Dumping at Michigan State Parks

[chezmoose]

We are bringing home our first ever TT on Thursday. Up until now we've always camped in a PUP so dump stations weren't a concern.

We typically dry camp at the state forest campgrounds and they have no dumping facilities. I know our recreation passports give us free admission to all the state parks but does that give us access to the dump stations too? Or are they available to use for a fee? There is a small "city" campground about 10 miles from our home that I'm sure we can use for a fee, but was wondering what the regs were at the state parks.

[Winged_One]

chezmoose wrote:
Thanks everyone! I was hoping that was the case. If there's a gate attendant we will certainly ask first. We have a state park about 12 miles from our home so it wouldn't be a big deal to go mid-week when it's not too busy. The state still does get our camping dollars, just not often at the state parks.

Yes, please do. They could get kind of cranky if you just blow through past the office/gate and don't stop. Do this even if you have asked before at the same office. It's just courtesy.

I had not thought of using them before. Good idea. If it's on the way, it beats the $5 dump fee at Flying J, up the road.

[timmac]

et2 wrote:
As long as they have a dump your good to go, no fee.

Should the OPer just call the State head of all campground host to get the answer, why ask others for this info, it could be wrong, Right..

😉

[wa8yxm]

If you are a camper at a state park then the Dump Station is for you.

If you are not paying for a night's stay.. Contact the park office,, There may or may not be a fee for use of the station.

I have spent many a night in Michigan State Parks.. Even lost my breakfast in one once (Would have been nice If I had gotten to eat it first) (You say "What?" we had visitors in the night. 2-legged kind, they stole our cooler)

I now belong to 2 membership parks, I can use their dump stations even if its "Just passing by" no (additional) charge.. YOU can use them as well, Small charge.

[chezmoose]

Thanks everyone! I was hoping that was the case. If there's a gate attendant we will certainly ask first. We have a state park about 12 miles from our home so it wouldn't be a big deal to go mid-week when it's not too busy. The state still does get our camping dollars, just not often at the state parks.

[dalenoel]

As long as you have a Recreation Passport on the license you do it without camping or doing anything else. I go on a Wednesday to the local SP when I am cleaning tanks and dump. Not a day when it is busy so it works for me.

[et2]

As long as they have a dump your good to go, no fee.

[KazooTom]

I've never seen a charge for use of the dump stations at our state parks. As long as you have your passport, you should be good to go.