| Topic | Dump Points & Grey/Black Water Disposal |
|---|---|
| Resource | Camps Australia Wide Books & App |
| Coverage | Nationwide listings by town |
| Access Info | Big rig accessibility indicated where known |
| Equipment Needed | Waste hose (3+ metres recommended) |
| In Camps App | Yes – with map symbols and site details |
A dump point is where RV travellers dispose of their waste, known as grey and black water. Grey water is any domestic wastewater – but not sewage and black water is sewage, or the waste from your portable or on board toilet.
With environmental issues becoming more of a concern to travellers, this is of major importance.
Both the Camps and Caravan Parks books contain a comprehensive list at the back, alphabetical by town in each state. Teh listings are clearly explained in the back of the book with an explanation of an example listing.
Sometimes situations change and the accuracy of accessibility and type of facility can not be guaranteed.
Public dump points are also listed on maps (see Symbols used on maps).
Dump points are also on maps in the Camps Australia Wide App. Select that symbol to find out more about the site.
Most of the dump points accessible by big rigs would need a waste hose, preferably 3 metres or more in length. Where information is available, listings show whether the dump point is suitable for cassettes or holding tanks and whether big rigs can access it.
What is a cassette toilet vs a holding tank?
Both are black water tanks for your permanent toilet on an RV or boat. The cassette is a portable, and the holding tank is not.
Portable toilets (e.g. Porta-Potti) also operate with a cassette.
Cassettes are not meant to be emptied in public toilets. There are now thousands of dump points around the country, including more in caravan parks for patrons – plenty for you to find one nearby!
Please leave the dump point clean and tidy. Please respect the courtesy extended to you if you avail yourself of this service.
What chemicals should I use in black water?
The use of chemicals in black water is of concern, so it is advisable to use those which are biodegradable and eco-friendly rather than those containing chemicals such as formaldehyde.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between grey water and black water?
Grey water is any domestic wastewater excluding sewage, such as water from your sink or shower. Black water is sewage, which includes waste from your portable or onboard toilet.
Where can I find dump points in Australia?
Dump points are listed alphabetically by town in each state in both the Camps and Caravan Parks books. They’re also shown on maps in the Camps Australia Wide App using specific symbols.
What’s the difference between a cassette toilet and a holding tank?
Both are black water tanks for permanent RV or boat toilets. A cassette is portable and can be removed, while a holding tank is permanently installed and not removable. Portable toilets like Porta-Pottis also use cassettes.
Can I empty my cassette toilet in a public toilet?
No, cassettes are not meant to be emptied in public toilets. Use the thousands of dump points available around the country, including those in caravan parks for patrons.
Do I need special equipment to use a dump point?
Most dump points accessible by big rigs require a waste hose, preferably 3 metres or more in length. The Camps listings show whether the dump point suits cassettes or holding tanks.
What chemicals should I use in my black water tank?
Use biodegradable and eco-friendly chemicals rather than those containing formaldehyde, as chemical use in black water is an environmental concern.
Are all dump points accessible by large rigs?
Not all dump points can accommodate big rigs. Where information is available, the Camps listings indicate whether big rigs can access the dump point.
How do I know if dump point information is up to date?
Sometimes situations change and the accuracy of accessibility and facility type cannot be guaranteed. Check the Camps App for the most current details about specific dump points.
Ready to find your next camp?
You've seen the highlights. Here's how to find every one of these camps, plus everything else nearby, and plan the trip.
Every camp is in the Camps Australia Wide App, with maps, photos and offline access for when the signal drops out. Free 7-day trial, then $14.99 a year, cancel anytime.
Prefer your browser? Explore from here:
No reception out there? CAMPS 13, CAMPSPendium 2 and Caravan Parks 7 cover the whole country from the dash.
Not heading off just yet? Join our free weekly newsletter for 15% off your first shop order, or swap notes with travellers in our I Love Camping community.
✓ Every campsite personally checked by our team. On the road since 1992. No paid listings, ever.
