4 RV Dump Stations In Knox, IN | Free & Paid Options
41.2959° N, 86.6250° W
Quick Overview
Knox sits in the heart of Starke County, where farmland stretches between the Kankakee and Yellow Rivers. You'll find several RV dump stations serving this area, with some offering free service. The town's location along major north-south routes makes it a practical stopover for RVers traveling between Chicago and Indianapolis.
The camping scene here leans toward no-frills functionality rather than resort amenities. Most facilities cater to anglers and hunters drawn to the nearby Bass Lake and Koontz Lake areas. You won't find luxury RV resorts, but you will find clean stations with straightforward access. Hickory Hills Campground, the newest addition to the area, reflects the local preference for rustic camping experiences over manicured RV parks.
Highway 35 runs straight through town, connecting to US-30 about 15 miles north. This positioning puts Knox within easy reach whether you're coming from Fort Wayne to the east or Gary to the northwest. The stations spread across town rather than clustering in one area, so you've got options regardless which direction you're headed. Most RVers pass through Knox during fishing season or while exploring the Hoosier Prairie region, but the town sees steady traffic year-round from folks using it as a fuel and dump stop between larger destinations.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Knox
All Dump Stations Near Knox
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory Hills Campground | 4.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lost Pines | 4.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| EZ Kamp | 8.0 mi | N/A | RV Park | Free |
| Rising Sun Campground | 9.7 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hidden Lake Paradise Campground, Llc | 11.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Last Resort Campground | 12.1 mi | 4.3 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Family Campground | 12.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Campers Roost | 13.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Broken Arrow Campground | 13.5 mi | N/A | RV Park | Free |
| Trailer Park | 16.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Hickory Hills Campground
4.1 miLost Pines
4.8 miEZ Kamp
8.0 miRising Sun Campground
9.7 miHidden Lake Paradise Campground, Llc
11.9 miLast Resort Campground
12.1 miFamily Campground
12.6 miCampers Roost
13.4 miBroken Arrow Campground
13.5 miTrailer Park
16.8 miTraveling to Knox by RV
Highway 35 serves as Knox's main artery, running north to Wanatah and south toward Rochester. It's a two-lane state road that handles RV traffic easily, though you'll want to watch for farm equipment during planting and harvest seasons. Highway 8 intersects just west of town, providing east-west access. If you're coming from I-65, take exit 220 near DeMotte and head east about 25 miles.
Most streets in Knox accommodate larger rigs without issue, but the downtown historic district has tighter turns near the courthouse square. Stay on the bypass routes if you're pulling a fifth wheel over 35 feet. For overnight parking, Walmart allows RV parking in their lot on South Heaton Street, though it's courteous to check with management first. Several truck stops along Highway 35 also welcome overnight stays. The local Speedway station has extended parking areas that work for shorter rigs. Cell coverage runs strong on Verizon and AT&T networks throughout town and the surrounding agricultural areas.
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Dump Station Costs in Knox
The several dump stations around Knox split evenly: some stations (a portion%) offer free service, while a portion% charge fees. The paid stations typically run $5-10 for dump access, with slightly higher rates if you need fresh water or aren't staying overnight. Free options usually come with fuel purchases at truck stops or as courtesy services at municipal parks.
This 50-50 split gives you flexibility based on your route. If you're already stopping for diesel, the free stations make sense. If you need dedicated RV services like rinse water and proper drainage, the paid campground facilities provide better infrastructure. Most stations stay accessible year-round, though winter hours may vary at seasonal campgrounds.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Knox
“First let me say if I could give it zero stars, I would... We stayed 3 months due to my husbands work at this "campground" which is actually worse than a run down trailer park and that's being polite....”
“Campground is great! Kelly and Eddie are awesome hosts. Kelly goes out of her way to make sure everyone is taken care of. We played bingo, and had a blast. Everyone was very friendly. We will definite...”
“Cool place, host and staff are friendly and funny. big playground for the kids. I'm definitely bringing the grandkids next time. Bingo was a blast! And apparently the donkey is an escape artist, and j...”
“This property was transferred by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to local control. The property is now managed by the Starke County Parks Department and its Park Board as part of the Bass...”
Best Time to Visit Knox by RV
Winter
December-February
18-35°F
Crowds: Low
Coldest stretch with occasional road closures from lake-effect snow. Several campgrounds close for the season, but truck stop dump stations remain open year-round.
Spring
March-May
38-68°F
Crowds: Medium
Fishing season kicks off at area lakes, bringing weekend crowds to campgrounds. Mud season can make unpaved campground roads challenging for larger rigs through early April.
Summer
June-August
62-84°F
Crowds: Medium
Warmest months with comfortable camping weather. Bass Lake attracts families, but Knox itself stays quieter than resort towns. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly, so secure awnings.
Fall
September-November
42-72°F
Crowds:
Peak hunting season brings the year's heaviest RV traffic to local campgrounds. Book ahead if you need full hookups, and expect dump stations to be busiest on Sunday afternoons.
Explore the Knox Area
Fill your fresh water tank before arriving, as not all dump stations in the area offer potable water hookups. The stations at local campgrounds typically provide this service, but municipal options may be dump-only. Spring and fall bring the heaviest RV traffic due to fishing tournaments at Bass Lake, so plan dump station visits for weekday mornings if you're here during those seasons.
Stock up on supplies at the Walmart or Martin's Super Market before heading to more remote camping areas -- the next full-service grocery stores sit 20-plus miles away in either direction. If you need propane, the Ferrellgas location on West Culver Road fills RV tanks. For mechanical issues, Knox Truck and Auto on Highway 35 has worked on RVs, though calling ahead helps since they prioritize commercial vehicles. The Starke County Public Library offers free WiFi if you need to download maps or check weather before heading out.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Knox
Do I need to pay for dump stations in Knox?
Half the stations around Knox offer free service, typically at truck stops with fuel purchases or municipal facilities. The other half charge $5-10, usually at private campgrounds that provide additional amenities like fresh water and better drainage systems.
Can I find dump stations open in winter?
Yes, though your options narrow. Truck stop locations along Highway 35 stay open year-round, while some seasonal campgrounds close November through March. Call ahead if you're traveling during January or February to confirm access.
Where's the closest dump station to Highway 35?
Several options sit directly on Highway 35 as it passes through Knox. The truck stops on the north and south ends of town provide easiest access for through-travelers who don't want to navigate into residential areas.
Are Knox dump stations big-rig friendly?
Most stations accommodate rigs up to 40 feet without problems. The truck stop locations handle large RVs easily, while some campground stations have tighter maneuvering space. Check individual facility details before arrival if you're pulling a longer fifth wheel.
What's the best time to use dump stations during hunting season?
Weekday mornings see the lightest traffic, even during peak fall hunting season. Avoid Sunday afternoons when weekend hunters are heading home. If you're camping locally, mid-week dumps let you skip the lines entirely.
Do Knox dump stations provide fresh water?
Not all of them. Campground facilities typically offer potable water hookups alongside dump service, but some municipal and truck stop stations are dump-only. Bring a full fresh tank or verify water availability before your visit.
What is the highest-rated dump station in Knox?
The highest-rated station is Tippecanoe River State Park with a rating of 4.6/5 stars.
Are there free dump stations in Knox?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Knox.
All Dump Stations Near Knox (112)
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RV Park with Dump Stations