Let’s be honest, Southern California’s Inland Empire can feel like a bit of a desert when you’re desperately searching for an RV dump station. It’s a sprawling region of suburbs and industry, not exactly known for catering to the RV crowd. That’s why stumbling upon a place like Cox Boat & RV Storage in Ontario feels like you’ve hit the jackpot. Tucked away in a quiet industrial zone just minutes from the I-10 and the Ontario International Airport, this place is more than just a storage yard. It’s a strategic waypoint for any RVer navigating this busy part of the state. For those of us who mix up our travels between boondocking in the nearby deserts and hitting the coastal campgrounds, Cox offers a secure, no-fuss place to empty the tanks before putting the rig into storage or pushing on west towards the ocean.
Ontario itself sits at a major crossroads, where the I-10, State Route 60, and the I-15 all converge. This makes it an incredibly practical launch pad for all kinds of Southern California adventures. You’re not necessarily staying in Ontario for the scenery, you’re using it for its strategic location. From here, you can make an easy day trip about 40 miles west to visit Disneyland, or you can cruise about 90 minutes east to explore the surreal, boulder-strewn landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. Even a trip down to the beautiful San Diego coast is less than two hours away. If you’re looking for something closer to your base, you could explore the local Cucamonga Wine Trail, go for a hike in Chino Hills State Park, or even catch a minor-league baseball game at the Toyota Arena. One of the unsung benefits of this region is the weather. The dependably sunny and dry climate means you’re far less likely to have your tank-dumping duties delayed by a sudden downpour, which is always a plus.
Pulling into a storage facility to use their dump station is a completely different experience than stopping at a busy travel plaza. You trade the constant noise and bustle for a sense of calm and security. At a place like Cox, you can expect to find a secure keypad entry, with access generally available during reasonable daytime hours, like 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The facility is typically well-lit, and the presence of security cameras provides a welcome piece of mind. The staff on-site might ask you to sign in before you head to the dump station, but you’ll almost never have to deal with a line. These facilities are designed to accommodate large vehicles, so the lanes are usually wide enough for even the biggest Class A motorhomes, often with a boat in tow. This makes backing up and maneuvering a straightforward process.
However, the trade-off for this peace and quiet is a lack of amenities. The services here are strictly bare-bones. You’re here for one reason and one reason only, to empty your tanks. Don’t expect to find rinse water or public restrooms, so you absolutely must arrive self-contained. The on-site caretaker is a nice perk, meaning if you run into an issue, there’s likely someone around who can help. But the most important thing to remember is that this is a private business. If you’re not a monthly tenant, you absolutely have to call ahead. Public access isn’t a given, and their policies can vary. Don’t just show up expecting to be let in.
When you’re planning your stop, it’s critical to understand what’s not available. There is no water on-site. This is a big one. You’ll need to bring your own rinse water, at least five gallons in a portable jug, to make sure you can do a thorough flush of your black tank and clean your sewer hose. There are no restrooms or showers for public use, so you’ll want to plan your personal pit stops at a gas station or travel plaza before you arrive or after you leave. You also won’t find any trash bins for public use. The expectation is that you will pack out everything you bring in, including any solid waste like used gloves. Fortunately, there are plenty of truck stops along the I-10 with dumpsters you can use. The facility is pet-free, so you’ll need to leave your furry co-pilots in the rig. Service animals are likely an exception, but again, you should confirm this with the staff when you call. And finally, there’s no fuel, propane, or hookups. This is purely a dump-and-go stop. Plan to combine your visit with a fuel-up in nearby Fontana or Rancho Cucamonga, and take care of your grocery shopping at the massive Ontario Mills Mall, which is only about five miles away.
The pricing structure here isn’t something you’ll find posted on a big sign. For the month-to-month tenants who store their rigs here, using the dump station is a complimentary perk. For transient users like us, there might be a small fee, or you might be required to rent a space for a short term. Given how few and far between dump stations are in the Inland Empire, paying a modest fee can easily be worth it when you consider the time and fuel you’d burn trying to find an alternative. When you call, be sure to ask what payment methods they accept. Many smaller storage yards like this one prefer credit cards or digital payments like Zelle over cash.
To make sure your visit goes off without a hitch, there are a few key tips to follow. First and most importantly, phone ahead. I can’t stress this enough. Verify that they allow non-tenant access, ask about the fee, and confirm their hours. It’s also a good idea to bring your photo ID. Second, try to arrive during daylight hours. Industrial streets can be poorly lit and confusing to navigate after dark. Third, and this is just as important as calling ahead, bring your own water and gloves. Since there’s no spigot on-site, you are entirely on your own for rinsing. Fourth, it’s always a good idea to have a spotter with you when you’re backing up. Even though the lanes are wide, there can be awkwardly parked boats or trailers that create tricky angles. And finally, keep your gear organized. Industrial yards can be dusty, so it’s wise to keep your potable water gear completely separate from your sewer equipment. Cox Boat & RV Storage provides a valuable, under-the-radar service in a region where RVers are often left scrambling. The security and wide lanes make up for the lack of water, as long as you come prepared. Call ahead, bring your jug of water, and you’ll find this is a perfectly practical solution for a mid-journey tank dump.
2091 S Cucamonga Ave, Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 947-3757
Cost: Price not available
Category: Boat storage facility
No Water
coxboatandrvstorage.com