There are a few words in the RVing world that are pure music to a traveler’s ears, and right at the top of that list is the word "free." Finding a free, clean, and accessible dump station feels like striking gold, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Wilkins RV of Churchville. This isn’t some hidden, hard-to-find spot; it’s a well-known RV dealership located just about 20 minutes west of Rochester, New York, and less than a mile off the I-490. In a wonderful act of goodwill to the traveling community, Wilkins RV welcomes both their customers and any RVer just passing through to use their dump station completely free of charge during their regular business hours. It’s a gesture that builds a lot of loyalty and appreciation among those of us who live on the road.
The process is as friendly as the price. You just swing into their large lot, head toward the service entrance, and pop into the service desk for a quick check-in. The staff are accustomed to travelers stopping by and are usually happy to point you right to the dump grate, which is clearly labeled and conveniently located near their service bays. It’s a simple, no-hassle experience that makes you feel welcome, which is a refreshing change from places that can sometimes treat non-customers as a bit of an inconvenience. This dealership understands that helping out a fellow RVer is just good business and great for the community.
The location of Churchville itself makes this stop incredibly strategic. It’s a quiet, pleasant town that serves as a perfect gateway to some of the best attractions in western New York. If you’re a history buff, you absolutely cannot miss the Genesee Country Village & Museum, which is just a 15-minute drive south. It’s the largest living-history museum in New York State, with dozens of historic 19th-century buildings and costumed interpreters who bring the region's rural past to life. It’s a truly immersive experience that’s perfect for a family day trip.
From Churchville, you’re also perfectly positioned to explore the magnificent Finger Lakes region. Just an hour’s drive east puts you right at the start of the wine trails, where you can spend days sipping your way through charming lakeside vineyards. Or, if you head about 35 miles west, you’ll find yourself at the breathtaking Letchworth State Park, famously known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The massive gorge carved by the Genesee River is a sight to behold, with three major waterfalls and miles of stunning hiking trails. And if you need a dose of city life, downtown Rochester, with its excellent Strong National Museum of Play and the scenic High Falls district, is just a short drive away. Using the free dump at Wilkins RV allows you to service your rig before or after these adventures without cutting into your sightseeing budget.
Dumping at an RV dealership has its own unique character. These facilities are often provided as a courtesy, primarily for customers who are having their rigs serviced. This means you can generally expect the station to be well-maintained, but you do need to be mindful of their operational schedule. Access is typically limited to their business hours, usually something like 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with more limited hours on weekends. It’s always a good idea to call ahead, especially during the busy spring and fall seasons when their service lot can be packed.
When you pull in, remember that you’re entering an active work zone. You’ll be sharing the asphalt with service technicians, newly delivered RVs, and maybe even a forklift or two. It’s important to drive slowly, be alert, and give the employees plenty of space to do their jobs. The staff might ask you to fill out a quick form with your name and license plate number, which is a perfectly reasonable request to help them keep track of who is using their facility. Your cooperation helps ensure that they can continue offering this wonderful free perk to the public. And one of the biggest side benefits? If you happen to need a specific part, a new water filter, or some tank treatment, their on-site parts store is right there. You can take care of your dump and your shopping in one convenient stop.
In terms of amenities, this is a focused but highly valuable stop. The main attraction is, of course, the free dump station. But they also have a fresh-water spigot available, which is fantastic for rinsing your hoses, doing a quick black tank flush, or even winterizing your rig if you’re at the end of your season. Leashed pets are generally permitted on the lot, just be sure to keep them clear of the busy service bays. And here’s a great insider tip: they have a few 30-amp electric posts that are sometimes used for customers who have to leave their rigs overnight for repairs. If you find yourself in that situation, it’s always worth asking if you can plug in.
Naturally, as a dealership and not a campground, you won’t find things like propane refills, showers, laundry, or public restrooms. And there’s no designated trash disposal for public use. But those are minor trade-offs for the incredible value you’re getting. The cost is zero, and in upstate New York where campground dump fees can easily run $10 to $15, that’s an unbeatable deal. If you pair your free dump with a visit to their parts store to pick up something you need anyway, you’ve created an incredibly efficient and budget-friendly stop.
My advice for visiting Wilkins RV is to always call ahead, especially if it’s near a holiday or during the peak RV show season when their lot can be a real beehive of activity. To be courteous, have your hoses and gloves ready to go so you can be as quick and efficient as possible. And don’t be shy about asking their service department for advice if you’re having a minor issue with your rig; you’re in a place surrounded by experts. For any RVer traveling on a budget through western New York, this spot is an absolute must. It’s the perfect place to flush your tanks after a weekend of boondocking in the Finger Lakes before you hit the highway smelling fresh and feeling great about the money you saved.