There are moments on the road, especially along Florida’s glittering Gulf Coast, when finding a simple, no nonsense RV dump station feels like searching for a lost treasure. You’re often funneled toward the big, busy travel centers along U.S. 41, which are functional but far from relaxing. That’s why a place like Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort in the historic fishing village of Cortez is such a find. This isn’t just a dump station; it’s a gateway to Old Florida charm, a calm oasis tucked away from the main tourist drag. For just ten dollars, you can pull into this lovely, palm tree lined RV park and take care of business just five minutes from the postcard perfect beaches of Anna Maria Island. Whether you’re shaking the last of the sand out of your rig after a week of beachfront bliss or you’re stocking up and resetting your tanks before a boondocking adventure in the Everglades, this place is a perfect pit stop. The fact that they offer access to their dump pad, hot showers, and laundry facilities to non guests for a fee makes it an incredibly valuable resource for any RVer cruising this beautiful coastline.
The location is a huge part of its appeal. Cortez is one of the last true working fishing villages on the Gulf Coast, a place that feels like it’s been preserved in time. Founded way back in the 1880s, its docks are still home to a fleet of shrimp boats and local fish houses where you can buy the day’s catch straight from the source. It’s a world away from the high rise condos and souvenir shops that dominate so much of the coast. You can literally feel the history in the air. From the resort, a short bike ride or drive over the scenic Cortez Bridge puts you right onto Anna Maria Island. There, you can spend hours hunting for sea glass at Coquina Beach or combing for shells along the quieter stretches of Cortez Beach. It’s the quintessential Florida beach experience. If you head just ten minutes east from the resort, you’ll find yourself in Bradenton, where you can stroll along the beautiful Riverwalk, grab a bite to eat, or explore the Village of the Arts, a wonderfully quirky and colorful neighborhood filled with galleries, studios, and cafes. With so much to see and do within just a few miles, Buttonwood Inlet serves as the perfect midday service stop. You can get your chores done efficiently without feeling like you’ve sacrificed a precious day of your vacation.
The experience of using a dump station inside an active RV park is generally much more pleasant than at a truck stop. At Buttonwood Inlet, the dump station is conveniently located near the entrance, which is smart design. It keeps the transient traffic away from the main campground loops where people are set up and enjoying their stay. You can expect a well maintained, clearly marked concrete pad with good lighting. During office hours, there’s usually friendly staff around who can answer any questions. The culture here is incredibly relaxed. Many of the guests are seasonal snowbirds who have been coming for years, so there’s a real sense of community. Don’t be surprised if a friendly local strikes up a conversation while you’re draining your tanks. Just be sure to keep your setup tidy and enjoy the friendly chat. The busiest times are, predictably, on the weekends during checkout hours. To avoid a potential queue of departing campers, I’d recommend aiming for a weekday visit, perhaps late in the morning or early in the afternoon.
Let’s break down the amenities from an RVer’s perspective, because this place offers a lot of value. The access to showers and laundry is a huge perk. After a few days of beach camping, being able to take a long, hot shower and wash a load of sandy towels feels like the height of luxury. The restrooms are clean and convenient, especially if you’re doing a deep clean of your own rig’s bathroom. Having trash disposal on site is another simple but significant convenience, saving you from having to haul your garbage around. For your furry travel companions, leashed pets are welcome, and there’s a nice grassy area for them to have a walk. The one critical thing to note is the lack of a dedicated water spigot right at the dump pad for rinsing your sewer hose. This is a big deal, so you absolutely must come prepared. I always carry a few gallon jugs of water specifically for this purpose. You might be able to use a nearby spigot, but it’s always best to ask the office first to make sure you’re following their rules. Also, plan to get your fuel, propane, and any repairs done in nearby Bradenton before you arrive, as the resort doesn’t offer those services.
The value proposition here is outstanding. At just ten dollars, this is one of the most budget friendly options you’ll find anywhere on this popular tourist coast, where many private campgrounds will charge you fifteen or even twenty dollars just to empty your tanks. When you factor in the use of their showers, laundry, and trash bins, that ten dollars starts to feel like an absolute bargain. It’s an especially great deal for those of us who enjoy dry camping at nearby beach parking lots or other spots without hookups. It’s the perfect place for a complete mid week reset. A couple of tips to make your visit seamless: It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand. While many places have gone digital, some of these smaller, charming coastal parks still prefer cash for their dump fees. A quick call ahead can clarify this and save you a trip to an ATM. Since there’s no rinse water at the pad, having your own supply is key. A dedicated jug for flushing your hose and cleaning up the area will make the whole process quicker and cleaner. Also, be mindful of the office hours; they typically close around dinner time, so plan to arrive with plenty of time to spare. And while you’re waiting for your tanks to drain, take a short walk over to the Cortez Historic Fishing Village. You can grab a fantastic fresh grouper sandwich and snap some photos of the fishing fleet. It’s a great way to turn a chore into a memorable local experience. In short, Buttonwood Inlet is a fantastic find, offering an affordable, amenity rich stop in a location steeped in Old Florida charm.
12316 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL 34215
(941) 798-3090
Cost: $10
Category: RV park
No Water
buttonwoodinletrvresort.com