RV Dump Station in Silverthorne, Colorado: Blue River WWTP Silverthorne/Dillon Joint Sewer Authority
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For the truly budget-conscious RVer, the boondocker, or the full-timer who counts every penny, finding a dump station for just a few bucks feels like striking gold. In the heart of Colorado’s expensive Summit County, where everything from a gallon of milk to a ski lift ticket costs a premium, the Blue River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Silverthorne is that nugget of gold. Located just a few minutes off the bustling I-70 corridor, this facility offers a no-frills dump station for an almost unbelievable price: just three dollars. It’s the kind of insider tip that gets shared in quiet conversations at campgrounds, a true local secret for those in the know.
The location is prime for anyone exploring this corner of the Rockies. Silverthorne is the gateway to some of the world's most famous ski resorts: Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin are all just a short drive away. In the summer, the area transforms into a paradise for hikers and cyclists. The centerpiece of the region is the stunning Dillon Reservoir, a massive alpine lake where you can watch sailboats race on weekends or bike the beautiful 18-mile paved path that circles its shores. Whether you’re here to ski, hike, or just soak in the mountain views, having a dirt-cheap dump option nearby is a massive advantage.
Now, let’s be clear about the experience. This is not a scenic campground or a full-service travel center. It’s a wastewater treatment plant, and it feels like it. It's an industrial, utilitarian site. You follow CO-9 north from the main Silverthorne exit, turn into the plant’s driveway, and loop past the operational buildings to the back where the dump station is located. There’s no friendly attendant or fancy signage. What you will find is a concrete pad with a feature that many RVers will secretly love: it’s built on a pretty steep slant. This angle is fantastic for getting an incredibly thorough drain of your black and gray tanks. Gravity really does its job here. The catch is the limited hours. This is a government facility, so it generally operates on a weekday schedule, roughly from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and it's closed on holidays and weekends. You have to plan your visit accordingly. Payment is on the honor system via an iron ranger, so be sure to have three one-dollar bills or some quarters ready to slip into the slot.
The rock-bottom price comes with some significant trade-offs, and you need to be prepared for them. The most important thing to know is that there is absolutely no water available. No potable water for filling your fresh tank, and more critically, no non-potable rinse water for cleaning your sewer hose. You must be completely self-sufficient. This means bringing your own jug of water for rinsing and having a plan for where you’ll fill your fresh tank later. Also, this is an active industrial site, so pets are not allowed out of the vehicle. You’ll have to leave your dog secured inside your rig while you take care of the tanks. There are also no restrooms and no trash disposal, so you’ll need to plan a separate stop for those needs. This is purely and simply a place to dump your tanks and move on.
The value proposition is simple: it is the cheapest dump you will find in this very expensive region. For three dollars, you get a clean and efficient way to empty your tanks. For the boondocker coming out of the national forest or the traveler just passing through on I-70, the lack of amenities is a small price to pay for such a huge saving. A private campground in this area might charge you $20 or more for the same service.
A few tips to make your visit successful: double-check the time before you go. Arriving at 4 p.m. on a weekday will leave you disappointed. Because the pad is so steeply angled, it is absolutely essential that you chock your wheels securely before you even think about opening your valves. It’s a simple safety step that should never be skipped. A great way to plan your trip is to combine this stop with a grocery run at the large City Market or a fuel-up at one of the gas stations right at the Silverthorne exit. If you’re desperate for water after dumping, you can try calling the Dillon Marina; sometimes their Forest Service station offers paid water fills, but you should always call ahead to confirm availability and hours. Ultimately, the Blue River WWTP is an unbeatable option for the prepared, self-sufficient RVer. It’s not fancy, but it’s functional, cheap, and located right where you need it.
26452 CO-9, Silverthorne, CO 80498
(970) 468-6152
Cost: $3
Category: City government office
No Water
