RV Dump Station in Tiptonville, Tennessee: Reelfoot State Park Campground
RV Dump Station Reviews & Ratings
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
There are some places on this continent that just feel ancient and powerful, where the land itself tells a story. Reelfoot Lake in the northwest corner of Tennessee is one of those places. This isn’t your average man made reservoir; this massive, shallow lake was born from the violent shaking of the earth during the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812. The Mississippi River actually flowed backward to fill the sunken land, creating a hauntingly beautiful flooded forest of bald cypress trees. And right on the edge of this incredible landscape, at the South Campground of Reelfoot State Park, you’ll find a simple, convenient dump station that lets you take care of business while being surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the state.
This isn’t just a place to empty your tanks. It’s a gateway to a wildlife mecca. The park is situated right on the Mississippi Flyway, a major migration route for birds, and it’s famous for its incredible population of American bald eagles. In the winter, the park hosts an Eagle Festival, and you can take guided pontoon boat tours to see dozens of these majestic birds nesting in the cypress trees. It’s an unforgettable experience. Come spring, the lake is one of the best crappie fishing spots in the country. In the summer, you can paddle a kayak or canoe through the maze of cypress knees, feeling like you’ve entered another world. The whole area just buzzes with life.
The dump station experience here is typical of a well run state park. It’s built for function and ease of use, not for frills. You’ll find it conveniently located right at the entrance to the South Campground, which is a brilliant design. It means that both overnight campers and day use visitors can access it easily without having to navigate the tight loops of the campground itself. The access lanes are paved and can accommodate even the biggest rigs, so you won’t have to worry about getting stuck or making a tight turn. There’s usually a host cabin nearby where you can grab some basic supplies like ice or fishing bait. It’s important to know that while the campsites themselves have water and electric hookups, they do not have individual sewer connections. This means everyone uses the central dump station on their way out, so it’s a well practiced routine for all the campers here.
Let's break down the amenities for you. Potable water is readily available at each campsite, which makes it super easy to fill your fresh water tank after you’ve dumped. Just remember to use your own clean hose. The park is very pet friendly, so your furry co pilots are welcome to join you, but you’ll need to keep them on a leash at all times to protect the local wildlife and nesting birds. There are three bathhouses scattered throughout the campground, and they have hot showers, which is always a welcome sight. One of the bathhouses even has a small coin operated laundry and a dedicated dish washing sink, which is a fantastic perk. Every single RV pad has both 30 and 50 amp electric service, so you’re covered no matter what size rig you have. The one thing that’s a bit uncertain is trash disposal. Some visitors have noted that trash cans can be limited, so it’s a good idea to be prepared to pack out your larger bags of trash, just in case. A quick call to the visitor center can clear that up for you.
For the cost, if you’re camping at the park, use of the dump station is included in your nightly fee. If you’re just passing through and need to dump, you should call the ranger station to get the current day use fee. Typically, in Tennessee state parks, this runs about ten to twelve dollars, which is an absolute bargain when you consider the setting. Getting to spot a bald eagle while you’re flushing your black tank is a pretty unique value proposition.
To make your visit as enjoyable as possible, here are a few insider tips. The park gets extremely busy in April during the peak of crappie fishing season. If you prefer a quieter experience, try visiting mid week in late May or in the fall. The campsites are paved, but due to the shallow root systems of the surrounding trees, some of them aren’t perfectly level. Be sure to bring a good set of leveling blocks with you. As with any wetland area, the mosquitos can be fierce at dusk, so pack some good bug spray. Also, be sure to check the schedule for the free evening ranger programs. They cover fascinating topics, from identifying owl calls to the geology of the earthquakes, and they’re a great way to connect with the park’s unique history. Reelfoot State Park offers so much more than just a place to dump. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a truly unique natural wonder. It’s a simple, rustic, and profoundly beautiful stop that will stay with you long after you’ve hit the road again.
2595 TN-21 E, Tiptonville, TN 38079
(731) 253-9652
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
tnstateparks.com/parks/reelfoot-lake