Safety Rest Areas

down home wrote:

BB_TX wrote:
Texas has built or rebuilt some REALLY nice rest areas in many locations on major highways around the state. They do have very nice air conditioned/heated restrooms, very nice playgrounds, snacks/drinks, and even free wifi. They often have interpretive displays, typically about the local area to that rest area.
But they do not have RV hookups of any kind. And they no longer have dump stations, probably due to abuse of the privilege. They have big rig parking slots, but that is typically just for stopping long enough to use the facilities. Although I think they do allow overnight parking also.
There are still many of the older rest areas yet to be renovated, so check their map if you intend to try to schedule travel around them.

The widely disseminated reason for closing the dump stations were Campground Owners. Abuse was just an excuse. ..........
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They are shooting themselves in the foot. Texas is big and inconveniencing RVers who spend a LOT of money, in their state won't bring them more good will or money from us. If you can't dump the dump campground figure you will have to come there and dump for aa fee and stay for a rate that would justify the Biltmore. It would also take a half day or longer out of your trip.............

And if you heard it on the internet it must be true.

Not having dumps in the rest areas is in no way stopping RVers from traveling in and thru Texas. You can see that quickly by a short trip on any highway and see all the RVs with out-of-state plates. There is probably not one in a thousand who would expect to dump their tanks at a rest area. And those who do are the ones who are likely to spend their nights in parking lots anyway. I typically spend around $30/night for a nice RV park. Guess I have missed those Biltmore RV parks.
There are truck stops with RV dumps if one really wants/needs it.