There’s something special about finding a great RV dump station in the heart of a city. So often, we’re relegated to the outskirts, the industrial parks, or the highway travel centers. But Downtown Riverside RV Park in North Little Rock is one of those rare urban gems that completely changes the game. This isn’t just a place to empty your tanks; it’s a destination in itself. Perched right on the north bank of the Arkansas River, this city-run park offers something you won’t find at any truck stop: a stunning skyline view of downtown Little Rock while you take care of business. Imagine rinsing your sewer hose while looking across the water at the modern architecture of the Clinton Presidential Center. It turns a mundane chore into a genuinely pleasant, almost scenic, experience.
The process here is refreshingly straightforward and secure. The park has a gated entry, which immediately gives you a sense of safety you don't always get at more public facilities. You buzz in, and the on-site management ensures everything is well-kept and orderly. Once inside, you just follow the simple loop road to the designated dump station area, which is integrated with some of the full-hookup sites. The pad is concrete, the connections are modern, and the whole setup is designed for efficiency. For a traveler just passing through, you can often be in, dumped, rinsed, and back on your way in less than fifteen or twenty minutes, feeling like you’ve discovered one of the city’s best-kept secrets. It’s the kind of stop that reminds you why RV travel is so amazing, blending practical needs with unexpected moments of beauty.
The real magic of this place, though, is what happens after you’ve capped your sewer outlet. You are literally parked on the doorstep of some of the best attractions the Little Rock area has to offer. Step out of your rig, and you’re standing on the Arkansas River Trail, a fantastic 15.6-mile paved loop that’s a paradise for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The trail spans both sides of the river and takes you across some incredible bridges, including the famous Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the country built specifically for that purpose. It’s an incredible way to stretch your legs after a long drive.
If you head just a half-mile west along the trail, you’ll find yourself in the vibrant Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock, with its cool breweries, unique galleries, and great local restaurants. Or, you can walk or bike across the scenic Clinton Presidential Park Bridge to explore the world-class Clinton Presidential Library and Museum on the other side of the river. For those with a bit more time, you can take a short 20-minute drive out to Pinnacle Mountain State Park for a rewarding hike with panoramic views, or dive into some profound American history at the Central High School National Historic Site. This dump station isn’t just a utility stop; it’s a launchpad for a full day of urban exploration. It completely redefines the idea of a "pit stop."
Because this park is managed by the North Little Rock Visitors Bureau, it has a feel that’s a step above your typical municipal campground. It operates more like a boutique RV resort. The hookups are clearly marked 50-amp connections, the bathhouses are clean and require a code for entry, and there’s a staffed office that can easily process a credit card for the dumping fee. It all feels very professional and well-cared-for. The park is generally quiet and calm, though you can expect it to get busy during big local events or festival weekends when it might host RV rallies.
The dump station itself is located on a nice, level concrete pad right next to some of the prime "Riverview" pull-through sites. This means you do need to be mindful of your surroundings. People might be walking by on the trail or sitting outside their rigs, so it’s a good place to practice good "hose discipline," making sure all your fittings are tight and secure to prevent any embarrassing or unpleasant accidents. The proximity to other campers and the public trail just calls for a little extra courtesy, which is a small price to pay for such a fantastic location.
Breaking down the amenities, this place has the important things covered. The water right at the dump pad is city-treated potable water, which is a huge plus for doing a proper black tank flush. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, they are welcome on a leash, and the sprawling riverside greenbelt provides more than enough space for a good walk. The recently renovated bathhouse is a real treat, with plenty of hot water and modern, touch-free fixtures. There’s even a laundry room with coin-operated machines inside the clubhouse, so you can knock out a load of laundry while your tanks drain. If you fall in love with the spot and decide to stay the night, every single site is equipped with 50-amp full hookups. The only things to be aware of are that there isn’t a designated trash disposal for day-use dumpers, so you’ll need to pack out your own garbage, and there’s no on-site fuel or propane. However, with downtown just a stone's throw away, gas stations are easy to find within a mile.
As for the cost, while it’s often listed as "Price not available," travelers consistently report a modest day-use fee of around $10, which you can pay at a kiosk. For a secure, well-lit, prime downtown location with these kinds of views and amenities, that is an absolute bargain. It’s far better value than many suburban truck stops that offer little more than a drain in the ground. And if you book a site for the night, the dumping is included, making an overnight stay an even more attractive option.
So, is this the right stop for you? Absolutely, especially if you appreciate the idea of blending your RV chores with a bit of culture and scenery. My tip would be to call ahead if you’re traveling on a Razorbacks football weekend, as the park can fill up quickly. When you’re driving in, approach from Broadway Street to avoid some of the tighter turns and construction near I-30. And be sure to take advantage of the location. After you’re done with the tanks, take the dog for a walk on the river trail, and then treat yourself to some authentic Arkansas barbecue over at the River Market. Watching the sunset paint the Little Rock skyline from across the river is the perfect reward for a job well done. This park isn’t just a utility; it’s an experience.
250 S Locust St, North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501) 340-5312
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV park
Has Water
downtownriversidervpark.com