RV Dump Station in Longmont, Colorado: Boulder County Fairgrounds Campground
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Finding an affordable and convenient place to handle your tanks along Colorado’s Front Range can feel like a search for a unicorn. The area between Denver and Fort Collins is booming, and prices for everything, including RV services, reflect that. That’s why the Boulder County Fairgrounds Campground in Longmont is such an incredible find. It’s one of those local secrets that seasoned RVers pass along to one another. For just ten dollars, you get an easy-to-access dump station with potable water, located just a short 15-minute drive off the busy I-25 corridor. It’s a budget-friendly oasis in an otherwise expensive region.
Longmont itself is a fantastic place to spend a day or two. It has a cool, laid-back vibe that’s a great alternative to the hustle of nearby Boulder. It’s a city that loves the outdoors. You can hop on a bike and ride for miles on the city’s greenway system, go for a paddleboard session at Union Reservoir, or even float the St. Vrain River right in town. The craft beverage scene here is legendary, anchored by giants like Left Hand and Oskar Blues. Downtown is full of historic charm, with great art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants. Plus, you’re only about a 30-minute drive from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, making this an ideal basecamp for exploring the mountains without paying mountain-town prices.
Using the dump station here feels like a throwback to a simpler time. You enter through the main fairgrounds gate and drive past the big equestrian barns and arenas. The vibe is wide-open and agricultural. You can almost smell the hay in the air. The dump lane is clearly signed and easy to spot. Because the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, the traffic is usually very light, especially when there isn’t a major event like the county fair happening. It’s a refreshingly low-stress experience. The payment system is an old-school honor system fee box that takes cash, so make sure you have a ten-dollar bill on hand. The best part is that the potable water spigot and large trash dumpsters are located right next to the dump pad, making it a true one-stop-shop for basic services.
The amenities are simple but effective. Having potable water included in the $10 fee is an amazing value. You can flush your tank, rinse your hose, and top off your fresh water before heading into the foothills where water sources can be scarce. The fairgrounds are naturally pet-friendly; they host dog shows, after all. There’s plenty of open space for your leashed pet to stretch its legs. While there’s no gas or propane on-site, Ken Pratt Boulevard, the main drag you’ll take to get there, is lined with plenty of fuel stations. If you decide to stay the night, the campground offers basic but clean coin-operated showers, and the sites have 30/50-amp electrical hookups. For a nightly rate of around $35, it’s an absolute bargain for this area.
The value here is off the charts. Ten bucks for a dump with a potable water fill in the Boulder metro area is practically unheard of. It undercuts nearly every private park in the vicinity. For the RVer who doesn’t need a swimming pool or a clubhouse, this place is perfect. It’s all about practical, no-frills service at a fair price.
To make your visit as smooth as possible, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The most important tip is to check the fairgrounds schedule and avoid visiting during the county fair, which usually happens in early August. During that week, the place is swarming with livestock trailers and 4-H families, and the lanes can get completely clogged. Any other time of the year, it’s usually wide open. If you plan on using the showers, remember to bring a roll of quarters. After you’re done with your RV chores, do yourself a favor and explore Longmont’s Main Street. The taco scene is surprisingly vibrant, and a post-dump flight of craft beer at Left Hand Brewing is the perfect way to end the day. And a word of caution for those traveling in the shoulder seasons or winter: from October through April, overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Make sure your hoses are winterized to prevent any unfortunate icy surprises. For any RVer traveling along the Front Range, the Boulder County Fairgrounds is the smart stop. It’s the perfect blend of value, convenience, and low-stress access.
9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501
(303) 682-6762
Cost: $10
Category: Campground
Has Water
bouldercounty.org/open-space/fairgrounds/campground