Every now and then on the road, you need a solution that is purely functional. It’s not about the scenery, the amenities, or the friendly camp host. It’s about getting a necessary, and often dirty, job done so you can get back to the good stuff. For RVers exploring the beautiful but sometimes service-sparse forests of New England, the Merrimack Wastewater Treatment Facility is exactly that kind of solution. Located at 36 Mast Road in Merrimack, New Hampshire, this municipal plant offers a public RV dump station that serves as an absolute lifeline for boondockers and travelers, especially during the shoulder seasons when many private campgrounds are closed for the winter. It’s one of the few reliable, year-round options you’ll find in the entire region between Boston and the majestic White Mountains. This isn't a glamorous stop, but when your black tank is full and your options are limited, a place like this is a beautiful sight.
The location is surprisingly convenient. Merrimack is strategically positioned right between the state’s two largest cities, Manchester and Nashua. This means you’re just a short hop from all the services you could possibly need, including the Merrimack Premium Outlets for a little retail therapy and the famous Budweiser brewery, where you can tour the facility and see the magnificent Clydesdale horses. From here, the possibilities for adventure are endless. You can make it a base for a day trip north into the heart of the White Mountains, exploring iconic places like Franconia Notch State Park with its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails. Or, you could head east to the charming seacoast city of Portsmouth to see the historic lighthouses and enjoy some fresh seafood. For the history buffs, the Merrimack River itself flows nearby, the same river that Henry David Thoreau chronicled in his famous 1839 canoe journey. A stop at this facility can be the practical pivot point that enables all these other, more exciting adventures.
Using a dump station at an active municipal treatment plant is a unique experience and requires a different mindset than pulling into a campground. This is an industrial facility, and safety is the top priority. Your first stop will be the main office or gatehouse. You’ll need to check in with the staff, who will give you instructions and direct you to the designated dump lane. It’s essential to adhere strictly to their rules. This means observing the posted 15-mile-per-hour speed limit and wearing closed-toe shoes. The ground can be uneven or wet, and this is not the place for flip-flops. They may even loan you a safety vest if you need to be outside your vehicle for more than a few minutes. The dump station itself is usually a well-designed concrete pad with a heavy-duty stainless-steel inlet. You can expect high-pressure rinse water, which is great for a powerful tank flush, but you must remember that this water is non-potable. Do not use it to fill your fresh tank. One of the most important things to know is that access is typically restricted to regular business hours. The gates will be locked after 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and will not be open on weekends, so you absolutely have to time your visit accordingly. A quick phone call before you head over is always the best policy to confirm their hours and any associated fees.
When it comes to amenities, you need to be completely self-sufficient. There is no potable water for filling your drinking tank, so you must arrive with your own supply. The plant has a strict no-pets-allowed policy for safety reasons, so if you’re traveling with a furry friend, one person will need to stay in the rig with them, or you’ll have to find a local doggy daycare for a quick drop-off. You will not find public restrooms or trash cans here, so take care of your personal needs before you arrive. A great nearby option for a restroom break is the food court at the Merrimack Premium Outlets, just a five-minute drive away. This is purely a sanitation stop; there are no electric hookups, and if you need any RV repairs or parts, your best bet is the large RV dealership located just off Exit 10.
The cost for using the facility is generally very reasonable. Municipal plants often charge a nominal fee, somewhere in the range of zero to fifteen dollars, which is almost always cheaper than private campgrounds. Be prepared to pay with cash or a check, as they may not be set up to accept credit cards. The staff might ask for your license plate number, as local residents sometimes receive a discounted rate. A couple of insider tips for a smooth visit: try to arrive before noon. In the afternoon, the facility often gets busy with local septage trucks, and you don’t want to get stuck in that queue. Also, it’s a good idea to wear disposable latex gloves. The industrial-grade rinse hose and nozzle can splash, and it’s best to keep things as clean as possible. Finally, if you have children with you, this is a time to be extra vigilant. An active treatment plant with its open lagoons and heavy equipment is a zone for adults only. So, while the Merrimack Waste Treatment Facility might not make it into your vacation photo album, its value is undeniable. It’s a no-frills, practical, and essential resource for any RVer traveling through southern New Hampshire. It provides peace of mind, allowing you to empty your tanks and roll on to your next adventure, whether it’s hiking in the mountains or shopping at the outlets, with a clean slate.
36 Mast Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 883-8196
Cost: Price not available
Category: City government office
No Water
merrimacknh.gov/wastewater