Every RVer has a mental map of their favorite routes, and the stretch of Arizona’s Highway 87, known affectionately to locals as the “Beeline Highway,” is a classic. It’s the main artery connecting the sprawling Valley of the Sun with the cool, pine-covered highlands of Rim Country. Whether you’re escaping the Phoenix heat for the weekend or you’re a full-timer making your seasonal migration, you’re going to be on this road. And somewhere along that journey, you’re going to need to empty your tanks. While there are a few options, there’s a spot just south of Payson that I’ve come to appreciate for its no-nonsense convenience and surprising tidiness: the Rye RV Storage Dump Station.
Located in the small community of Rye, about eleven miles south of the main hub of Payson, this place is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s not a flashy travel center or a scenic state park; it’s a working RV and self-storage facility. And that, as it turns out, is one of its biggest strengths. For a straightforward ten-dollar fee, you get access to a clean, well-maintained dump station that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of a public truck stop. The fact that it’s part of a secure storage yard means a few things. First, the traffic is incredibly light. You’re not competing for space with a line of other RVs or idling semis. Second, the place is immaculate. The owners have a vested interest in keeping the grounds tidy for their long-term tenants. And third, there’s an on-site staff presence during business hours, which generally run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The approach is easy, right off the highway, with generous room to maneuver even the biggest of rigs. This is a place where people park their 40-foot diesel pushers for the season, so you know the layout was designed by people who understand the turning radius of a large vehicle. You pull up, check in at the office, and they’ll give you the rundown. The whole process feels organized and professional, which is a welcome change from some of the more… rustic spots I’ve encountered on my travels. This stop is the perfect punctuation mark on a trip to the Rim.
And what a trip it is. As you descend from the high country, the landscape transforms before your eyes. The dense pine forests give way to rolling hills dotted with juniper and manzanita, with striking sandstone canyons carving through the terrain. This part of Arizona is packed with natural wonders. You’re just a stone’s throw from Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, where you can witness the largest travertine arch in the world. It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight. For a beautiful walk, the trail along Horton Creek is a local favorite, offering a lush, shaded riparian oasis that feels magical after the arid highlands.
Once you’ve taken care of business at the dump station, a short drive north puts you right in Payson. It’s the perfect place to restock and recharge. The historic downtown has a charming, old-west feel, and if you time it right, you can catch the farmers market on a Friday night during the summer. For a dose of local history, you can visit the Rim Country Museum or see the rebuilt log cabin of the famous Western author Zane Grey, who immortalized this very landscape in his novels. Using the Rye dump station doesn't just have to be a quick stop; it can be your gateway to exploring the rich culture and stunning scenery of the region.
Let’s talk more about the unique experience of using a dump station at a storage facility. It’s a different vibe altogether. After checking in at the office, you’ll likely get a gate code for entry. This immediately adds a layer of security and exclusivity that you just don't get at a public park or travel plaza. You pull your rig up to a well-lit, clearly marked pad, and odds are, you’ll be the only one there. This privacy is something I really value. It gives you the space and time to do the job right without feeling rushed or having an audience. You can take your time rinsing out your sewer hose, a small but important task that often gets hurried at busier locations.
Because the primary customers are long-term tenants who care about the facility, you’ll find that things are generally in excellent repair. The hose bibs aren’t stripped, the water pressure is good, and the signage is clear. The staff often keeps a supply of disposable gloves available, a small touch that speaks volumes about their attention to detail. The only real trade-off is the hours. Unlike a 24/7 truck stop, these places operate on a standard business schedule. So, if you’re a night owl who prefers to travel after dark, you’ll need to plan accordingly and arrive before they lock the gates at 5 p.m. But for most of us, that’s a small price to pay for the clean, quiet, and secure environment.
The amenities here are focused and practical. You get exactly what you need for a sanitation stop. Potable water is available and free with your dump fee. It’s well water, so if you’re particular about taste, it’s never a bad idea to run it through your own filter, but it’s perfectly good for filling your fresh tank. A huge bonus is the on-site customer restroom. Having a clean place to wash your hands with soap and hot water after handling the stinky slinky is a luxury you learn not to take for granted on the road. There are also large roll-off trash bins near the gate, making it easy to dispose of any accumulated garbage.
What you won't find are the extras like fuel or propane. This is a specialized facility, not an all-in-one travel center. My routine is to make this my first stop, then head just six miles south to the Love’s for fuel and propane. It’s an easy and efficient one-two punch. Also, keep in mind their policy prohibits pets outside of your vehicle on the property, which is a standard liability rule for places like this. A great nearby alternative for stretching your furry friend’s legs is Green Valley Park in Payson, a beautiful spot with lakes and walking paths.
At ten dollars, the value proposition is solid. When you consider the cleanliness, security, and the free potable water, it’s a very fair price, especially when you compare it to some of the fifteen-dollar-plus fees you’ll find closer to Phoenix. For those who might be looking for seasonal storage in the area, the dump fee is often waived for tenants, which is a fantastic perk. It’s a great example of a well-run local business providing an essential service to the RV community.
A couple of final tips for a smooth visit. If you’re traveling during the summer monsoon season, it’s always wise to call ahead. Heavy rains can sometimes lead to flash flood advisories on parts of AZ-87. Also, if you need to do a little battery maintenance, you can sometimes ask nicely at the office if a 15-amp utility outlet is available for a short time. They’re usually very accommodating. And finally, plan your logistics. The little hamlet of Rye doesn’t have much in the way of services, so do your big grocery shopping in Payson where the stores have large parking lots that are much easier to navigate with a trailer or a big rig. Rye RV Storage offers a fantastic, low-stress solution for RVers traveling the Beeline Highway. It’s the kind of reliable, clean, and secure stop that you plug into your GPS and return to year after year.
16558 AZ-87, Payson, AZ 85541
(928) 474-6658
Cost: $10
Category: RV storage facility
Has Water
ryecreekstorage.com