You’re rolling through the Denver metro with a full black tank and zero patience. That’s not a situation that rewards guesswork. So here’s every RV dump station within striking distance of Denver, what it charges, whether it has water, and whether you can show up after dark. Prices and hours change, so call ahead when you can; we keep this guide updated.
RV Dump Stations in the Denver Metro Area
Here are the dump stations within reach of Denver, with cost, hours, and water access. Prices and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Applewood RV Resort by RJourney (Wheat Ridge)
Address: 11600 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Cost: $20 dump; $10 fresh-water fill; free tank-rinse; registered guests free
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM daily; after-hours dumping via cash dropbox by the office door
Water: Yes
A working RV resort, not a standalone pad. Right off I-70 at Kipling St. Weekday mornings are smoothest; staff on site during office hours. Cash only.
Cherry Creek State Park (Aurora)
Address: 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014
Cost: Free with park admission ($11 daily vehicle pass)
Hours: Year-round, during park operating hours
Water: Yes
About 9 miles east of downtown Denver. Effectively free if you’re already paying the day-use fee. Popular on summer weekends.
Pilot Flying J Travel Plaza #619 (Aurora)
Address: 16751 E 32nd Ave, Aurora, CO 80011
Cost: $10 ($7.50 with a Pilot Flying J RV card)
Hours: Open 24 hours
Water: Yes
I-70 at Exit 285. 24-hour access is ideal for late arrivals and early departures. It’s a truck stop; the dump lane is separate from fueling but can back up on peak days.
Idaho Springs RV Resort (Idaho Springs)
Address: 2700 Stanley Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Cost: About $20
Hours: During business hours
Water: Yes
Off I-70, about 30 minutes west of Denver. Convenient on the way to or from the I-70 mountain corridor.
Exxon Station (Frederick)
Address: Frederick, CO (I-25 corridor, north of Denver)
Cost: $15
Hours: Closes at 8:30 PM on weekdays
Water: Check on arrival
A gas-station dump site about 35 miles north. No frills, but reasonable and convenient if you’re headed toward Loveland or Fort Collins. Confirm water on arrival.
Giant gas station locations (select sites)
Address: Various, western US
Cost: Free at select locations
Hours: Varies by location
Water: Yes
Giant operates 250+ stations; not all have a dump station, so call ahead. Rinse water available at some near the car-wash area.
How to Use an RV Dump Station
If you’ve never dumped a black tank, the process is simpler than the internet makes it sound. You’ll want a sewer hose (carry a spare), disposable gloves, a sewer hose support to keep the hose angled downhill, and optionally a clear elbow connector so you can see when the water runs clear.
- Pull up so your dump valve lines up with the station’s sewer inlet, keeping the hose run short.
- Glove up and connect the sewer hose to your RV outlet and the station inlet.
- Open the black tank valve first and let it drain completely.
- Close black, then open the gray tank valve; gray water flushes the hose clean (that’s why black goes first).
- Close gray. If you have a built-in tank rinse, run it a few minutes, then drain the rinse water.
- Disconnect, rinse the area, and leave it cleaner than you found it.
- Need fresh water? Connect to the potable spigot and fill. At Applewood that’s $10; rinse water for flushing tanks is free.
The whole thing takes 10 to 15 minutes once you’ve done it a couple of times.
Why Dump Stations Matter for Denver RVers
Denver sits at the intersection of I-70 and I-25, so RV traffic flows through constantly: weekend warriors heading to the mountains, seasonal travelers passing south, and full-time residents who need reliable, affordable dump access. If you’re boondocking on BLM land west of the metro, dry camping at a festival, or living in a rig at a 30-amp park without sewer hookups, you need to know which stations are open, what they cost, and whether they have water before you’re three miles down the road with a tank that won’t wait. Spot something off in this guide? Email applewood@rjourney.com.
Applewood RV Resort by RJourney (Wheat Ridge)
Applewood RV Resort by RJourney, at 11600 W 44th Ave in Wheat Ridge, runs a public dump station right off I-70 about 15 minutes from downtown Denver: $20 to dump, $10 for a fresh-water fill, and free rinse water for flushing your tanks. Registered guests dump free. This is a working RV park, not a standalone pad, so weekday mornings are the smoothest window. It’s also a practical, centrally located place to stay, with full hookups and Prospect Park right next door. As manager Melissa Soderberg puts it, it’s a safe, relaxing, convenient base in the Denver metro.
Sites & Hookups
Applewood has 76 RV sites: 65 full-hookup (38 pull-through and 27 back-in) and 11 electric-only, with 30- and 50-amp service (14 sites are 50-amp). Pads are gravel and sites are tight, so rigs must be self-contained; there are no tent sites. A public dump station is on site.
What's On-Site
Beyond the dump station, Applewood keeps it practical: 24-hour coin laundry, a coded bathhouse with showers, a small fenced dog park, and package delivery at the office breezeway. Prospect Park and Prospect Lake sit right next door (fishing is catch-to-keep; no swimming or boating). There is no pool on site.
What Guests Say
Applewood holds a 4.0-star rating across 488 reviews. Guests most consistently praise the location: about 15 minutes from downtown Denver, close to I-70, the RTD light rail, Red Rocks, and Golden, with Prospect Park next door. It is an urban, no-frills, mostly gravel park rather than a destination resort, and it serves both overnight travelers and long-term residents. Come for the convenience and the dump-station access; set expectations accordingly.
Tips for a Smooth Dump Station Visit
Most Denver-area dump stations are cash-only. Don't assume the card reader works, even if a sign suggests it does.
Weekend afternoons at busy stations (Applewood included) can mean a short wait. Weekday mornings between 8 and 10 are usually empty.
Stations don't supply these. A good sewer hose kit runs $30 to $50 and fits in any RV basement compartment.
A $15 plastic support keeps the hose angled properly and prevents the sag-and-pool problem that leads to spills.
It solidifies and clogs your lines. Let grease cool and wipe it into the trash.
Don't wait until it's completely full. If you're hooked up at a park, rinse the tank every few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to dump an RV in Denver?
Between free and $20, depending on where you go. Cherry Creek State Park is free with an $11 park pass. Pilot Flying J charges $7.50 to $10. Applewood RV Resort in Wheat Ridge charges $20 for public dump access, which includes free rinse water for flushing your tanks; fresh-water fills are $10 extra. Prices change, so call ahead.
Are there free RV dump stations near Denver?
Yes. Select Giant gas-station locations offer free dump access, and Cherry Creek State Park is effectively free if you’re already paying the $11 day-use fee. Beyond the metro, many BLM and National Forest campgrounds have free dump stations, but they’re seasonal and can be 60+ miles from Denver.
Can I dump my RV after hours in Denver?
Applewood RV Resort in Wheat Ridge allows after-hours dumping; leave your $20 cash payment in the dropbox by the office door. Pilot Flying J in Aurora is open 24 hours. Most other stations close by evening.
How often should I dump my RV black tank?
When it’s about two-thirds full, which for most RVers is every 3 to 5 days with regular use. Don’t wait until it’s completely full, and if you’re hooked up at a park, don’t leave the black tank valve open or solids will build up.
What do I need to bring to a dump station?
A sewer hose, disposable gloves, and a hose support at minimum. A clear elbow connector helps you see when the tank is flushed clean. Most RVs include a basic sewer hose, but aftermarket kits ($30 to $50) seal better.
Where is the closest RV dump station to downtown Denver?
Applewood RV Resort in Wheat Ridge is about 15 minutes from downtown Denver, right off I-70. Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora is roughly the same distance east, and Pilot Flying J in Aurora is a bit farther but offers 24-hour access.
Need More Than a Dump? Stay at Applewood
Applewood RV Resort by RJourney is a year-round RV park in Wheat Ridge, 15 minutes from downtown Denver and right off I-70, with full hookups, a small dog park, and Prospect Park next door. Monthly rates start at $1,300, and nightly sites are available. It's a practical, centrally located base for exploring Denver, Golden, and Red Rocks.
See all site types, rates, and live availability on the Applewood RV Resort page.
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