Every now and then on your travels, you stumble upon a place that just makes you smile because of how wonderfully unexpected it is. A dump station at a golf course? It sounds like the setup to a joke for RVers, but at Fire Fox Resorts Golf Course & RV Park in the quiet, rolling hills of Lisle, New York, it’s a reality. This isn’t your typical pit stop. This is a place where you can genuinely spend the morning chasing a birdie on the front nine and then, before you settle in for the evening, take care of the less glamorous task of emptying your black tank. It’s a quirky and delightful combination that speaks to the heart of what makes RV travel so interesting. The resort is nestled in the scenic landscape of Broome County, with a small, intimate RV park integrated right alongside the fairways. They offer electric hookups, access to showers, and that all-important dedicated dump station.
The location itself, in Lisle, places you in a truly beautiful part of the country. You're strategically positioned between the famed Finger Lakes region and the majestic Catskill Mountains. This is an area known for its shimmering glacial lakes, a thriving winery scene, and waterfalls that look like they were pulled straight from a postcard. It’s a landscape that invites you to slow down and explore. About twenty miles south of the resort, you’ll find Chenango Valley State Park, a gem that features two stunning kettle lakes formed by receding glaciers. The park has its own 18-hole golf course, which is a fun little fact, but more importantly for the RVer, it offers beautiful campsites, hiking trails, and great fishing. You could easily make Fire Fox your home base, spend a day exploring the state park, and then come back to a quiet site. The Chenango River is a fantastic spot for smallmouth bass fishing, and for the serious hikers among us, the massive Finger Lakes Trail system weaves its way through the nearby woodlands. A stop at Fire Fox isn't just about utility; it’s about placing yourself in the heart of a region ripe for discovery.
Now, the nuances of using a dump station at a golf resort are a little different. It’s a unique environment. You’ll want to time your arrival thoughtfully. The dump lane might double as an access road near the clubhouse, so showing up first thing in the morning means you’ll be contending with the early-bird golfers eager to get their tee times. I’d recommend aiming for late morning, around 11 a.m., after the initial rush has subsided and before the afternoon crowd arrives. Check-in is usually handled at the pro shop, which is a charming departure from the usual campground office or fuel desk. You’ll be talking to someone who can tell you about the course conditions and also where to find the septic cover, which they might even have to unlock for you.
The terrain at a golf course is, by its nature, landscaped and sloped for drainage. While the RV sites themselves will be level, the path to the dump station might have a gentle grade. It’s always smart practice to use your wheel chocks, even for a short stop, and take a moment to eyeball how level you are before you pull those valves. You want gravity to be your friend here. The biggest and most important insider tip for this specific location is the lack of on-site water directly at the dump port. This is a critical piece of information. You must bring your own rinse water. Whether it’s a few gallon jugs you’ve filled or a dedicated rinse hose connected to your own fresh tank, you need a plan. The potable water spigots are located elsewhere in the park, not conveniently at the dump station. Similarly, there aren’t trash dumpsters right at the station, so you’ll need to pack out your trash or use the main campground dumpsters if you’re staying overnight. For services like propane or any kind of RV repair, you’ll have to head to one of the nearby towns like Whitney Point or Binghamton. This is a resort first, so it lacks the all-in-one convenience of a dedicated RV service center.
But the value here isn't just in the price, which you should always call ahead to confirm as it isn’t published online. The value is in the experience. For a fee that’s likely in the very reasonable $5 to $15 range for rural New York, you’re not just getting a place to dump. You’re getting a peaceful, scenic environment. You have the option to hit a bucket of balls at the driving range or play a quick nine holes. You have access to clean clubhouse showers and restrooms, which can feel like pure luxury after a few days of dry camping. It’s a trade-off. You sacrifice the convenience of having rinse water at your fingertips, but you gain a beautiful, quiet backdrop in the heart of the Southern Tier. For the RVer who appreciates a bit of character and a good view, Fire Fox is a stop that’s well worth it.