There’s a special kind of joy that every RVer on a budget knows well. It’s the feeling of rolling down the highway, watching the miles tick by, and seeing that beautiful blue sign that promises a rest area with a free RV dump station ahead. It feels like hitting a small jackpot. In a world of ten and twenty dollar dump fees, a clean, free, and accessible spot is a gift. The Smokey Point Rest Area on northbound I-5 in Washington, just south of Arlington at milepost 207, is one of those gifts. It’s a perfect example of how the Washington State Department of Transportation gets it right, providing a critical service for the thousands of us who explore the Evergreen State on wheels.
This isn’t just a pull off with a drain. It’s a proper, well maintained rest stop, set back from the freeway roar and shaded by those iconic Pacific Northwest cedars and Douglas firs. For folks like us, often traveling without a firm plan or trying to make our dollars stretch while boondocking, this spot is a critical piece of infrastructure. It’s the place you plan your route around, knowing you can empty your black and gray tanks before you head east into the Cascade Mountains or continue north toward the Canadian border. It gives you freedom. The freedom to spend another night off grid, knowing you have a clean slate waiting for you just off the interstate.
The location is perfectly situated for adventure. Arlington itself is a charming town at the fork of the Stillaguamish River, and it acts as a gateway to some of Washington’s most stunning scenery. From here, you can jump on the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway, a drive that should be on every RVer’s bucket list. You’re also less than an hour from the entrance to North Cascades National Park, one of the most rugged and beautiful parks in the country. If you’re a cyclist, the Centennial Trail runs right through the area, offering miles of paved pathway through farmland and forest. And if you need a dose of city life, Seattle is only about 45 minutes south, making it an easy day trip. You can even use this area as a jumping off point for a coastal detour to see Deception Pass or catch a ferry to the San Juan Islands. This rest area is more than a pit stop; it’s a launchpad.
Dumping at a state run rest area has its own rhythm and etiquette. First and foremost, it’s first come, first served. On a sunny Sunday afternoon in the summer, you can expect a line. This is the main artery for weekend warriors returning to the Seattle metro area from their adventures, and for snowbirds making their way north for the season. My advice is to try and time your stop for a weekday morning if you can. The dump pad itself is usually located parallel to the truck parking area, so be prepared to navigate around the big rigs. The water spigots here are for potable drinking water, which is fantastic. However, you absolutely need to have your own dedicated non-potable hose and a backflow preventer. It’s not just good practice; it’s the law. Never use the fresh water hose you use for filling your tank on the dump station drain. One of the nicest, most unique things about Washington rest areas is the volunteers. You’ll sometimes find a table set up with free coffee, a welcome sight on a drizzly Pacific Northwest morning.
Let’s break down what you get here. The main draw is the free dump. But you also get access to clean, heated restrooms that are open 24/7, which is a real luxury when you’re trying to conserve your own water. There are vending machines for a quick snack and plenty of picnic tables scattered under the trees. It’s a great place to pull over, make a sandwich, and let the dog stretch its legs on the grassy areas. Remember to always have waste bags with you. What you won’t find, of course, are the amenities of a travel plaza. There’s no fuel, no propane, no showers, and no electric hookups. You’ll need to stock up on those essentials in the nearby towns of Arlington or Marysville before you hit the road.
The value here is off the charts. It’s free. In a state as popular for RVing as Washington, that is a massive benefit. It allows you to put your money toward experiences, like that ferry ride or a nice dinner out, instead of basic maintenance. But there are a few insider tips for a smooth visit. Be mindful of your rig’s height. Some of the outer parking lanes can have low hanging branches that might give your AC unit a haircut if you’re not careful. It’s also the Pacific Northwest, so it rains. The area around the concrete dump apron can get a little soupy, so having a pair of rubber boots in your wet bay is a smart move. And finally, respect the rules. The state posts a three hour parking limit, and they mean it. This is not an overnight camping spot. If you need a place to sleep, there are usually casino parking lots or designated forest service roads nearby. This rest stop is purely for resting, and for taking care of that all important task of emptying the tanks. For anyone cruising I-5, Smokey Point is a must stop. It’s a clean, safe, and wonderfully free resource that makes traveling through this beautiful part of the country just a little bit easier.
I-5, Arlington, WA 98223
Cost: Price not available
Category: Rest stop
No Water
wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/smokey-point-i-5-northbound