RV Dump Stations In Afton, Wyoming

There are currently several RV dump stations listed in and around Afton, Wyoming. All of them are paid facilities, so some free options are available and a portion require a fee. The stations are spread across the Star Valley area along the US Highway 89 corridor. We recommend checking individual station listings on this page for current hours, pricing, and any seasonal closures before you roll up with a full black water tank. During the off-season from November through May, some stations may be shut down due to freezing temperatures.

Unfortunately, there are currently some free dump stations listed in Afton. All several stations charge a fee, which means a portion of your options are free and a portion are paid. If you're trying to keep costs down, your best bet is to check whether any campgrounds you're staying at include dump access with your nightly rate, since some of the private campgrounds with full hookups let you dump as part of your stay. You might also check stations along your route in other towns, as some rest areas and travel centers in Wyoming offer free or low-cost dump services.

The best time to bring your RV to Afton is from late May through mid-September. That's when campgrounds are open, dump stations are operational, and the weather cooperates. Summer highs reach the low 80s, though nights still dip into the mid-40s at 6,100 feet elevation. July and August see the most RV traffic since folks are using Afton as a base for Grand Teton and Yellowstone trips. If you prefer fewer crowds, late May or early September are solid choices, though you should check campground opening dates carefully since snow can linger. We'd avoid anything from November through May unless you're experienced with winter RV travel and have a fully winterized rig.

Afton is roughly 1.5 hours south of Jackson Hole via US Highway 89 and US 191/189, which puts you within easy striking distance of Grand Teton National Park. From Jackson, it's another 15 to 20 minutes to the south entrance of Grand Teton, and Yellowstone's south entrance is about an hour north of Jackson. So you're looking at roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from Afton to Yellowstone, depending on traffic and park entrance lines during peak season. A lot of RVers use Star Valley as a cheaper, quieter base camp and make day trips north to the parks. Just make sure to fill up on fuel in Afton before you head out since gas prices climb sharply the closer you get to Jackson.

Yes, and it's some of the best free boondocking in the region. The Bridger-Teton National Forest lies east of Afton and covers 3.4 million acres, with plenty of dispersed camping opportunities along forest roads. The stay limit is 14 days, after which you need to move at least 5 miles. Keep in mind this is true dry camping with no hookups, no water, and no dump stations, so arrive with full fresh water tanks and plan to use one of the several dump stations in town when you return. A high-clearance vehicle or shorter RV may be needed for some forest roads. National forest recreation fees may apply at certain trailheads, but the camping itself is free.

Afton has the basics covered but don't expect big-city selection. You'll find gas and diesel stations in town, small grocery stores for everyday supplies, and propane refills at hardware stores and some gas stations. What you won't find is a dedicated RV repair shop or parts store. For any mechanical work, RV-specific parts, or a larger grocery run, you'll need to head to Jackson Hole (about 1.5 hours north) or Idaho Falls, Idaho (roughly the same distance west via I-15). We always recommend topping off your fuel tanks in Afton before heading into the mountains in any direction, since stations get scarce quickly once you leave Star Valley.

US Highway 89 through Star Valley is a good two-lane highway and handles large RVs without major issues. The valley floor is relatively flat and straightforward. Where things get trickier is on the mountain passes east of Afton, which can have steep grades and tight curves that challenge bigger rigs. US 191/189 heading north toward Jackson is well maintained but includes some winding canyon stretches where passing opportunities are limited. If you're towing or driving a larger Class A, take your time and use pullouts to let faster traffic pass. Watch for wildlife on all these roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Moose, deer, and elk cross frequently, and a moose strike can be catastrophic for any vehicle.

Even in the middle of July, nighttime temperatures in Afton regularly drop into the mid-40s. The town sits at 6,100 feet elevation, and that altitude makes a real difference once the sun goes down. We've had nights in early June and late August where it dipped close to freezing. Make sure your RV furnace is in working order, bring warm sleeping bags or extra blankets, and pack layers for evening campfires. If you're dry camping or boondocking without hookups, conserve your propane since you'll use more than you expect heating the rig at night. On the flip side, the cool nights mean comfortable sleeping without needing air conditioning, which is a nice perk if you're running on battery power.

Start right downtown with the World's Largest Elkhorn Arch, an 18-foot-tall, 75-foot-wide structure built from over 3,000 elk antlers. It's a classic roadside attraction and great for photos. East of town, Periodic Spring is one of only a handful of intermittent cold-water springs in the world. It flows on a cycle, stopping and starting naturally, and the hike to reach it is scenic and manageable. The Bridger-Teton National Forest offers hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing across 3.4 million acres. And of course, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are about 1.5 hours north. Star Valley itself has a slower, more rural feel that's refreshing after the tourist crowds further north. There's also good trout fishing in the Salt River that runs through the valley.

No special RV permits are required to drive through Wyoming or park in Afton. Standard vehicle registration and a valid driver's license are all you need for rigs that fall within normal size limits. If you're planning to camp on Bridger-Teton National Forest land, some developed trailheads and recreation areas charge day-use or overnight fees, but dispersed camping is free. Wyoming rest areas allow short naps and breaks but do not permit overnight camping, so don't plan on using them as free campsite alternatives. National park entrance fees apply if you're heading to Grand Teton or Yellowstone. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers both parks and is a solid investment if you're visiting multiple federal lands during your trip.

Afton has a couple of small grocery stores that cover staples like bread, milk, canned goods, and basic produce. For anything beyond the basics, though, you'll want to plan a supply run to a larger town. Jackson Hole is about 1.5 hours north and has more options including natural food stores and larger supermarkets, but expect higher prices since it's a resort town. Idaho Falls, roughly 60 miles west via I-15, offers big-box stores like Walmart and Costco at normal prices, making it the better choice for a major stock-up. If you're heading out for dispersed camping in the national forest, load up before you leave Afton because there's absolutely nothing once you're on forest roads. We always try to arrive in Star Valley with a mostly stocked fridge and just grab perishables locally.

Winter dumping in Afton is very limited and unreliable. Most dump stations close between November and May because water lines and holding tanks can freeze solid at the temperatures Star Valley experiences. Winter lows regularly hit single digits and can drop below zero. Even if a station appears open, frozen valves and icy pads can make the process difficult or impossible. If you absolutely must dump during winter, call ahead to verify that the station is operational and bring your own fresh water since outdoor spigots will likely be shut off. Honestly, very few RVers pass through Afton in winter. The campgrounds are closed, road conditions can be treacherous, and services are minimal. We'd recommend planning your visit for the June through September window when everything is running smoothly.

No, all four dump stations in Afton charge fees. This small mountain town doesn't offer free municipal sanitary dump facilities. Expect to pay $10-20 for dump access, though overnight RV park guests typically get dump privileges included with their site rental.

Absolutely. Afton sits 50 miles south of Jackson Hole, making it a budget-friendly alternative base camp. You'll save significantly on camping costs compared to staying near the parks, and the scenic drive north through Star Valley is manageable for day trips with or without a trailer.

Afton offers fuel, groceries, propane, and basic RV supplies. Stock up here before heading into the mountains -- prices beat Jackson significantly. The town has several full-service RV parks with hookups, laundry, and showers. Mobile RV repair is available but advanced services require driving to larger cities.

Yes, US Highway 89 handles big rigs without issues through the main corridor. However, downtown streets around the Elkhorn Arch are narrow and better avoided with 35+ foot rigs. Dump stations along the highway offer easier access than facilities requiring downtown navigation.

At 6,100 feet, you'll notice slightly reduced engine power, especially when towing. Climbs north toward Jackson gain another 1,000+ feet. Check your coolant system, allow extra passing time on grades, and don't be surprised if your propane refrigerator needs adjustment for the altitude.

Yes, RV park dump stations operate year-round, though winter access requires caution due to snow and ice. Temperatures drop well below freezing December through February, so protect your RV's plumbing systems and allow extra time for dump procedures in cold conditions.