There are two kinds of stops on the road: the scenic destinations and the mission-critical pit stops. Camping World in Jacksonville falls squarely into the second category. Let’s be clear, you’re not coming here for the campfire songs or the beautiful sunsets. You’re coming here because you’re a multi-tasking RVer on a mission. This is a place built for efficiency, a one-stop shop right off Interstate 95 where you can dump your tanks, fill your propane, pick up essential parts, and maybe even get a nagging repair issue looked at, all in one go.
Located at Exit 358B on I-95, this 20-acre super-store is a familiar sight to anyone who has spent time on the interstate. Its primary business is, of course, selling and servicing RVs. But like many Camping World locations, they extend the use of their customer dump station to fellow travelers, and that is a huge convenience. The key to a smooth visit here is understanding the rhythm of a dealership service center, which is very different from that of a campground.
When you pull in, your first stop should be the service counter. Don’t just drive around looking for the dump station. The folks at the service desk are the gatekeepers. You check in with them, and they’ll direct you to the right spot and let you know the procedure. Typically, a service tech will point you toward the dump basin, which is usually located on a concrete pad right beside the parts entrance. The whole process feels very business-like, very transactional. You’re not a guest; you’re a customer availing a service.
The biggest variable here is timing. If you roll in mid-week, you’ll likely find the process to be quick and easy. But on a Saturday, especially, you could find yourself in a queue. You’ll be sharing the space with customers dropping off or picking up their rigs from the service bays. My advice is to try and arrive either early in the day or about a half-hour before they close in the evening. This helps you avoid the main rush of service appointments. Also, be aware of rush hour on I-95. The traffic on the ramps around the dealership can get incredibly heavy between 4 and 6 p.m., so planning your arrival to avoid that window will save you a lot of headaches.
The amenity list here is short and focused entirely on the RV itself. They can fill your propane cylinders while you’re there, which is a fantastic time-saver. And if you have any mechanical issues, from a leaky slide-out seal to a more serious warranty claim, their factory-authorized techs are right there. The parts store is the other main attraction. I always use a stop like this to do a quick inventory. Do I need a new sewer hose gasket? Am I running low on tank treatment? Is it time to replace my water filter? You can walk right in and get what you need, often finding discounts or sales on common RV supplies. It’s the perfect opportunity to replace worn-out gear.
Now, for what they don’t have. There is no water for rinsing or filling your fresh tank. You absolutely must bring your own rinse water, whether it’s a dedicated hose connected to your rig’s supply or a few gallons in a jug. There’s no gas station, no showers, no laundry, and no public restrooms for non-shoppers. And there’s no place to leave your trash. This is a strict pack-it-in, pack-it-out situation. You’re here for a specific set of tasks, and anything outside of that, you’re on your own.
The cost is another detail you need to verify with a phone call. The pricing for using the dump station isn’t published and can vary. Some Camping World locations might charge a small fee, maybe $5 or $10. Others might waive the fee entirely if you’re a member of their retail club. Calling ahead is non-negotiable. It avoids any surprises and allows you to confirm that they are, in fact, allowing non-service customers to use the dump station on that particular day. Some of their Florida stores have been known to allow gate access until later in the evening, so it’s worth asking about after-hours availability as well.
So, what’s the final word on the Jacksonville Camping World? It’s the epitome of a utility stop. It’s not scenic, it’s not relaxing, but it is incredibly efficient. It’s for the RVer who thinks in terms of logistics. You can get off the highway, dump your tanks, get propane, buy a new sewer hose, and be back on I-95 with minimal fuss and wasted time. It’s the perfect solution when you need to combine several RV-related errands into one stop. Just remember to call ahead to verify the fee and hours, bring your own rinse water, and time your visit to avoid the service bay traffic. For pure, unadulterated convenience on the I-95 corridor, it’s an invaluable resource.