In a previous entry, I shared 8 Likely Places to Find Fresh Water for Dry Camping.
Number one on the list was Fuel Stations where I stated, “… they will typically have a fresh water spigot available. But, if one is not readily available, just ask. As a result, we find that most attendants will make an effort to meet your request.” Number three on the list was dump stations.
So during a recent trip through Red Lodge, Montana when I needed water and motor fuel, I headed for the Town Pump as my pre-trip research indicated they had a free dump station.
Free water. Photos via author (Dave Helgeson)
I figured my odds were good at finding water as it was a fuel station AND a dump station which was 2 out of the 8 places where one is likely to find fresh water. While fueling, I walked over to the dump station to discover it only contained a red water spigot clearly marked for tank rinsing only.
I walked farther down the curb hoping the potable water spigot might be located away from the sewage port to reduce the chance of contamination, but no luck. I then proceeded to look along the building in hopes of finding a faucet and met with success finding an open hatch revealing a faucet, only to find it took a water key to turn it on.
The water key
The next step was for my wife to go in the store and ask if potable water was available while I finished fueling. She returned in short order with a key on a large “key tag” just like you receive when asking for a restroom key that establishments don’t want you taking home in your pocket.
Obviously, we weren’t the first RVer to request potable water—they were prepared! Kudos to the folks at the Town Pump in Red Lodge!
Oh, by the way—the fuel prices were the best in town too.
If you find yourself in Red Lodge, Montana needing fuel, water and/or a dump station, you will find the Town Pump at the north end of town. You will find the dump station at N45° 11.654 W109° 14.738
Asking and receiving, just another adventure in RVing! What have your experiences been finding potable water while on the road? Please share using the comment box below.
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
Hi,
Nice place, I grew up in Red Lodge before round-a-bout & Town Pump. Also a good place to buy Red Lodge Ales. Good beer, Oktoberfest is the best In the fall I get orders to bring back to Colorado Springs.
We Just bought an RV so will be stopping there also when in Red Lodge.
Also a good lunch is at Regis Foods or Café, They have gardens in the back so all fresh produce.
Lots of other good things to see in Red Lodge.
Harvey McMinn
We were there in July, 2018. Had the same experience. Nice people behind the counter even though they were busy.
Dave, Glad you had a good time in Red Lodge. I live in SoCal now but grew up in Red Lodge about 2 blocks from that Town Pump……the helpful townspeople in RL make their living from tourism and know how to be hospitable. Thanks for the article. Steve
I used to live in Roberts back in the 70’s, . juss down tha pike a few! Haven’t been back to that area for more than a few, but I always remembered that area as a good place to be. I’ve heard that the area has become quite touristy too. 🙂 I’ll have to swing back through there one of these years during an excursion. Thanks for the info / article. Jim
Kudos to that merchant for their hospitality.
Neighboring Idaho is the best place we have found for RV dump stations. RVs are so popular there (and the state so determined to prevent illegal dumping) that many towns, large and small, have free or “donation requested” public dumps. We have used them all over the state, but the best was next door to the sheriff’s office in Coeur d’Alene. A paved, multilane one with potable and non-potable rinse water!
Pocatello also has a double lane paved dump station with potable water, free. It is located on the south end of town east of 5 th street.
On my way to a boondocking site near Prescott, AZ I stopped at a church. No one there since it was a weekday, but there was a church bus parked there with the name and phone number of the church pastor. Called him up and asked if I could fill my tank from their outside faucet. He approved, and even explained how to operate the faucet, since it was not a standard one.
Town Pump is installing dump stations at many of their facilities across Montana. Usually the best prices on fuel as well.
I love Red Lodge, did you stop in at the Roman theater? Thats my Famiglia, thought we no longer own it the new owners are very friendly.
Love Red Lodge
Have you eaten at the Chinese there? It is great.
We had an airbag burst in Red Lodge, spent a week waiting for the replacement and having it installed.
The town folks were great as were the other RVers. I spent the time waiting on the airbag riding US-212 on the Honda ST1300.
I could live my life out in Red Lodge if it never went below 40º.