RV Dump Station in Chugwater, Wyoming: Chugwater Rest Area
RV Dump Station Reviews & Ratings
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
Sometimes the most memorable stops on a long road trip are in the places with the most unassuming names. As you cruise along Interstate 25 in Wyoming, you’ll see a sign for Exit 54: Chugwater. With a population that hovers around 200 souls, it’s the kind of place you might fly right past without a second thought. But for the savvy RVer, tapping the brakes and taking that exit is one of the smartest moves you can make. Just off the highway, you’ll find a simple, well-signed rest area that quietly hosts one of Wyoming’s incredibly valuable free RV dump stations. It’s a functional, no-frills stop that comes with a surprising and delightful side of small-town American charm.
Tapping the brakes for Chugwater is about more than just emptying the black tank. You’re pulling into a town with a unique claim to fame. It’s home to the legendary Chugwater Chili, a secret recipe that has been winning awards and warming bellies since 1986. The town also bills itself as “Wyoming’s Oldest Soda Fountain Town.” Before you even think about your sewer hose, I highly recommend driving the extra minute into the heart of town. You can grab an authentic milkshake from the 1914 Chugwater Soda Fountain or, better yet, stock up on chili seasoning at the Chugwater Chili storefront. It’s a community-owned business, and grabbing a few packets of their famous mix is a great way to support the local economy. It also makes for a ridiculously easy and delicious dinner back in the rig later. If your travels bring you through in mid June, you might even catch the annual Wyoming State Championship Chili Cook-off, a major event for this tiny town.
The dump station itself is as straightforward as it gets. It’s not part of a large, sprawling rest area campus like Dwyer Junction. Instead, it’s a dedicated, large paved pull through located in the rest area loop right on WY-313. The lanes are clearly striped, and there is ample turnaround space, more than enough to comfortably fit a big Class A motorhome pulling a dinghy. It’s designed for easy in and easy out access. For most of the year, you’ll likely have the place to yourself. The only time you might encounter a line is on a weekend morning when the chili cook-off is in town, as folks who have been dry camping for the event will all be heading out at the same time.
Now, it’s crucial to set your expectations correctly for the amenities here. This is a place that trades frills for function and cost. The dump station is free, and it’s available year round. That’s the big prize. However, you need to be completely self-contained. Travelers consistently report that the water spigots are dry, so there is no potable or rinse water available. You absolutely must bring your own. A simple one or two gallon jug of water is all you need to rinse your hose and the area, but you must have it with you. Additionally, the permanent restroom building has been closed for quite some time for major upgrades. While they sometimes place portable toilets on site during big events, you should plan on not having access to public facilities.
The value here is crystal clear: it’s a free and convenient dump. This makes Chugwater an extremely attractive alternative to paying a fee at a private campground in Cheyenne or Wheatland. The only real trade off is the complete lack of water and restrooms, but for many of us, that’s a trade we’re happy to make to save a few bucks. There’s also an interesting quirk regarding overnighting. You’ll see signs on the interstate that permit overnight parking at rest areas, but then you might see a smaller placard on site that says “no camping.” The general consensus among the RVing community is that local enforcement is very lenient for a single, discreet overnight stay. This means parking for the night in your self contained rig is likely fine. Just don’t put out your slides, awnings, or lawn chairs. Be a good neighbor, and you shouldn’t have any issues.
A few tips for a smooth stop: I already mentioned carrying your own rinse water, but a small garden sprayer can make that process even cleaner and more efficient. Be mindful of the local services. There’s one gas station at the exit, but its hours can be limited, so it’s wise to fuel up earlier in the day. And of course, don’t miss the chili!
In summary, the Chugwater Rest Area is a perfect pit stop for the RVer who values practicality over polish. It’s a free, easy-to-access dump station that asks only that you bring your own water and a bit of self sufficiency. In return, it offers a wonderful excuse to explore a tiny piece of authentic Wyoming, taste some award winning chili, and save a little money for the next adventure down the road.