Every now and then on the road, you stumble upon a solution that is so brilliantly unconventional you just have to smile. An RV dump station in the parking lot of a civic center? It’s not the first place that comes to mind. In fact, it’s probably not the tenth. But down in Houma, Louisiana, the Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center offers just that, and for travelers exploring the heart of Cajun Country, it’s an absolute lifesaver. This isn't your typical campground or truck stop. This is an urban oasis, a paved-lot paradise born from the need to accommodate big crowds for festivals and rallies. It’s a prime example of how, with a little creative thinking, you can find the services you need in the most unexpected of places.
Houma bills itself as the “capital of deep bayou country,” and it’s not an exaggeration. This is the jumping-off point for some of the most authentic Louisiana experiences you can have. We’re talking about airboat swamp tours through cypress forests, charter fishing trips out in the Gulf, and incredible birdwatching opportunities along canals lined with shrimp boats. The culture here is rich and vibrant, with Cajun music seemingly pouring out of every other doorway and a calendar full of local events and festivals. The beauty of the Civic Center’s setup is that it can put you right in the middle of all that action. Imagine parking your rig for the night and being just steps away from an authentic gumbo cook-off or a local music festival. It’s a unique way to immerse yourself in the local culture that you just can’t get from a traditional campground located miles outside of town.
Now, using a dump station at an event venue comes with its own set of rules and nuances. This isn’t a place that’s dedicated to RVers 24/7, so a little planning is required. The key to this whole operation is Lot C, where they have pedestals set up to handle around 200 RVs. These pedestals provide water and both 30 and 50-amp power, and many of them even have full sewer hookups. This is an incredible perk in a city setting. For those just passing through, there are also dedicated dump stations nearby. The most important thing you need to do is call ahead. The availability of these spots is entirely dependent on the Civic Center’s event schedule. If there’s a big concert, a trade show, or a craft fair, that parking lot is going to be full, and you’ll be out of luck. A quick phone call is all it takes to confirm that the lot is open for RV use.
Let's break down the amenities, because there are some real highlights and a few important limitations. Having access to water and 30/50-amp electric hookups in a city parking lot is fantastic. It allows you to come back from a long day of sightseeing in the humid Louisiana air and crank up your air conditioner without having to run the generator. The fact that many spots are full hookup is even better, a rare urban perk that lets you handle all your sanitation needs without having to move the rig. You can access restrooms inside the main building, but only during normal business hours, so don't count on them for a middle-of-the-night emergency. Now for the limitations: pets are not allowed, which is a critical piece of information for a huge number of RVers. You’ll need to have a plan for your furry friends if you intend to stay here. There’s also no on-site trash disposal, so you must be prepared to pack out all your garbage. And finally, there are no propane, fuel, or shower facilities. You’ll need to stock up on all your supplies before you arrive.
The value proposition here is really compelling. The last listed price for a dump-only service was just seven dollars. That is an absolute bargain for a clean, easy-to-access dump station in a city. If you decide to stay the night and take advantage of the water and electric hookups, the fee was a very reasonable $30. When you compare that to the cost of private RV parks in a tourist area, that’s a fantastic deal, especially given the prime location. If you’re planning to spend a few days exploring the bayous, this can save you a significant amount of money. Just remember to bring some leveling blocks. It’s a paved parking lot, but asphalt is rarely perfectly level, and you’ll want to be stable. Also, if you’re arriving after 5 p.m., you’ll need to have registered in advance by phone to make sure someone knows you’re coming.
My final take is this: the Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center is a brilliant, if quirky, option for any self-sufficient RVer exploring southeastern Louisiana. It’s not for everyone. If you need a dog park, a playground, and laundry facilities, this isn’t your spot. But if you want an affordable, no-frills place to park with excellent hookups, right in the heart of Cajun Country, it’s hard to beat. It’s a perfect example of the need to be a good guest. You’re on civic property, not a rustic campground, so respecting quiet hours and leaving no trace is paramount. For the savvy traveler who values location and a great price over resort-style amenities, this place is a hidden gem. Verify they’re open, and then get ready to dive headfirst into the incredible food and culture of the bayou, all with the confidence that your tanks are empty and your batteries are charged.
346 Civic Center Blvd, Houma, LA 70360
(985) 850-4657
Cost: Price not available
Category: Event venue
Has Water
houmaciviccenter.com