If you’re traveling through the Idaho panhandle, you know that this part of the country is an absolute playground. You’re caught in a beautiful triangle of adventure, with the thrills of Silverwood Theme Park on one side, the vast wilderness of Farragut State Park on another, and the sparkling waters of Coeur d’Alene just a stone’s throw away. When you’re in the thick of that much fun, the last thing you want to do is waste time searching for basic services. That’s why Ravenwood RV Resort in Athol is such a gem. It’s a clean, affordable, and incredibly convenient spot to empty the tanks, top up your water, and get right back to what you came here for. In a resort area where everything seems to come with a premium price tag, finding a well-maintained dump station for just five bucks feels like a small miracle.
Getting there is a breeze. Athol sits right on U.S. 95, the main north-south artery that stitches this whole region together. Whether you’re coming down from Canada on your way to Spokane or heading north towards the magnificent Lake Pend Oreille and the promise of Glacier National Park, Ravenwood is just a quick, painless detour off the highway. You aren't navigating a bunch of winding back roads or trying to squeeze your rig through a tight gas station lot. The resort is designed for RVs, and you feel that the moment you pull in. This kind of easy access is worth its weight in gold, especially when you’re driving a big rig or towing a vehicle. It takes the stress out of a necessary chore.
The real beauty of this stop, though, is its proximity to everything that makes northern Idaho special. You are literally one mile from Silverwood Theme Park. You can practically hear the screams from the roller coasters. For families on the road, this is the ultimate strategic stop. You can spend the day riding the rails and splashing around the Boulder Beach water park, and then swing by Ravenwood on your way out to take care of your tanks without having to pay for an expensive overnight stay. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of fun. Just five miles in the other direction is Farragut State Park, a place with a fascinating history as a former WWII naval training base. Today, it’s a 4,000-acre paradise of hiking trails, disc golf courses, and quiet coves on Lake Pend Oreille perfect for an afternoon of kayaking. Making a stop at Ravenwood means you can easily combine your practical errand with a bit of exploration. Dump the tanks, then go for a swim at Beaver Bay. That’s what I call efficient RVing.
The experience of using the dump station at an RV resort like Ravenwood is a world away from a busy truck stop. It’s calmer, cleaner, and generally more pleasant. The dump station is set up on a concrete island, away from the main flow of campground traffic, so you have plenty of room to work without feeling rushed or crowded. Even with a toad, maneuvering is straightforward. The process is simple: you’ll likely check in at the front office, pay the small five-dollar fee (they take credit cards, which is a nice modern touch), and they’ll point you toward the disposal lane. Because this park is a popular home base for Silverwood visitors, the only time you might encounter a line is around the morning check-out rush, say between 10 and 11 a.m. If you can, plan your arrival for the early morning or later in the afternoon once all the theme park adventurers have settled in for the evening.
When it comes to amenities, Ravenwood delivers solid value for your five dollars. They have separate spigots for non-potable rinse water and potable drinking water. This is a huge deal, especially if you’re planning to do some boondocking in the nearby national forests. Being able to fill your fresh water tank with safe, clean water right after you dump is a massive convenience. They also have large trash dumpsters available, so you can get rid of all the garbage you’ve accumulated without having to haul it around looking for another place. Even better, they have propane right on site. Combining your dump, water fill, trash disposal, and propane refill into one single stop is the definition of efficiency on the road. It saves you time, fuel, and hassle. The park itself is pet-friendly, with grassy areas along Pope Road for a quick walk, just be sure to keep your pup on a leash.
Let’s talk about that price for a minute. Five dollars is an absolute bargain in this region. Many Idaho state parks will charge you ten dollars just to use their dump station, and some of the private marinas on the big lakes can ask for as much as twenty. For five bucks here, you get the dump, both potable and non-potable water, and trash disposal. That’s what I call real value. It shows that the owners understand the needs of the traveling RVer, not just their overnight guests. It’s a smart and welcoming business practice that builds a lot of goodwill. One little insider tip: if you plan on filling a large fresh water tank, it’s a good idea to have some quarters on hand, as sometimes the potable water station is a coin-operated vending machine for larger quantities.
My final advice for using this spot is to plan your timing. To beat the crowds, try to arrive before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Take advantage of the one-stop-shop nature of the place; get all your chores done in one efficient loop. And don’t just treat it as an errand. You’re in a beautiful part of the world. After you’re done, take that short drive to Farragut State Park. Dip your toes in the lake. Enjoy the view. It turns a chore into a memorable part of your journey. In conclusion, Ravenwood RV Resort is a top-tier service stop. It’s a perfect example of a business that gets it right, offering a clean, affordable, and multi-purpose facility that serves the entire RV community. It’s a must-add waypoint for anyone exploring the incredible Idaho panhandle.
25700 N Pope Rd, Athol, ID 83801
(208) 683-0891
Cost: $5
Category: RV park
Has Water
ravenwoodrvresort.com