Every now and then on your travels, you stumble upon a place that’s more than just a spot on a map. It’s a place with a story, a place with character. Todd Farms RV Park in Headland, Alabama, is exactly that kind of place. If you’re rolling down US-431 through the state’s Wiregrass region and looking for a spot to empty your tanks, you might just drive right by it if you’re not careful. But you’d be missing out on a real gem. This isn’t a sprawling, corporate RV resort or a sterile truck stop. It’s a small park attached to a working family farm, complete with a beloved general store and café. And the best part? They offer non-guest dumping for a fee that’s almost unbelievable: just five dollars. This stop is about more than just convenience; it’s about experiencing a little slice of Southern hospitality and charm.
The park is located right in the heart of the Wiregrass, a region known for its rolling hills and agricultural heritage. The nearby town of Headland is a quaint, classic Southern town with a lovely tree-lined square that hosts local festivals. Just ten miles to the south is the larger city of Dothan, which offers a surprising number of attractions if you have time for a detour. You can explore Landmark Park, a 150-acre living history museum, take the kids to Adventureland Theme Park, or browse the Wiregrass Museum of Art. For the military buffs, the U.S. Army Aviation Museum at Fort Novosel, formerly Fort Rucker, is a must-see. And for the outdoor lovers, Blue Springs State Park offers a cool, clear spring-fed pool for swimming and paddling. A stop at Todd Farms puts you in the perfect position to explore all of this without being stuck in the middle of the city.
The experience of using the dump station here is as unique as the place itself. You start by pulling into the gravel lot and heading into the Todd Farms General Store. This is where you pay your five-dollar fee, and it’s an experience in itself. The store is filled with homemade jams, jellies, baked goods, and of course, their famous syrup. The air smells sweet, and the folks behind the counter are as friendly as can be. After you’ve paid, they’ll direct you to the dump station, which is a simple, no-frills concrete pad likely situated behind one of the farm buildings. There’s no jockeying for position with big rigs or rushing to get out of the way. The pace is slow and relaxed. You’re on farm time here. You can take a deep breath, listen to the sounds of the countryside, and take care of your chore at your own pace.
Now, here comes the most important part, the detail that makes or breaks this stop for you depending on your level of preparation. For that five-dollar bargain, you get a place to dump your tanks, and that’s about it. There is no water available at the dump station. No rinse hose, no spigot, nothing. You absolutely must be self-contained and bring your own water for rinsing your sewer hose and the area around the inlet. For seasoned RVers, this is no big deal. I always carry a couple of one-gallon jugs of non-potable water specifically for this purpose. But if you show up expecting a rinse hose, you’ll be out of luck. Likewise, you won’t find any other amenities here. No fuel, no propane, no public restrooms or showers, and no trash disposal for your kitchen garbage. This is a specialized stop for one task only. If you need any of those other services, you’ll need to plan a stop in Dothan.
The value proposition is crystal clear. At just five dollars, this is very likely the cheapest dump station you’ll find in the entire region. The money you save here can be spent inside the general store on a delicious ice cream cone, a fresh-baked pie, or a few bottles of their incredible syrup to take home as souvenirs. In that sense, the visit practically pays for itself in snacks and happy memories. It’s a perfect example of supporting a local, family-run business while taking care of a necessary RV chore. It’s a win-win. The farm does have electric hookups for those who choose to stay overnight in their RV park, and the grounds are pet-friendly, with plenty of grassy space for leashed walks, just be sure to keep your animals clear of any livestock areas.
For a smooth visit, a few insider tips can help. While the store can handle credit cards, having five dollars in cash ready makes the transaction quick and easy, especially if you arrive during a busy breakfast rush at their café on a Saturday morning. It’s also critical to check their seasonal hours before you go. This is a family operation, and they are closed on Sundays. The driveway is gravel, so take it slow and easy to be kind to your rig’s suspension and tires. And be sure to ask about the farm itself. If you have time, learning about their syrup-making process, which sometimes includes a demonstration with a mule-powered cane mill, is a treat for all ages.
So, is Todd Farms the right stop for you? If you are a self-sufficient RVer who comes prepared with your own rinse water and doesn’t need any other services, then absolutely. It’s a stop that combines incredible value with genuine country charm. It’s for the traveler who appreciates unique experiences and enjoys supporting local agriculture. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best spots on the road aren’t the biggest or the fanciest, but the ones with the most heart. Just remember to call ahead to confirm they’re open and always, always bring your own water.