Let’s be honest, navigating Southern California in a big rig can test the patience of a saint. The traffic is legendary, the parking is a fantasy, and finding a convenient place to empty your holding tanks can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail. Especially when you’re near the coast, where every square inch of real estate is spoken for. I’ve spent more time than I care to admit scrolling through maps, looking for that little blue dump station icon, only to find it’s an hour inland. That’s why stumbling upon a spot like Don Temple Storage in Long Beach feels like a major win. It’s a clean, straightforward, and blessedly simple solution right in the middle of the urban sprawl.
Finding this place is a breeze, which is something you can’t say about most destinations in the LA area. It’s located just a stone’s throw from the I-405, one of the main arteries running through this part of the state. This means you can get in, get the job done, and get back on the road without having to navigate a labyrinth of narrow city streets. For those of us driving anything from a long fifth wheel to a 40 foot Class A, that easy access is worth its weight in gold. The entrance is designed for moving trucks and people with large trailers, so the lanes are wide and the turns are manageable. You aren't going to be holding your breath, wondering if you’re about to scrape your side on a low hanging branch or a tight corner.
Now, this isn't your typical truck stop or travel center. It’s a self storage facility, and that comes with a different kind of vibe. It’s quieter. It’s calmer. There aren’t dozens of cars and trucks jockeying for position at the fuel pumps. You pull in during their office hours, which are typically standard business hours, so plan accordingly. You’ll check in at the front office, and in my experience, the staff are professional and used to dealing with RVers. They’ll take your payment, which was a reasonable twenty five dollars the last time I was there, and point you toward the dedicated dump lane. It's a separate lane, away from the storage units, so you have plenty of privacy and space to work. No audience, no pressure. You can take your time and do the job right.
Let's talk about what they offer, because that’s what really matters. The most important feature for me is the potable water. Having a source of fresh, clean water right at the dump station is a huge plus. It means you can give your black tank a proper rinse, which is essential for keeping odors down and sensors clean. You can also wash out your sewer hose and fittings before you store them away, which is just good practice. And of course, you can top off your freshwater tank before you head out. It turns a simple dump stop into a full water management stop. They also have restroom access for customers, which is a small but deeply appreciated convenience after you’ve been on the freeways for a while.
There are a few things to keep in mind, however. This is a secure facility, and they have rules. The big one for many travelers is that they do not allow pets on the property. Not even for a quick walk. So if you’re traveling with a furry copilot, you’ll need to make sure they’ve had their potty break before you pull through the gate. Fido will have to wait patiently in the rig while you take care of the tanks. Also, this is strictly a dump and water stop. There’s no fuel, no propane, and no little convenience store for snacks. Plan ahead and fill up your gas tank and propane cylinders elsewhere. The good news is that you're in a dense urban area, so gas stations and supply stores are just a few blocks away on major streets like Spring Street or Lakewood Boulevard. I usually combine my stop here with a run to the nearby Costco for fuel and supplies. It makes for a very efficient afternoon of chores.
Another critical point is that there are no trash bins available for RVers. This is a common policy at storage facilities to prevent people from dumping household garbage. It means you must pack out everything you bring in. I always keep a couple of heavy duty contractor bags in my rig for this very reason. You collect your trash, and you take it with you until you find an appropriate place to dispose of it. It’s a small price to pay for the convenience of the location.
The twenty five dollar fee might seem a bit steep if you’re used to the five or ten dollar stations you find in the Midwest or out in the desert. But you have to think about it in context. This is coastal California. The location is prime. Paying that fee probably saves you at least an hour of driving, a few gallons of fuel, and a whole lot of stress trying to get to a cheaper place further inland. For me, the value is absolutely there. It’s the price of convenience in a high demand area. As always, it's a good idea to give them a quick call before you head over, just to confirm their hours and the current price. Things can change, and a two minute phone call can save you a lot of hassle.
So, who is this stop for? If you're a full timer exploring the Southern California coast, or a weekend warrior heading to one of the beach campgrounds, Don Temple Storage is an excellent resource to have in your back pocket. It’s for the RVer who values a clean, secure, and easily accessible facility and is willing to pay a little extra for the prime location. It’s a no fuss, no drama stop that lets you take care of a critical task efficiently, so you can get back to what you’re really here for: enjoying the sunshine and the ocean breeze. Before you head out to chase the sunset down the Pacific Coast Highway or settle in for a stay at a local RV park, make a stop here. You’ll be glad you did.
3750 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90806
(562) 426-5555
Cost: $25
Category: Storage facility
Has Water
dontemplestorage.com