Out here in Southern California’s Inland Empire, the landscape is a dramatic mix of sprawling suburbs, rugged desert canyons, and the towering peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains rising up like a great wall to the east. It’s a place of transition, a gateway to adventure. One minute you’re in the thick of civilization, and the next you’re climbing a winding highway towards alpine forests. For RVers navigating this unique terrain, especially those of us who love to boondock out in the desert or spend our time up in the mountains, finding a clean, secure, and no-nonsense place to handle our tanks is crucial. That’s where a place like RV Keepers Storage Facility in Yucaipa comes in. It’s not a flashy truck stop or a bustling campground; it's a practical, purpose-built solution for a specific need, and its location is just about perfect.
What sets a storage facility dump station apart is the environment. This isn’t a place designed for casual travelers to linger. It’s a secure, gated complex where people store their valuable investments. As such, the whole process feels more structured and a bit more private. The dump station at RV Keepers is open during their office hours, which are a generous 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The procedure is straightforward: you pull up, check in with the attendant at the office, pay the fifteen-dollar fee, and they’ll likely give you a code or instructions to access the sanitation lane. You can expect far less traffic than you'd find at a Flying J, which means you can take your time and do the job right without feeling rushed. It’s a calmer, more controlled experience.
The location in Yucaipa is strategically brilliant. The town sits right at the foot of the mountains, making it a natural stopping point for anyone heading up Highway 38 towards Big Bear or for those coming down from a trip to the forest. It’s also perfectly positioned for folks wrapping up a trip to the deserts further east, like Joshua Tree or the Mojave. Before you plunge back into the dense traffic of the L.A. basin, you can make a clean break, literally. And if you’re a local to the Inland Empire, it’s an ideal spot to clean out your rig after a weekend getaway before putting it back into storage, whether it's here or at your own home.
The area around Yucaipa is a playground in its own right, offering a perfect excuse to turn your dump station run into a mini-adventure. Just a few minutes up the road is Yucaipa Regional Park, a true oasis with three fishing lakes and, in the summer, a dual-flume waterslide that’s a godsend after a few hot days in the desert. It’s a fantastic place for a picnic and a great way to cool off. For the hikers and trail lovers among us, the area is full of options, from the rolling hills of Wildwood Canyon to the more challenging Zanja Peak trail, which rewards you with incredible panoramic views of the entire Inland Empire.
And then there’s Oak Glen. In the fall, this little agricultural community just up the road transforms into a picture-perfect autumn paradise. The air gets crisp, the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and crimson, and the heritage apple orchards are buzzing with activity. You can spend an afternoon picking your own apples, sipping on fresh-pressed cider, and indulging in a slice of pie that tastes like it came right out of grandma’s oven. A word of caution: the apple-picking season brings serious crowds, and the roads can get congested, especially on weekends. If you’re planning a stop at RV Keepers during September or October, try to go on a weekday to avoid the traffic jams.
Now, let’s talk about the on-the-ground experience at the storage yard. The dump station is usually tucked along a perimeter fence, keeping visitor traffic separate from the lanes where tenants access their storage units. The ground is paved and well-maintained, providing good, solid footing. Because this is a secure facility, they take the process seriously. You’ll likely need to show that you have a proper sewer hose with a secure fitting; they don’t want any spills or messes. This isn't the kind of place where "bucket dumping" would be tolerated. The turns inside a storage facility can sometimes be a bit tight, so if you’re driving a larger Class A or a long fifth-wheel, it’s wise to take it slow and be mindful of your corners.
The amenities here are focused on the core task. You get a clean, secure dump station and a non-potable water hose for rinsing your tank and hose. That’s it. There are no public restrooms, no convenience store, no propane refills, and no RV repair services. This is a single-purpose stop. It’s also important to note that because it’s a secure facility, pets are generally not allowed outside of your vehicle. This is a quick in-and-out stop, not a place to linger and walk the dog. So, plan accordingly. Hit a gas station in Yucaipa for fuel and snacks, and find a park for your pet breaks.
As for the price, fifteen dollars is a pretty standard rate for Southern California. Public parks in the area can easily charge twenty dollars, and while some truck stops might be a bit cheaper at ten dollars, you’re paying for the security, cleanliness, and quiet environment here. For many, that peace of mind is well worth the extra few dollars. My best advice is to call ahead, especially if you plan on arriving late in the day. Confirm the gate procedures and payment methods, whether they prefer a card or exact change. And if you are heading up to Big Bear, make sure you top off your fuel tank in Yucaipa before you start the long, steep climb up Highway 38.
My verdict? RV Keepers isn't a destination, but it's an incredibly effective and reliable service stop. It’s safe, clean, and perfectly located for anyone exploring the mountains, deserts, and coastlines of Southern California. It provides a hassle-free dump on the edge of a massive outdoor playground, letting you take care of business efficiently so you can get back to the adventure.
13482 Douglas St, Yucaipa, CA 92399
(951) 323-7244
Cost: $15
Category: Self-storage facility
Has Water
rvkeepers.com