If you’re wrapping up an adventure along Colorado’s stunning Front Range, maybe coming down from the high country or finishing a week of exploring around Pikes Peak, you know the routine. It’s time to find a place to empty the tanks, restock, and prep for the next leg of the journey. In the past, this often meant navigating a busy truck stop or trying to find a campground that allowed drive-up dumping. But there’s a new player in the game near the Colorado Springs Airport that has seriously changed things for the better. It’s called Vapor Trail Storage, a brand-new facility built in 2024, and it’s a perfect example of a modern, RVer-friendly service stop.
This isn’t just some gravel lot. It’s a state-of-the-art facility with wide, paved drive aisles, covered storage bays, and, most importantly for us, a thoughtfully designed on-site dump station with running water. The fact that it’s so new means everything is clean, functional, and laid out with plenty of room to maneuver even the biggest of rigs. For those who store their RVs here, many of the bays even have power outlets, which is a fantastic perk. But even for those of us just passing through, it represents a clean, efficient, and hassle-free place to take care of one of the least glamorous but most necessary tasks of RV life. Its location near the airport and major thoroughfares makes it an incredibly convenient pit stop before you either head east onto the plains or west up U.S. 24 into the heart of the mountains.
The location in Colorado Springs is truly ideal. This city is an RVer’s paradise, perfectly positioned as a basecamp for some of Colorado’s most iconic attractions. They don’t call it one of America’s most beautiful cities for nothing. Just a short drive away is the Garden of the Gods, a breathtaking city park where you can wander among massive, free-standing sandstone spires on easy, paved trails. It’s completely free to enter and is an absolute must-see. And then, of course, there’s the behemoth that dominates the skyline: Pikes Peak. Whether you choose to drive the scenic highway to its 14,115-foot summit or take a ride on the historic and recently rejuvenated Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the views from the top are simply unforgettable. Having a stop like Vapor Trail nearby means you can spend a full week exploring everything the area has to offer, from red-rock hikes to the fascinating military museums, without ever having to worry about where you’ll handle your tanks.
Using a self-storage facility for dumping has a distinct vibe. It’s different from a campground. These places are built around security and access for their monthly renters, so you need to be mindful of their operational structure. At Vapor Trail, you can expect posted gate hours, typically from early morning to late evening, like 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. This means you can’t just roll up for a dump in the middle of the night. Access is controlled by a security gate, so you’ll need to coordinate with the office to get a temporary code or have them let you in. The staff on hand might not be RV technicians, but they can certainly point you to the dump station. The good news is that because it’s a new build, the dump lane itself is spacious, well-lit, and, best of all, rarely busy. You’re not dealing with the morning checkout rush of a campground, which is a huge plus.
The amenities are focused and practical. The dump station is paired with running water, designed so you can efficiently flush out your tanks and get everything clean in one easy loop. It’s a simple, effective setup. For those who might be renting a spot or even just stopping for a bit, the availability of electric outlets in some of the storage bays is a real bonus. It’s a great opportunity to trickle-charge your house batteries while you’re getting other chores done, ensuring you’re fully powered up before you head out, especially if you plan on boondocking.
There are, of course, a few things you’ll need to source elsewhere. The facility does not offer propane or gasoline. For those essentials, you’ll need to head just a few minutes west to the truck stops on U.S. 24 or the Love’s Travel Stop over on Fountain Boulevard. It’s also important to note that, like most storage facilities, pets are generally not permitted to be out of the vehicle on the property. And finally, be prepared to pack out your own trash. There aren’t public-use dumpsters available, so you’ll need to carry your waste with you and dispose of it properly at a nearby gas station or rest stop. This is pretty standard for this type of facility.
As for the cost, this isn't usually made public online. Typically, storage tenants get complimentary use of the dump station as part of their rental package. For transient visitors, you should expect to pay a small fee. Given that this is a premium, brand-new facility, the price will likely reflect that, but it’s often well worth it for the cleanliness and convenience. The best course of action is to call ahead or check their website to reserve a time and confirm the fee before you arrive.
A couple of pro tips for your visit: take advantage of the location to combine your errands. The Powers Boulevard corridor, just five minutes away, is packed with grocery stores, restaurants, and the propane fill-ups you’ll need. You can get everything done in one fell swoop. Also, if you’re heading west into the mountains after your stop, this is the perfect time to empty your tanks. Dump stations become much scarcer and often more primitive as you gain elevation. And a word to the wise about the local weather: the afternoon winds on the Colorado prairie can be surprisingly gusty. Make sure you have a good sewer hose weight or a way to secure your connections so they don’t get blown around during the dumping process.
The bottom line is that Vapor Trail Storage is a fantastic, modern solution for RVers in the Colorado Springs area. Its brand-new infrastructure, on-site water, and strategic location close to the airport and the region’s top attractions make it an incredibly hassle-free choice. You’ll need to plan for your own trash disposal and be mindful of the gate hours, but for a clean, secure, and efficient stop before or after your mountain adventures, it’s an outstanding option.