NH RV Dump Stations | New Hampshire Sani-Dumps

Unfortunately, no. Out of the several dump stations we've cataloged in New Hampshire, some of them are free. Every single station charges some kind of fee. This makes New Hampshire one of the tougher states for RVers on a tight budget. Your best bet is to factor dump fees into your camping budget or choose campgrounds where dump access is included in your nightly rate. Some state park campgrounds include dump station access for registered campers as part of the camping fee.

Dump station fees at private RV parks generally range from $10 to $25 per visit for non-guests. If you're camping at the facility, dump access is almost always included in your site fee. State park campgrounds that have dump stations usually include access for registered campers at no extra charge. A few standalone stations or truck stops might charge a flat fee in the $15 to $20 range. The stations tend to be well maintained since they're actually funded by those fees, which is a fair trade-off.

Seasonal availability is a big deal here. Most dump stations open in mid-to-late May and close by mid-October, following the general campground season. A small number at year-round private RV parks stay open through winter, but they're the exception. Spring mud season in March and April can make some stations physically unreachable even if technically open. We always recommend calling ahead if traveling outside the June through September window, because you don't want to drive 30 miles only to find a padlocked gate.

I-93 is the main north-south artery, running from the Massachusetts border up through Concord, the Lakes Region, and into the White Mountains. You'll find the best concentration of dump stations along this corridor, particularly near exits serving Concord, Tilton, and the Laconia area. Camping World in Chichester is right off I-93. As you head north past Franconia Notch, stations become more spread out. We suggest dumping before heading into the northern stretches because services thin out considerably past Lincoln. We recommend checking the individual station listing for current hours and access policies before making a special trip, since seasonal changes and facility maintenance can affect availability without much advance notice.

Some state park campgrounds do have dump stations, but they're generally reserved for registered campers. You typically can't just roll up without a campsite reservation. Franconia Notch State Park, Pawtuckaway State Park, and a few others have dump facilities on-site. Most NH state park campgrounds offer dry camping only with no hookups, so having a working dump station on-site is actually really helpful. Check with NH State Parks for current availability at specific locations before planning your stop. We recommend checking the individual station listing for current hours and access policies before making a special trip, since seasonal changes and facility maintenance can affect availability without much advance notice.

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in White Mountain National Forest outside designated Wilderness Areas. You need to camp at least 200 feet from trails, roads, and water sources, and no permit or fee is required for most areas. Popular spots include areas off NH-112 (the Kancamagus Highway) and US-302. The catch is that boondocking spots are far from dump stations, so plan your dump runs. Dump your tanks in the Concord or Lincoln area before heading into the backcountry, and have enough holding tank capacity for your planned stay.

The Kancamagus Highway (NH-112) is one of America's best scenic drives, running 34 miles through the White Mountains between Lincoln and Conway. Here's the critical thing: there are absolutely no services along the entire route. No gas stations, no dump stations, no food, no cell service in most spots. Fill your fuel tank, dump your holding tanks, and stock up on supplies before you start. The road has steep grades and tight curves that can challenge larger rigs. During fall foliage in September and October, traffic can be bumper-to-bumper.

For propane, Irving gas stations along I-93 are your most convenient option since they're spread throughout the state. U-Haul locations in Manchester and Concord also fill propane tanks, and hardware stores in smaller towns often offer propane exchange. For RV repairs, Camping World in Chichester right off I-93 is the biggest dealer and service center in the state. There are also local RV service shops in Concord and Laconia. In the far north Great North Woods region, services get scarce, so handle maintenance before heading up there.

It depends on what you're after. Fall foliage from mid-September through mid-October is spectacular and makes NH one of the top RV destinations in the country, but campgrounds book months in advance and dump stations see peak usage. Summer from July through August offers warm days with highs around 82°F and comfortable nights. Late spring in June is our sleeper pick because crowds haven't arrived, everything's open, and the mountain wildflowers are gorgeous. Avoid March and April due to mud season, and winter requires serious cold-weather preparation.

New Hampshire limits motorcoaches to 45 feet and towable trailers to 48 feet. Combined length typically maxes out between 53 and 65 feet depending on the road. Triple towing is not allowed. The biggest challenge for large rigs is Franconia Notch on I-93, where the interstate narrows to two lanes with reduced speed limits. The Mount Washington Auto Road isn't recommended for vehicles over 40 feet due to its 12% grade. Some forest roads in the White Mountains are too narrow for anything bigger than a truck camper or small Class C.

Yes, New Hampshire allows overnight parking at rest areas with no statewide time limit, which is pretty generous compared to many states. Sleeping in your vehicle is permitted. However, actual camping is not allowed, meaning no awnings, chairs, grills, or external equipment. Rest areas along I-93 and I-89 are the most common spots RVers use for overnight stops. These won't have dump stations, but they're great for breaking up a long drive. Municipal rules vary by town, so check local ordinances for street parking in specific communities.

Market Basket, Hannaford, and Walmart are your main grocery options, and you'll find at least one in most towns of any size. The big perk is that New Hampshire has no sales tax at all, so everything you buy is cheaper than in neighboring states. We always stock up on supplies when passing through. The Lakes Region around Laconia and the Concord area have the best shopping variety. Once you head into the Great North Woods in the far north, grocery options thin out dramatically. Plan provisioning around the larger towns along I-93 before heading into remote areas.

Moose are the biggest concern, literally. They're common in northern New Hampshire from May through October and most active at dawn and dusk. A bull moose can weigh over 1,000 pounds, and collisions are frequently fatal for vehicle occupants because their body mass hits at windshield height. Drive slowly after dark on NH-16, US-3, and rural roads north of the notches. Black bears are present throughout the state too, so store food properly and never leave coolers or garbage outside your RV. Use bear-proof containers at dispersed camping sites in the White Mountains.

Peak foliage moves from north to south across roughly three weeks. Northern areas like Pittsburg and the Great North Woods peak around September 20, the White Mountains hit peak around September 25-October 5, and southern New Hampshire peaks October 10-15. Book campgrounds by June for September-October stays.

No, overnight parking is prohibited at all New Hampshire rest areas. You'll need to use campgrounds, some Walmart locations (ask permission), or truck stops. Cracker Barrel and Cabela's in nearby Maine offer alternatives. Many towns prohibit street parking of RVs overnight as well.

Coastal and southern stations typically stay open year-round, but most White Mountain and northern facilities close November through April. State park campgrounds shut down after Columbus Day weekend. Call ahead if traveling November-April to confirm winter access, especially in mountain regions.

Free options exist at some town facilities and state parks, though many require residency or camping. Commercial dumps run $10-20, while campgrounds charge $15-25 for non-guests. Prices increase during fall foliage season. Budget around $15 per dump for reliable paid access at well-maintained facilities.

Most private campgrounds handle rigs up to 40 feet without issues. State park and National Forest campgrounds typically accommodate 35 feet, though some sites are smaller. The Kancamagus Highway is RV-accessible but has no services for 34 miles. Call ahead during peak season to confirm site sizes.

I-93 through Franconia Notch is the easiest major route with climbing lanes and wide shoulders. US-302 through Crawford Notch has steep grades but is manageable. The Kancamagus Highway (NH-112) is stunning and RV-friendly but has zero services -- fill your tank in Lincoln or Conway before crossing.

Moose collisions cause fatalities every year because their long legs put their massive bodies at windshield height. They're nearly invisible at night and most active at dawn and dusk. Northern New Hampshire has high moose populations. Drive defensively after dark, especially on US-3, NH-16, and rural roads.

The highest-rated is Lake Forest RV Resort with a rating of 4.5/5 stars.