Let me tell you, finding a decent spot to take care of the tanks around Oshkosh, especially when the big EAA AirVenture show is in town, can be a real circus. You've got every RVer and their cousin descending on central Wisconsin, and the usual spots get slammed. That’s why a place like Barr Storage & Warehousing on Planeview Drive is such a gem. It’s not a flashy travel center, and you won’t find it plastered on big billboards. It’s a self-storage facility, which means it’s quiet, it’s secure, and you likely won’t have to wait in line behind five other rigs just to empty your black tank. For those of us who have been on the road for a while, sometimes a little peace and quiet while doing the dirtiest job in RVing is worth more than all the amenities in the world.
Oshkosh itself is a fantastic stop, anchored by the massive and beautiful Lake Winnebago. If you’re a fisherman, you know this lake is a legend for walleye. It's the kind of place you plan a trip around, spending your days on the water and your evenings grilling up the catch. The city has a lovely downtown Riverwalk that’s perfect for an evening stroll to stretch your legs after a long day of driving. And if you’re into biking, the Wiouwash Trail gives you a great way to see the countryside. Of course, there’s the elephant in the room, EAA AirVenture. If you’re there in late July, the whole town is buzzing with the energy of half a million aviation fans. It’s an incredible spectacle, but it also means every single campsite is booked solid. Having a reliable, off the beaten path dump station like Barr’s in your back pocket can be a trip saver. Even if you aren't an aviation buff, its location right along the I-41 and US-45 corridor makes it a perfect logistical stop when you’re traveling between the bigger hubs of Milwaukee and Green Bay.
Using a dump station at a storage facility is a different beast altogether compared to a bustling truck stop or a state park. You have to adjust your mindset. First off, it’s all about security and access. You’re not just pulling off the highway and into a lane. Places like this are gated for a reason, they protect some very expensive rigs and people’s stored belongings. This means you absolutely have to plan ahead. You can’t just show up at ten o’clock at night and expect to get in. You’ll need to call during their business hours to get the gate code and the specific instructions. The upside to this is that it’s incredibly secure, and once you’re inside, the environment is much calmer. You won't be navigating around eighteen wheelers or dealing with a constant stream of traffic. For those of us in a big Class A or pulling a long fifth wheel, that low stress approach is a huge plus. You can take your time, get everything set up properly, and do the job without feeling rushed.
Now, let's talk about what you will and won’t find here, because this is crucial. The biggest thing to know is that you have to be self reliant. Think of it as a single purpose mission. You are there to dump your tanks, period. The most critical piece of information is the lack of a dedicated rinse station or potable water right at the dump inlet. This is a dealbreaker for some, but for seasoned RVers, it's just another detail to plan for. It means you absolutely must bring your own rinse water. I always keep a few gallon jugs of water just for this purpose, along with a separate, clearly marked non potable water hose. After emptying the black tank, a good flush is non negotiable for keeping the sensors clean and odors down. So, plan for that. Have your gloves, your dedicated sewer hose with its clear elbow, and your rinse gear all ready to go before you even pull up to the inlet.
One surprising and incredibly useful feature they offer is the availability of electric hookups. This is a rare find at a simple dump station and can be a real lifesaver. If your house batteries are running low after a few days of boondocking or a long travel day, being able to plug in for a bit while you handle the tanks can be a huge bonus. You’ll want to call ahead to confirm the amperage and if there’s an extra fee for it, but it’s a fantastic perk. However, you won’t find the other typical travel stop amenities. There's no fuel, no propane, no public restrooms, and no trash disposal. This means you need to have Fido walked before you arrive, as pets are not allowed to be wandering the grounds. And you’ll need to pack out your own trash. It’s a small price to pay for the quiet efficiency of the stop.
When it comes to cost, you won’t find it listed online. Self storage places like this usually charge a flat fee, often a very reasonable one, or they might even include it for free if you happen to be a tenant. Your best bet is to call the office during the week. Ask them about the price for non customers, what kind of payment they take, as some smaller operations might still be cash only, and confirm their gate hours. Timing your visit for a weekday morning is usually the golden ticket to having the place all to yourself. You can get in, get the job done right, and get out without any hassle.
So what's the final word? Barr Storage & Warehousing is a fantastic, no frills option for the prepared RVer. If you need a secure, quiet, and efficient place to empty your tanks near Oshkosh, this is your spot. The electric hookup is a great bonus, but the lack of rinse water means you have to come prepared. If you value a calm, stress free environment over a one stop shop with all the bells and whistles, then this place will feel like a well kept secret. Just call ahead, have your gear in order, and you’ll be back on your way to enjoying that beautiful Wisconsin scenery in no time.
1375 Planeview Dr, Oshkosh, WI 54904
(920) 230-2600
Cost: Price not available
Category: Self-storage facility
No Water
barrstorage.com