Sometimes on the road, your choices are dictated by one thing and one thing only: location. You might have a specific destination in mind, an event to attend, or a friend to visit, and everything else has to work around that anchor point. When you’re rolling through the sprawling Phoenix metro area, and your destination is anywhere near Tempe, Arizona State University, or the beautiful Papago Park, finding a convenient place to handle your holding tanks can be a priority. That’s where a place like Tempe RV Storage comes into the picture. It’s not fancy, it’s not loaded with amenities, but its location is hard to beat, and sometimes, that’s all that matters.
Let’s be perfectly clear from the start: this is one of the most bare-bones dump stations you are ever likely to encounter. It’s a classic example of a facility that offers a single service and nothing more. The key piece of information you need to have before you even consider this stop is that there is no water available. No potable water for your fresh tank, and more importantly, no non-potable rinse water for your sewer hose or the dump station area itself. For a seasoned RVer, this isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but it requires a level of self-sufficiency that is non-negotiable.
If you’re going to use this facility, you absolutely must come prepared. This means you need to have at least a few gallons of your own water stored in a jug or a secondary tank, along with a dedicated hose, specifically for rinsing. After you empty your black tank, you need to be able to flush your hose and clean up any spills. Showing up without your own rinse water is not an option. It’s irresponsible and leaves a mess for the next person. So, rule number one for Tempe RV Storage is to bring your own water.
Beyond that, the list of what they don’t have is pretty long. There are no public restrooms, no showers, no trash disposal, and no pet area. This is a secure storage yard for vehicles, and their focus is on their long-term tenants, not on providing a travel center experience. Access is likely restricted to their office hours, so just like with other storage facilities, a phone call in advance is crucial. You’ll need to confirm that they are open, that they allow public dumping, what the fee is, and how they take payment. Many places like this are moving to cashless systems, so having a credit or debit card ready is a good idea.
So why would anyone choose such a spartan facility? Location, location, location. It sits just off the major arteries of I-10 and Loop 202, making it incredibly easy to get to if you're traveling through the Valley of the Sun. More importantly, it’s just a stone's throw from the heart of Tempe. If you're in town to visit a student at ASU, catch a Sun Devils football game, or enjoy an event at Tempe Town Lake, this dump station allows you to take care of business without a major detour. You can empty your tanks and be at your destination in minutes.
And there is a lot to do in the area. Tempe Town Lake has become a vibrant hub of activity, a man-made oasis in the desert that’s perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just enjoying a walk along the waterfront. Right next door is Papago Park, home to the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock formation. It’s a fantastic place for a quick and easy sunrise hike that rewards you with stunning views of the city. For a deeper dive into the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, the Desert Botanical Garden is a world-class attraction that is absolutely worth a visit, with acres of stunningly curated desert landscapes. And of course, there’s the lively Mill Avenue district, with its endless array of restaurants, bars, and shops that come alive after dark.
Using a place like Tempe RV Storage is about strategic planning. You treat it as a single-purpose surgical strike. You plan your route to swing by during their business hours. You make sure your freshwater tank is full and you have your rinse water jug ready to go. You have a plan for where you’re going to stop next for a restroom break and to get rid of your trash. A nearby gas station or a city park, like Tempe Beach Park, could be good options for those needs. You get in, you use the dump port, you clean up after yourself using your own supplies, and you leave. It's a quick, efficient, and purely transactional stop.
The bottom line is this: Tempe RV Storage is not for everyone. If you’re a new RVer or someone who prefers the convenience of full-service facilities, you’d be better off looking for a nearby RV park that offers a public dump station with all the amenities. But if you’re a confident, self-sufficient road warrior, and your travel plans have you anchored in the Tempe area, this spot is a valuable piece of logistical information. It’s the definition of a no-frills option. It’s not pretty, but it’s practical. It’s a tool to be used when the situation calls for it, allowing you to quickly get a necessary chore out of the way so you can get back to enjoying the desert sun and all the energy that Tempe has to offer.
811 W Warner Rd # 201, Tempe, AZ 85284
(480) 893-3888
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV storage facility
No Water
temperv.com