There’s a unique kind of freedom that comes with boondocking in the Arizona desert. The vast, open landscapes, the star-filled night skies, and the profound silence are what draw us out there. But that freedom comes with a ticking clock, the one on your tank monitors. After a few days of soaking in the beauty of the Superstition Mountains or exploring the rugged backcountry, the reality of full grey and black tanks sets in. The search begins for a clean, safe, and hassle-free place to handle the less glamorous side of RV life. In the sprawling suburbs between Phoenix and the wilderness, a place like A Secured RV & Vehicle Storage in Gilbert becomes an invaluable asset on your map. It’s a different kind of oasis, a fenced and paved sanctuary where you can reset without the chaos of a busy campground or truck stop.
Gilbert itself is a fantastic place to find yourself. It’s evolved from a quiet farming town into a vibrant hub that perfectly balances suburban convenience with easy access to adventure. You can spend an afternoon exploring the trendy restaurants and shops in the Heritage District, cycle along the town’s extensive trail system, or play a round of golf. And you’re just a short drive from some incredible day trips. You can head east to paddle on the beautiful Saguaro Lake, journey south to explore the ancient history of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, or drive west into Phoenix for a dose of city life and museums. For winter snowbirds, this area is a strategic goldmine, and having a go-to dump station is part of a smart travel plan.
Using a dump station at a storage facility like this is a fundamentally different experience. Forget the noise and fumes of a travel plaza. Here, the key words are security and space. You’re not just pulling into an open lot; you’re entering a fully fenced and gated facility. Typically, you’ll need to call ahead if you’re not a tenant to get a temporary gate code. Once inside, you’re greeted by a clean, fully paved lot with wide aisles. This is a huge relief for anyone driving a big rig. There’s no stress about tight turns or low hanging branches. You can pull right up to the dump station, which is often on a perfectly level concrete pad, making for an easy, downward sloping drain.
The whole environment feels more controlled and private. With 24/7 gate access and bright LED lighting, you can take care of business at any hour without feeling exposed. The security cameras and controlled access mean you can focus on getting the job done right without worrying about your gear or your safety, which is a peace of mind that’s hard to put a price on. This particular facility offers a complimentary dump station, which is likely for its tenants, but they often allow non-tenants to use it for a very modest fee, usually less than ten dollars. It’s always best to call ahead to confirm the policy and the price.
This is a purpose-built facility, so you have to be prepared for what it doesn't offer. This is purely a stop for servicing your rig. You won’t find restrooms or showers, so you’ll need to plan a bathroom break before you arrive. There’s also no potable water for filling your fresh tank. You absolutely must come prepared with your own rinse water, a jug and a short hose, to clean up after you’re done. Similarly, there are no trash disposal services, so the pack-it-in, pack-it-out rule is in full effect. Keep some sturdy, sealable bags in an outside bay to store any trash until you can dispose of it properly. And there’s no on-site fuel or propane, but there’s a Love’s Travel Stop just down the road on South Country Club Drive where you can take care of both of those needs.
But what it does offer is incredibly practical. The facility provides electric hook-ups in the form of trickle-charging outlets. This is a fantastic feature. If you’ve been off-grid, you can plug in your rig and give your house batteries a much needed drink while you’re flushing your tanks. It’s a great way to multitask and ensure you’re fully topped off and ready for your next boondocking adventure. For those traveling with pets, you’ll want to check with the staff first. Because of the tight parking rows for the stored vehicles, walking dogs on-site is often discouraged.
To get the most out of your visit, a little insider knowledge goes a long way. That Arizona sun is no joke, and pavement can get incredibly hot. One of the best tips for this location is to schedule your dump for the evening. After the sun goes down, the pavement cools off, making the whole task much more pleasant. The bright LED lighting means you’ll have no problem seeing what you’re doing. It’s also a good idea to bring a disposable mat to place by your service bay. The desert is dusty, and nearby construction can kick up a lot of grit that you don’t want to track inside your rig.
This is the kind of stop where you can combine several chores at once. Under the bright lights and behind the secure gate, you can take your time. Dump and flush your tanks thoroughly, top off your batteries with the trickle-charge, and even take a few minutes to get on the roof and inspect your seals. It’s a quiet, controlled environment that allows you to do a proper reset.
In summary, A Secured RV & Vehicle Storage is a desert gem for the self-sufficient RVer. It’s not a full-service resort, but it provides a clean, safe, and efficient solution to one of RVing’s most essential tasks. It’s the perfect pit stop to combine with a visit to Gilbert’s lively downtown for some amazing tacos or a local craft brew. You can roll out of town with empty tanks, full batteries, and the satisfaction of having found a smart, practical solution that lets you get back to what you love: exploring the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest.
105 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233
(480) 539-5600
Cost: Price not available
Category: Self-storage facility
No Water
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