Let me tell you, navigating the dense, sun-soaked sprawl of South Florida in a rig of any decent size can test the patience of even the most seasoned RVer. It’s a beautiful place, no doubt, but finding the essentials, especially a reliable and reasonably priced dump station, often feels like a fool's errand. You’re weaving through traffic on I-95, the black tank indicator is creeping into the red zone, and every potential spot you’ve scouted online turns out to be a private marina or a place with clearance so low you’d shear off your AC unit. It’s in these moments of desperation that a place like Easterlin Park in Oakland Park feels less like a simple county park and more like a genuine oasis. For a very fair fifteen bucks, you can handle your business, top off your fresh water, and actually take a deep breath under the shade of some seriously ancient cypress trees.
This isn’t just some asphalt lot with a hole in the ground. Easterlin Park is a legitimate sanctuary. It’s a 46.6 acre slice of old Florida, the kind of place that’s becoming harder and harder to find, tucked right into the urban heart of Broward County. In fact, it was one of the first parks in the county to be recognized as an Audubon Sanctuary, and you can feel that distinction the moment you pull in. The air changes. The constant hum of the city fades into the background, replaced by bird calls and the rustle of leaves. It’s a place that reminds you why you got into this lifestyle in the first place, the ability to find pockets of nature and tranquility amidst the chaos of modern life. It’s a practical stop, for sure, but it’s one that also offers a bit of a reset for the soul, which is more than you can say for most dump stations.
The location is a huge part of its appeal. You're just a stone's throw from Fort Lauderdale and its famous beaches. Maybe you've just spent a few days enjoying the sun at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea or Pompano Beach, and now the salt and sand have found their way into every corner of your rig. Easterlin Park is the perfect place to clean up before heading inland or continuing your coastal journey. If you’re looking for a bit more action, the nightlife on Las Olas Boulevard is a short drive away. For the craft beer enthusiasts among us, being able to swing by the renowned Funky Buddha Brewery after taking care of your tank duties is a pretty sweet deal. You can go from the least glamorous part of RVing to sipping on a world class pint in less than half an hour. That’s what I call a successful pit stop.
For those of us who travel with bikes, the park’s proximity to cycling opportunities is another major plus. The local streets are flat and easy to navigate, or you can head over to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for some beautiful, shaded riding loops right by the water. And if your adventures are taking you even further, say on a ferry to the Bahamas from Port Everglades, Easterlin serves as a perfect staging ground. You can get your rig all sorted out, empty your tanks, and feel confident leaving it parked while you head out on a side quest. It really is a hub that connects the practical needs of RV life with the recreational opportunities that brought you to South Florida in the first place.
Using a county park dump station is a whole different experience from your typical truck stop island. Forget the frantic energy, the diesel fumes, and the pressure of a long line of impatient truckers behind you. Here, you pull through the main gate, pay a friendly ranger, and follow the clear signage toward the campground. The dump lane is thoughtfully set back, away from the day use areas and picnic shelters, so you don’t feel like you’re putting on a show for families enjoying their weekend barbecue. Speaking of weekends, this place is popular with locals. It hosts a 45 site RV campground that’s often full, and the picnic areas and disc golf course draw a steady crowd. My advice? Plan your stop for a mid weekday morning, say a Tuesday or Wednesday between ten and noon. You’ll likely have the place to yourself, avoiding any potential queues from departing campers or incoming weekend warriors.
Let's talk about the amenities, because this is where the value really shines. They have both potable water for filling your fresh tank and separate non potable rinse water at the dump station itself. This is a bigger deal than it sounds. Being able to flush your hoses and the sewer bay with dedicated rinse water means you’re not potentially contaminating your fresh water supply, a cardinal rule for sanitary RVing. It’s a small detail that shows the park management understands the needs of RVers. While it’s always smart to carry a few extra gallons of your own water just in case, especially during Florida’s dry season when restrictions can pop up, having reliable water on site is a huge relief.
If you decide the vibe is too good to leave, the campground itself is fantastic. All the sites are full hookup with both 30 and 50 amp service, which means you can run your AC full blast in the humid Florida heat without a care. There are two clean restroom buildings with hot showers and even coin operated laundry machines. After a few days of boondocking or dry camping, the simple luxury of a long, hot shower and a fresh load of laundry can feel absolutely five star. For those of us traveling with four legged copilots, the park is a dream. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, and there’s even a small dog park where they can burn off some pent up energy. Giving your dog a good run before a long travel day is a gift to both them and you.
Now, for what it doesn’t have. There’s no fuel or propane sold in the park, so you need to plan ahead. Powerline Road, just outside the park entrance, has plenty of gas stations to top off your tank. If you need propane, it’s best to call a few local spots ahead of time to make sure they can fill your specific tank type. Don’t get caught with an empty propane tank right before you want to cook dinner. A little pre planning goes a long way. If you have any other specific needs, like if you’re hoping for on site RV repair services, a quick call to the ranger station is your best bet. They’re helpful and would rather you call than show up unprepared.
At fifteen dollars, the fee is right in the sweet spot for a county park dump station in Florida. You might find a place for ten, and you can certainly find others for twenty five. But considering what you get here, the gated security, the clean facilities, the potable water, and the sheer beauty of the place, it feels like an incredible bargain. Free dump stations in Broward County are basically a myth, so paying a fair price for a guaranteed, pleasant experience is money well spent every single time. It buys you peace of mind.
So, here’s my final verdict. If you're an RVer traveling along the I-95 corridor in South Florida and you need a clean, safe, and peaceful place to handle your tank maintenance, Easterlin Park is an absolute must. It’s the perfect blend of practicality and serenity. It’s a place to not only empty your tanks but also to recharge your own batteries. Just remember to time your visit to avoid the weekend crowds, be mindful of the beautiful old trees and their low hanging branches, and have your gear ready to go for a smooth, efficient stop. This isn't just a dump station; it's a destination that makes the less glamorous side of RVing feel a whole lot better. Add it to your map, you won’t regret it.
1000 NW 38th St, Oakland Park, FL 33309
(954) 357-5190
Cost: $15
Category: Park
Has Water
broward.org/Parks/Pages/Park.aspx?=12