Let me paint you a picture that might feel a little too familiar if you’ve spent any time cruising Florida’s Gulf Coast. You’re rolling down I-75, the sun is beating down, the humidity is thick enough to swim through, and your tank monitors are flashing red. Every RV park seems to be booked solid with snowbirds, and the thought of navigating a jam packed travel plaza with a forty foot rig and a toad is enough to make you sweat more than the heat already is. Finding a clean, accessible, and straightforward place to empty your tanks in the thick of it all can honestly be the most stressful part of the journey. It’s in moments like these that you start looking for a unicorn, a spot that’s just off the beaten path but built for folks like us. And in Fort Myers, that unicorn has a name: Elite RV & Boat Storage.
Now, I know what you might be thinking. A storage facility? For a dump station? Stick with me here, because this isn't your average chain link yard with a few forgotten project boats. This place, tucked away on Domestic Avenue, is a game changer, especially when you’re coming off a long haul on either I-75 or US-41. It’s one of those spots that feels like it was designed by an actual RVer. The first thing you notice is the sense of calm. Instead of jockeying for position with eighteen wheelers and a line of other RVs, you pull into a secure, gated facility. That security itself is a huge sigh of relief. We’ve all felt a bit vulnerable at a wide open rest stop, but here, with keypad entry and a well kept perimeter, you can focus on the task at hand without constantly looking over your shoulder.
They offer not one, but two on site dump stations. This is a small detail that speaks volumes. It means you’re less likely to have to wait in line, which is a blessing on a hot Florida day or when you’re just trying to get back on the road. The lanes are wide and designed for pull through access, so you’re not trying to execute a complicated twenty point turn to get your sewer outlet lined up just right. It’s the kind of thoughtful layout that prevents a frustrating task from becoming a downright miserable one. Even better, they have a rinse friendly wash bay. This is huge. After you’ve done the dirty work, having a dedicated spot with non potable water to thoroughly rinse your sewer hose, your bay, and even your gloves is a luxury you don’t always get. It’s the difference between packing away a stinky hose and leaving the station feeling clean and reset.
Let’s talk about the amenities, because this is where a place like Elite really separates itself from the pack. They have fresh water spigots available, which is critical. As any seasoned RVer knows, you never, ever use the rinse water hose to fill your fresh tank. Having a separate, clean spigot means you can top off your potable water jugs with confidence, knowing you’re not risking cross contamination. They even have trickle charge outlets at some of the stalls. This is a fantastic perk, especially if you’ve been boondocking and your house batteries are feeling a little depleted. You can plug in and give them a little boost while you’re deep cleaning your tanks. For full timers or those who store their rig here, it’s an absolute necessity for keeping batteries healthy.
And then there’s the human element. After wrestling with the black tank, sometimes you just want to wash your hands with hot water and soap, or maybe even take a full on shower. Elite has a spacious, clean bathroom with hot showers. I cannot overstate how much of a luxury this is. Finding a hot shower on the road can be a challenge, and having one right at the dump station is an incredible convenience. It transforms the stop from a purely functional chore into a moment to refresh and reset yourself for the next leg of your journey. They even have an ice machine, which is a brilliantly simple touch for those scorching Fort Myers days when your fridge just can’t keep up.
Of course, no place is perfect, and it’s important to go in with the right expectations. This is a storage facility, not a travel center, so you won’t find on site fuel or propane. You’ll need to plan ahead and top off your gas and propane tanks at a nearby station before you arrive. Likewise, there isn’t a dedicated, public trash receptacle right at the dump station. This is pretty standard for storage yards; it’s a pack it in, pack it out situation. Keep a couple of heavy duty trash bags handy to seal everything up and take it with you. You can usually find a proper place to dispose of it at your next fuel stop.
The value here is exceptional. While you’ll want to call ahead to confirm the current fee for non tenants, these types of facilities are often significantly cheaper than the ten or fifteen dollar charge at a major truck stop. And when you factor in the security, the roomy lanes, the rinse water, and the hot showers, that small fee delivers incredible value. To make your visit as smooth as possible, a quick phone call is always your best first step. Confirm the office hours and the procedure for non tenants to get a gate code. I’ve found that aiming for a mid week, mid morning visit is the sweet spot. You avoid the weekend rush of local owners checking on their rigs and the early morning departure crowd.
When you pull up, have your gear ready to go. Gloves on, sewer hose and clear elbow out, and your tank treatment within reach. This makes the process quick and efficient. Pay attention to the slight slope of the pad, positioning your rig so your hose has a nice, clean downhill run. It’s these little things that make the difference between a clean dump and a messy one. This stop is more than just a place to empty your tanks. It’s a thoughtfully designed facility that understands what RVers actually need. It’s the perfect pit stop while you’re in the area exploring the white sand beaches of Sanibel, taking an airboat tour in the Everglades, or hiking at Koreshan State Park. It’s a moment of calm and order in the sometimes chaotic world of RV travel.
16461 Domestic Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33912
(239) 768-2225
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV storage facility
Has Water
elitervboatstorage.com/rent-storage/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps