Florida’s Gulf Coast is the dream for a lot of RVers. You’ve got the sun, the sand, and that incredible turquoise water. Clearwater Beach consistently gets ranked as one of the best beaches in the entire country, and for good reason. But as any seasoned road warrior will tell you, paradise has its practical problems. Finding a convenient, in-town dump station can be more challenging than finding a parking spot on a sunny holiday weekend. The closer you get to the beautiful beaches, the harder it is to find places that cater to the less glamorous side of RV life. That’s why a spot like Clearwater Travel Resort is such a find. Located right on the busy Gulf to Bay Boulevard, this is a full-fledged urban RV park that explicitly welcomes drive-in guests who just need to use their dump station.
They post a fee, which was twenty dollars when we checked, and for that price, you’re getting pure convenience. Its location is strategic. You are literally just five miles from putting your toes in the sugar-white sand of Clearwater Beach, but you’re also just a few blocks away from the main artery of US-19. That means you have easy access to all the essentials: auto parts stores for that fuse you forgot, big grocery chains like Publix for a full restock, and numerous fuel plazas to top off the tank. It transforms the chore of dumping into a highly efficient, one-stop resupply mission. You can get everything done in one fell swoop and be back to enjoying your vacation.
Clearwater is the anchor of Florida’s Pinellas Peninsula, a stretch of land blessed with some thirty five miles of gorgeous Gulf-coast shoreline. The absolute heart of the tourist experience is Pier 60. You have to go there for the nightly sunset festival. It’s a tradition. As the sun starts to dip toward the horizon, the pier comes alive with street performers, musicians, and local artisans selling their crafts. It’s a wonderful, family-friendly celebration of another day in paradise. Speaking of families, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another major draw, famous as the home of the rescued dolphins Winter and Hope from the Dolphin Tale movies. It’s a fantastic place focused on rescue and rehabilitation, and it’s a hit with all ages.
For those of us who like to stay active, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a local treasure. This is a 45-mile paved rail trail that cuts right through the area, threading its way through downtown Clearwater and the charming nearby town of Dunedin. It’s perfect for getting out on your bike and exploring the region without having to deal with the notorious beach traffic. And if you’re using the resort as a home base for a couple of days, your day-trip possibilities are fantastic. You’re only about a 35 minute drive from the thrills of Busch Gardens in Tampa. The beautifully undeveloped beaches of Honeymoon Island State Park are just 25 minutes away. And the world-renowned Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is a manageable 40 minute trip. This location puts you right in the middle of everything.
Dumping your tanks at a full-service RV park like Clearwater Travel Resort is a world away from a dusty fairground or a cramped gas station lane. Because this is a proper resort, you can expect well-maintained, paved interior roads and sites that are designed for big rigs. When you arrive, you’ll check in at the main office, pay your dump fee, and they’ll likely give you a little map showing you exactly where to go. The dump inlet itself is thoughtfully placed, often adjacent to a pull-through lane that’s plenty big enough for even the largest Class A coaches. There’s no need for any awkward backing maneuvers or tight turns.
Be prepared for the possibility of a short wait, especially if you’re visiting during the peak "snowbird" season, which runs roughly from January through March. The park will be full of seasonal guests, and dump stations can get busy. But the convenience is often worth it. Many people will finish dumping and then roll right over to the on-site propane station to get their tanks filled. Or they might even grab an electric site for a few hours to do laundry, catch up on Wi-Fi, and let the fresh water tank fill up without having to stand there and hold the hose. Just remember to practice good dump station etiquette. Wear your gloves, empty the black tank before the grey, and give the spigot a quick sanitizing wipe when you’re done. It’s all about being a good neighbor.
The list of amenities here is what really sets it apart and helps justify the cost. Having both potable water and electric hookups means you can accomplish a full recharge in one stop. This is especially valuable for those of us who enjoy boondocking at the nearby state parks. You can come in, dump, fill your fresh water, and get your batteries back to 100 percent. The on-site propane fill-up is a massive convenience. Searching for propane in a busy urban area can be a real headache, so having it right there is a lifesaver. And let’s be honest, after a few hot, humid Florida days, having access to clean showers and a functional laundry room feels like the height of luxury. You can knock out both chores before heading to the beach for that perfect sunset.
Of course, they have clean restrooms and conveniently located trash dumpsters, which just streamlines the whole process. For pet owners, the designated dog-walk zones are a thoughtful touch, keeping your four-legged friends safe and off the busy nearby sidewalks. They even list on-site repair services, which could be a real trip-saver if you’re dealing with a minor but nagging issue. It’s always smart to call ahead to check on parts availability, but just knowing it’s an option provides peace of mind. Keep in mind that gasoline is not sold within the resort itself, and the transient dump pad doesn’t have a full sewer hookup. If those details are critical for you, a quick call to the office will clear up any questions.
At twenty dollars, the fee for dumping at Clearwater Travel Resort is a bit higher than the typical ten to fifteen dollar charge you might find at a county park. However, in this case, the urban convenience absolutely justifies the extra few bucks. You’re not just paying to empty your tanks. You are paying for prime location, security, and a bundle of valuable services all in one place. You’re paying to avoid the stress and wasted fuel of driving all over a busy city to find propane, a laundromat, and a place to dump. When you factor in your time, the cost is more than fair. It never hurts to ask about discounts for Good Sam members or military service when you call.
To make your visit as smooth as possible, timing is everything. If you need to cross the Memorial Causeway to get to the beach, try to do it before 3 p.m. on a Friday, as the traffic can become a parking lot. Be efficient by combining your errands. You can fuel up at the RaceTrac on US-19 and grab groceries at the Publix right next door before you even pull into the resort to dump. If you want to catch that famous sunset at Pier 60, a great pro tip is to get your rig settled at the resort by 5 p.m. and then just take an Uber or a Lyft over to the pier. It saves you the immense headache of trying to park a vehicle, let alone an RV, near the beach at that time. Also, it’s a good idea to carry some quarters, as some of the laundry machines might still be coin-operated. And while they do provide rinse water, bringing your own 25-foot non-potable water hose can often speed up the process.
So, if you’re in your rig and searching for a "dump station near Clearwater Beach," this resort is pretty hard to beat. It charges a fair price for what it offers, bundles together a bunch of clutch amenities that RVers really need, and leaves you ready to hit the beach after a single, efficient stop. Our advice is simple: call ahead to double-check the propane hours and confirm there are no seasonal rate changes. Then, pencil it into your Gulf Coast itinerary as a guaranteed, stress-free reset point.
2946 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 791-0550
Cost: $20
Category: RV park
Has Water
clearwatertravelresort.net