is its location. You’re not just pulling off a sterile interstate. You’re in the heart of one of Arizona’s most stunning outdoor playgrounds. The Mogollon Rim is this dramatic, 2,000-foot escarpment that stretches for 200 miles, marking the edge of the Colorado Plateau. It’s a world away from the desert valleys below. Before or after you empty your tanks, you’re just minutes from some incredible adventures. Woods Canyon Lake itself is a gem, a beautiful reservoir where anglers pull out trophy-sized trout. You could easily spend a whole day there, fishing from the shore or paddling a kayak on the calm water.
For the hikers among us, the historic Highline National Recreation Trail is right there, offering miles of scenic paths that follow the base of the Rim. And if you’re a photographer, or just someone who appreciates a breathtaking view, you absolutely have to take a drive along Forest Road 300, universally known as the Rim Road. It’s a mostly gravel road that traces the edge of the cliffs, offering one jaw-dropping vista after another. It’s the kind of drive that reminds you why you got into RVing in the first place. A little further afield, but well worth the trip, is the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Seeing the world’s largest natural travertine bridge is an unforgettable experience. It’s an easy side trip that turns the functional task of dumping your tanks into a full day of Arizona exploration. You can even pop into Payson to visit the Zane Grey Cabin museum and soak up some of that old Wild West history.
Now, let’s talk about the on-the-ground experience of using a campground-style dump station like this one. It’s a world apart from the chaos of a major truck stop on I-40. It’s generally quieter, more relaxed. You’re not dodging eighteen-wheelers or listening to the constant hiss of air brakes. The station is typically set off from the main campground loops, so you have a sense of privacy. You pull up to a single, clearly marked drain set in a concrete pad. There’s a non-potable rinse spigot and a self-service pay kiosk that usually takes cash or a card. A word to the wise: always have some small bills on hand. Mountain locations can have spotty cell service, and if that card reader is on the fritz, cash is king.
Because it's a Forest Service site, the hours are typically dawn to dusk. Don't plan on a midnight run. It’s a simple, logical process. Get your gloves on, pull out your trusty sewer hose, and connect it securely. Black tank first, always. Let it drain completely. Then open the gray tank valve and let that water rush through, helping to clean out the hose. Finish up with a quick rinse using the provided non-potable water spigot. And please, for the love of all that is holy, never, ever use your fresh water hose for this task. Keep a separate, dedicated hose just for rinsing your tanks and gear. A seasoned RVer can be in and out of a station like this in under ten minutes, but if you’re new to the game, give yourself a little extra time. There’s no rush out here.
As for amenities, it’s important to have the right expectations. This is a sanitation stop, not a full-service resort. There’s a water spigot, and while you can top off your fresh tank, you should always be cautious. Sometimes late in the season, these forest service sites can have boil advisories. My rule of thumb is to use their water for flushing and dishes, but I fill my drinking water containers in town to be safe. You’ll also find fantastic, bear-resistant dumpsters near the exit, which are perfect for getting rid of that bag of trash you’ve been carrying around for three days. Just do everyone a favor and crush your boxes to save space. What you won’t find is fuel or propane, so make sure you’ve filled up on both in Payson before you make the climb up the Rim. And of course, there are no showers, laundry, or hookups. This is purely a quick, in-and-out service stop.
For seven bucks, the value is undeniable. In a state where private parks can easily charge fifteen or twenty dollars, this is a bargain. Plus, that fee goes right back into maintaining the recreation area you’re enjoying. It’s a price I’m happy to pay. Before you go, a few insider tips. First, call the ranger station if you’re traveling during the shoulder seasons. Unexpected snow or fire restrictions can close the station with no warning. Second, timing is everything. Sunday afternoons are a parade of weekend campers heading home. Try to arrive mid-morning on a weekday to have the place to yourself. And that high altitude isn’t just a fun fact; it gets cold at night, even in the summer. If you’re camping nearby after dumping, make sure your water lines are fully drained to avoid any costly freeze damage. Woods Canyon is a prime example of a well-run, essential RVer resource. It’s clean, affordable, and set in one of Arizona’s most beautiful landscapes, making a necessary chore feel like part of the adventure.
Woods Canyon Rd, Payson, AZ 85541
(928) 333-4301
Cost: $7
Category: Campground
Has Water
fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recarea/?recid=44897