There’s a certain rhythm to the end of a great RV trip. It’s a mix of happy exhaustion, packing up, and tackling that final checklist of chores before you head for home or, in some cases, return a rental. One of the biggest items on that list is always the same: emptying the holding tanks one last time. If you find yourself near the St. Louis area, specifically in East Alton, Illinois, there’s a practical, no frills option that might just be your saving grace. The Cruise America RV Rental location at 4615 Hedge Road in the village of Roxana offers a dedicated dump station that serves its primary customer base of renters, but can also be a port in a storm for other RVers who are in a pinch. It’s not a destination, but it’s a strategically placed tool for the savvy traveler.
Its location is what makes it so useful. East Alton sits right along the magnificent Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway, a stretch of road that should be on every RVer’s bucket list. You’re driving alongside towering limestone bluffs with the mighty Mississippi River flowing right beside you. This Cruise America stop is the perfect place to get the dirty work done before or after you soak in those views. Just up the road, you can climb the 180 foot Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower for an incredible perspective on where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers merge. If you’re there in the winter, the riverbanks become a prime location for bald eagle watching, a truly unforgettable sight. And let’s not forget, you’re only about 24 miles from the iconic Gateway Arch and all the attractions of downtown St. Louis. For history buffs, the Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site, the remnants of a massive pre Columbian city, is just a half hour drive away. This dump station sits at the crossroads of some major Midwestern adventures.
Dumping at a rental agency is a very different animal compared to a park or a truck stop. The entire operation is geared toward one thing: processing rental returns. This means that if you’re a Cruise America customer, you are the priority. The signage and setup are often very clear and instructional, designed for folks who might be first time RVers. You’ll likely see signs that walk you through the process step by step, just like in the company’s guidebooks, emphasizing the black tank first, then the grey. If you’re not a customer, the most important thing you can do is call ahead. Access for the general public is not guaranteed and is entirely at the discretion of the location’s manager. A polite phone call to ask if they allow non rental RVs to use the facility and what the fee might be is absolutely essential.
You need to set your expectations accordingly when it comes to amenities, because here, there are basically none. This is a purely utilitarian stop. Think of it as a drive through service for your sewer tanks. The most critical thing to know is that there is typically no water available for rinsing your hose. You absolutely must bring your own rinse water in a separate container. This is non negotiable for doing the job properly and cleanly. The facility is also not a place to hang out. There are strict hours, usually aligning with a standard 9 to 5 workday and often closed on Sundays. Once the business day is over, the lot is usually gated, so there is no possibility for overnight parking. It’s also a pet free zone on the property, so your four legged companions will need to wait in the rig. Don’t expect restrooms, trash cans, propane, or any other services. This is a drop and go location, period.
The cost and value proposition here is simple. For anyone returning a Cruise America rental, using the dump station is part of the return process and is typically included in your rental agreement. Making sure those tanks are empty is your responsibility to avoid extra fees. For the traveling RVer who has called ahead and received permission, you can expect to pay a fee, likely in the ten to fifteen dollar range. The value isn’t in the amenities, but in the sheer convenience of its location, just minutes off of major routes like IL-255 and right on the doorstep of the Great River Road. It can save you from a long, frustrating detour into the heart of St. Louis traffic just to find another option.
To make your visit a success, a few tips are in order. First and foremost, that phone call is not optional. Confirm access, hours, and the fee before you even point your GPS in that direction. When you do dump, it’s helpful to arrive with your tanks less than half full if possible. This can reduce the pressure and potential for splashing, especially if the ground connection is a simple, short pipe. Always bring your own disposable gloves; you can’t count on the facility to provide them. After you’re done, the best part is planning your next move. You’ve just freed yourself up for a worry free afternoon. Head north on the byway towards the charming river town of Grafton for lunch overlooking the bluffs, or point your rig south and make a beeline for some legendary St. Louis barbecue. For renters, my pro tip is to take a picture of your tank level indicator panel after you’ve dumped. It’s a simple way to have proof that you returned the vehicle with empty tanks, just in case any questions arise later. This Cruise America location isn’t glamorous, but it is a perfect example of the right tool in the right place at the right time.
4615 Hedge Rd, East Alton, IL 62024
(618) 254-3650
Cost: Price not available
Category: Recreational vehicle rental agency
No Water
cruiseamerica.com