Navigating the tight, historic roads of New England in a large recreational vehicle can be a unique kind of challenge. The streets are narrower, the turns are sharper, and finding a place that can accommodate a big rig for something as fundamental as emptying your tanks can feel like a major victory. That’s why discovering the pay-per-use dump station at Arlington RV Supercenter in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, feels like finding a secret weapon for any RVer exploring the Ocean State. It’s tucked away, efficient, and located in a place that makes perfect sense for anyone traveling along the coast.
You’ll find it on Quaker Lane, hidden behind the main sales lot of the dealership. The ten dollar fee is more than fair for this part of the country, and the fact that it’s at a service center comes with some unique perks. On more than one occasion, I’ve been able to ask one of the service technicians a quick question about a finicky slide or a weird noise I’ve been hearing. They’re right there, and they’re usually happy to offer a bit of advice. The location itself is gated, which means you don’t have the constant flow of traffic you’d find at a busy truck stop. It’s a calmer, more controlled environment, which I for one really appreciate when I’m dealing with the not-so-glamorous task of hooking up a sewer hose.
The location is a huge part of its appeal. East Greenwich itself is a charming little town. Its brick-lined Main Street is the kind of place you want to park the rig and explore for an afternoon, with its independent shops, cozy coffee spots, and patios serving up local craft beers. If you’re looking for a bit of green space to stretch your legs, Goddard Memorial State Park is just a stone’s throw away. It offers everything from a golf course and equestrian trails to a lovely little beach right on Greenwich Bay. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic after you’ve taken care of your RV chores.
And you’re so close to everything else Rhode Island has to offer. The creative hub of Providence is just a fifteen minute drive north. The city has become a real destination for foodies and art lovers, and if you can time your visit with one of the WaterFire events, you’re in for a truly magical experience. If it’s the ocean you’re craving, the famous surf breaks of Narragansett are only about a half hour drive south along the coast. You can dump your tanks in the morning and be sitting on the beach by lunchtime. That’s the beauty of Rhode Island; everything is wonderfully compact.
Using a dump station at an RV dealership is a slightly different process than at a campground or a gas station. You typically need to check in first, usually at the parts counter. Here at Arlington, that’s exactly the procedure. You go inside, pay your fee, and they’ll give you instructions for the service area. The signage is usually very clear, guiding you to the gated service bay area where the dump port is located. The real advantage here is the infrastructure. You’re pulling onto wide, flat concrete pads, not a sloped, cracked asphalt lot. The lighting is excellent, which is a huge plus if you end up having to do the job after dusk. And many dealerships, including this one, have on-site propane refilling stations. This is a massive convenience. You can top off your cylinders right there without having to unhitch or drive the rig to a separate location. The main downside to a dealer facility is the hours. They aren’t open 24/7, and you need to be mindful of their weekend hours or potential closures for big sales events.
Let’s break down the amenities for a fellow RVer. The water access is a big deal. Having a spigot right there is incredibly handy for giving your black tank a thorough final rinse before you hit the road, especially a major artery like I-95. The on-site propane, as I mentioned, is a game-changer. It lets you consolidate your chores into one efficient stop. While there isn't a dedicated dog park, the grassy strips along Quaker Lane are perfectly suitable for a quick potty break for your furry companion. You might also notice shore-power pedestals near the service doors. These are mainly for the technicians working on rigs, but if you find yourself needing to wait for a bit and ask nicely, you might be able to plug in and keep your batteries topped off.
Now, for the things you won’t find. There are no public trash bins, showers, or restrooms. This is crucial information for planning your stop. You’ll need to have a plan for your own trash and be prepared to use your onboard facilities. It’s a service stop, not a campground, so you have to adjust your expectations accordingly. For the price, it’s an incredible value. Ten dollars in coastal New England is a bargain, especially when campgrounds in the area might charge double that or more for the same service. When you factor in the convenience of getting propane and maybe picking up a small part you need, like a new sewer gasket or some tank chemicals, Arlington RV delivers a ton of value for your money.
To make your visit as smooth as possible, here are a few tips from the road. First and foremost, call ahead. Always phone the service department before you head over to confirm that the dump station is open to the public. Their policy could change during a big promotional event, and a quick call can save you a wasted trip. Try to time your visit for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon. Service bays are almost always swamped on Monday mornings with weekend drop-offs and on Friday afternoons with people rushing to get on the road. A mid-week, mid-afternoon visit is usually much quieter. Have your credit card ready, as they may not accept cash at the parts counter. And if you think you might need any parts, even something small, make a list before you go inside. It will save you time and potentially a second trip into the store.
So, what’s the final verdict? If you’re traveling through Rhode Island and find yourself in need of a clean, secure, and low-stress place to handle your gray and black tanks, Arlington RV Supercenter is an excellent choice. It’s affordable, it’s conveniently located, and it’s just a short drive from some of the best food, culture, and coastal scenery the state has to offer. It’s a perfect example of a practical, no-nonsense stop that makes the RV life just a little bit easier. It’s a definite keeper for my list of go-to spots in southern New England.
966 Quaker Ln, East Greenwich, RI 02818
(401) 884-7550
Cost: $10
Category: RV dealer
Has Water
arlingtonrv.com