There are some moments in the RVing life that stick with you forever. Sunsets that paint the entire sky in impossible colors, a chance wildlife encounter that takes your breath away, the profound silence of a truly dark night sky. Then there are the more mundane moments, like emptying the holding tanks. Usually, these two categories don’t intersect. Usually, a dump station is a purely functional, often unpleasant, slab of concrete. But what if I told you there’s a place where you can take care of this necessary chore while gazing out at a vast, shimmering salt lake, with a herd of wild bison grazing peacefully in the distance? That place is Antelope Island State Park, and it offers what is hands down the most scenic dump station experience I’ve ever had.
Located about an hour’s drive from the hustle of Salt Lake City, Antelope Island feels like another world. It’s the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, and crossing the long, narrow causeway to get there is part of the adventure. You leave the mainland behind and enter a landscape that is stark, beautiful, and utterly unique. This is a place famous for its massive, free-roaming herd of over 500 bison, but you’re also likely to spot pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and a huge variety of birdlife. The sunsets here are the stuff of legend, with the calm, shallow waters of the lake acting as a perfect mirror for the sky. It’s also a certified International Dark Sky Park, meaning that once the sun goes down, the stargazing is absolutely phenomenal. For anyone with a camera, this place is a bucket-list destination. It elevates a simple overnight stop into a memorable part of your journey. You can come just to use the facilities, but you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t plan to spend at least a few hours, or better yet a night, soaking it all in.
Because this is a state park campground, the experience is far more relaxed and organized than a roadside stop. After crossing the causeway, you’ll stop at the entrance fee booth. From there, you’ll follow the paved park road up to the Bridger Bay campground area, where the dump station is located. The signage is excellent, so you won’t have any trouble finding it. The real variable here isn’t traffic; it’s wildlife. It is not an exaggeration to say that a massive bison could be standing in the middle of the road, and he has the right of way. Give them plenty of space, at least 100 feet, and just enjoy the moment. It’s a wild, incredible thing to see. The dump station itself is well-maintained, with a single lane that offers plenty of room for even the largest rigs to get in and out. One of the best features is the availability of potable water right at the dump island, allowing you to flush your tanks thoroughly and top off your fresh water all at once.
Let's break down the essential amenities for the RVer. The presence of both potable and non-potable water is a major convenience. If it's busy, having a Y-splitter for the spigot can be a friendly gesture to let someone else get fresh water while you're rinsing. For pet owners, this is an important one to note: dogs are allowed in the park, but they are generally restricted to paved areas and are not allowed on the hiking trails. This is for their safety as much as the wildlife's. Always check the most current park rules before you arrive with your furry co-pilot. While there are modern restrooms with flush toilets, the hot showers are located about a mile from the campground at the Bridger Bay Beach facilities, and they are typically pay-showers. A key planning point is that there is no gas or propane available on the island. The nearest town for fuel is Syracuse, about 10 miles away, so make sure you fill up your tank before you cross the causeway. Also, while some of the upper loop campsites have recently been upgraded with electric hookups, this is not a full-hookup park. The central dump station is your only option for sewer.
The cost of dumping is tied to the park entrance fee. If you're camping, it’s included. If you’re just coming for the day to use the dump station, you’ll pay the park’s day-use fee, or sometimes a smaller, dedicated dump fee of just a few dollars. Honestly, considering the million-dollar views and the excellent facilities, it’s an incredible bargain. A few tips from someone who’s been there: first, check the bug report before you go. In the spring and early summer, the biting gnats can be ferocious. They are a real nuisance, so be prepared with head nets and repellent. Second, on summer weekends, the line to get onto the causeway can get surprisingly long. Arrive early in the day to avoid the backup. Third, if you decide to camp, bring your leveling blocks. Many of the sites have a slight grade to them. And finally, and this is the most important tip, respect the wildlife. Those bison are not tame. They are powerful wild animals. Don't approach them, don't feed them, and secure your site. They are known to be curious, and you don’t want one using the side of your RV as a scratching post. In conclusion, the dump station at Antelope Island is far more than just a place to empty your tanks. It’s an integral part of an unforgettable outdoor experience. It’s a reminder that even the most routine parts of RV life can be beautiful if you’re in the right place.
6887 S 1050 E, Midvale, UT 84047
(800) 322-3770
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
No Water
