Finding a place to dump your tanks in the middle of a major city can be one of the biggest headaches of the RV lifestyle. Campgrounds are often on the outskirts, state parks can be miles away, and truck stops with RV lanes are not always in the most convenient locations. This is especially true in a sprawling, densely populated area like Tampa, Florida. You might be there for the theme parks, the beautiful beaches, or to visit family, but at some point, biology calls, and you need to find a dump station. That’s when a non-traditional spot like West Tampa Storage becomes an urban RVer’s secret weapon.
This isn’t a campground or a travel center. As the name implies, it’s primarily a storage facility for boats and RVs. But for the RVer in the know, it offers a crucial service right inside the city’s footprint: a gated dump station and a wash-and-fill pad. This is a rare find. It’s the kind of place you might not find on the usual apps or websites, but it can save you a tremendous amount of time and hassle. Instead of burning an hour or more driving out to the suburbs and back, you can take care of business and get right back to your Tampa adventure.
The location is what makes this place so valuable. Tampa Bay is a hub of activity. You’ve got the world-class roller coasters and animal encounters at Busch Gardens, the beautiful and bustling Tampa Riverwalk, and the historic charm of Ybor City. Just a short drive across the bay, you have the artsy downtown of St. Petersburg and the world-famous sugar-sand beaches of Clearwater. If you’re a sports fan, you can catch a professional hockey game or see a Major League Baseball spring training game. West Tampa Storage is situated in a way that makes it a convenient stop no matter which of these attractions is on your itinerary. It allows you to integrate this necessary chore into your day without a massive detour.
Using a dump station at a storage facility is a different experience than using one at a campground. It’s quieter and less crowded, but it also operates on a different rhythm. These places typically run on business hours, and this one is no exception, generally open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can’t just roll up at ten at night and expect to get in. The key is to call ahead. A quick phone call to the office is essential. If you’re not a monthly storage tenant, you’ll need to inquire about their policy and fee for day users. You should expect to pay a modest fee, probably in the ten to fifteen dollar range, which is on par with what many RV parks in the area charge. But the value isn’t just in the price; it’s in the convenience. They’ll give you the gate code for access and explain the procedure.
The setup itself is well-thought-out. The dump station is located right next to a wash station, which is a fantastic feature. After you’ve emptied your tanks, you can immediately use their water spigot to rinse your gear, your sewer hose, and the bay area. They have spacious pads, listed as being 11 by 40 feet, so even big rigs should have no trouble maneuvering. The area is also well-lit, which provides a nice level of security if you’re visiting towards the end of their business day in the evening.
When it comes to amenities, you have to remember what this place is. It’s a dump-and-go solution. They offer water, which is great for rinsing and even for topping off your fresh tank. However, it's city water, so if you’re particular about taste, it’s always a good idea to use your water filter. There’s no formal pet area, but the nearby sidewalks are perfectly fine for a quick walk. What you won’t find are the things you’d get at a campground: there’s no gas or propane, no showers or restrooms for public use, and no trash disposal listed for non-customers. The strategy here is to plan this as one stop in a series. Dump your tanks here, and then plan to toss your bagged trash and refuel at the RaceTrac gas station that’s just a couple of blocks away.
A few tips for a smooth visit. First, as any Florida RVer knows, you have to be mindful of the weather. Tampa is famous for its powerful afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the summer. Try to schedule your visit for the morning to avoid getting caught in a downpour, which can make the yard surfaces slick and the whole process a lot less pleasant. And as I mentioned, always call ahead. Don’t just show up. Confirm the day-use fee and the gate procedures with the office staff before you head over. You can make the most of your trip into this part of town by combining your dump station stop with another activity, like grabbing a famous Cuban sandwich in Ybor City or taking a stroll along the Riverwalk.
So, is West Tampa Storage the right stop for you? If you're staying in or around Tampa and need a quick, no-fuss place to empty your tanks without a long drive, the answer is a resounding yes. It fills a critical service gap for RVers inside the city limits. It’s a transactional stop, not a destination, but its value is immense. It’s the kind of practical, problem-solving spot that makes urban RVing not just possible, but easy.
13125 Memorial Hwy, Tampa, FL 33635
(857) 636-0341
Cost: Price not available
Category: Boat storage facility
Has Water
westtampastorage.com