If you have spent any time navigating the beautiful, rolling roads of the Texas Hill Country, you know that convenience is king. The landscape is breathtaking, a rugged mix of limestone canyons and oak-studded hills, but the services can be spread out. Finding a good, clean, and accessible dump station right when you need it can sometimes feel like searching for a secret fishing spot. That’s why stumbling upon a brand new facility, especially one as thoughtfully laid out as the one at Dry Dock & Lock, feels like a major win. Located right on FM 306 near Canyon Lake, this spot isn't your typical, hurried truck stop experience. It is a self storage facility, which might sound a little odd at first, but let me tell you, for the RVer who values space, quiet, and a bit of order, it is an absolute game changer. They recently added a dedicated drive through lane just for RVs, and it’s clear they were thinking about our needs when they did it.
The journey to this part of Texas is a reward in itself. Whether you are coming up from San Antonio or cruising down from Austin, the drive through the Hill Country is part of the adventure. You leave the city bustle behind and the roads start to twist and turn, revealing stunning vistas at every curve. Canyon Lake itself is the jewel of the area. After some much needed rain helped the lake levels recover, the coves are sparkling and the boat ramps are busy again. It is a fantastic place for anyone who loves the water, with opportunities for kayaking in quiet coves, fishing for trophy bass, or just floating the day away. Just a short fifteen minute drive from the storage facility, you can be at Guadalupe River State Park, a classic Texas spot where towering bald cypress trees line the riverbanks. It is perfect for a day of tubing or hiking. We have often used spots like this as a home base, exploring the area's natural wonders. You can visit the incredible Natural Bridge Caverns or dive into some local history at the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country. The beauty of a dump station like Dry Dock & Lock is how it fits into that itinerary. You can get the dirty work done first thing in the morning, efficiently and without any stress, and still have the entire day ahead of you for swimming, exploring a cavern, or just relaxing by the lake.
Using a dump station at a self storage facility is a fundamentally different experience than what you get at a travel plaza crammed next to the interstate. The pace is slower, the environment is calmer, and there is just so much more room to breathe. The first thing you will notice is the security. You are not just pulling off the road into an open lot. This is a gated complex, and you will likely need to call ahead to get an access code and instructions. This extra step is, in my opinion, a huge benefit. It means the facility is secure and well maintained. Once you get your code and pull through the gate, you will find wide lanes and clearly marked directions. Storage facilities are designed for people maneuvering large vehicles, from moving trucks to fifth wheels, so you will have plenty of space to get your rig positioned perfectly without feeling rushed or crowded. The pull through design is a major bonus, eliminating the need for any tricky backing maneuvers. Just follow the signs, and they will guide you right to the station. It is a quiet, controlled environment, a world away from the chaos of a busy truck stop where you might be competing for space with eighteen wheelers.
When it comes to amenities, it is important to understand what a place like this offers and what it does not. You need to arrive prepared. They have a 110 volt electrical post right at the station, which is incredibly handy. It means you can keep your batteries topped off, run a small vacuum, or power any other equipment you might need while you are taking care of the tanks. This is a small touch, but it shows they are thinking about the RVer’s needs. However, and this is a big point to remember, there is no water spigot right on the pad next to the sewer riser. They have an excellent on site water station, but it is a separate stop within the facility. This means you absolutely must have your own dedicated rinse hose, probably at least fifteen feet long, to flush your tank and clean your equipment. Alternatively, you can do what many of us old timers do and just carry a few extra gallons of water specifically for a final flush. It is also critical to know that there are no public restrooms, showers, or trash disposal services here. You need to be fully self contained. Plan to pack out any garbage you have and make a pit stop for the restroom before you arrive. This is not a full service resort. It is a specialized, efficient pit stop. Also, remember that pets are not allowed on the grounds, so you will need to find a nearby park to walk your furry co pilot. And finally, there is no propane or diesel on site, so make sure you top off your fuel at the Shell station just down the road on FM 306 before you pull in.
The cost is another factor to consider. The official word is to call for the current rate, which is common for smaller, independently owned facilities. Based on my experience with similar storage based dump stations throughout the Hill Country, you can probably expect the price to be somewhere in the ten to fifteen dollar range. While this might be a bit more than a state park, you are paying for the convenience, the security, and the lack of a queue. In my book, that is a fair trade. When you call, it is always a good idea to ask what forms of payment they accept. Many smaller operations are moving towards credit cards or mobile pay, so it is best not to assume you can use cash.
A few pieces of insider advice will make your visit completely seamless. First and foremost, always call ahead. You need to confirm the office hours to make sure someone is available to give you a gate code, and you can also confirm the current price. Weekend hours can sometimes be shorter than weekdays. Second, prepare your gear before you even arrive. Have your gloves, your sewer hose, and your doughnut seal laid out and ready to go. This way, you can pull in, get the job done in ten minutes, and be on your way. If you can, aim for a mid morning visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. The weekends, especially Saturdays, see a lot more traffic from boat owners getting their watercraft in and out of storage. Finally, be a good neighbor. Even though the lanes are wide, remember that people are backing expensive fifth wheels and boats into tight stalls. Adhere to the posted speed limits and be mindful of your surroundings.
So what is the final verdict? Dry Dock & Lock provides a fantastic service for the right kind of RVer. If you are looking for a quiet, secure, and efficient place to empty your tanks without the circus of a major travel plaza, this is an excellent choice. The access to shore power is a wonderful perk. The only significant drawback is the lack of on pad water, but that is an easy problem to solve with a little preparation. Just bring your own rinse water, and you will find this to be a perfect, stress free stop on your Texas Hill Country itinerary.
9320 FM306, Canyon Lake, TX 78132
(830) 964-3065
Cost: Price not available
Category: Self-storage facility
No Water
drydockboatrv.com/canyon-lake