Understanding how the information at rvdumps.com is presented, and learning the difference between a mile marker and exit number, will aid you in using this site.

Mile Markers and Exit Numbers

 
Mile Markers
Mile markers, or mileposts as they are also known, are the vertical green signs on the edge of highways placed at one-mile intervals. Mile marker numbering begins at the most southerly or westerly point in a state. For example, if you enter Colorado from New Mexico, mile markers will increase as you travel north through Colorado. Likewise if you were to enter Colorado from Utah, mile markers would increase as you travel east through Colorado. California is the only state that does not use mile markers. Instead they use a Post Mile system with numbering beginning and ending at county lines.

 
Exit Numbers
Interstate exit numbers are determined by one of two methods. The first, and most widely used, is based on the mile marker system. Using this method, the first exit number on an Interstate as you travel south to north or west to east is determined by its distance from the state line. For example, if an exit is located between mile markers 4 and 5, it is numbered as Exit 4. The next exit, if located at mile marker 8.7, would be numbered as Exit 8. Thus you would know that you must travel approximately 4 miles to reach the next exit. Using this method of exit numbering helps to determine the location and distance to a desired exit.

The second method of numbering Interstate exits is the consecutive numbering system, which means Interstate exit numbers begin at the most southerly or westerly point and increase consecutively as you travel north or east. Using this method, the first exit on an Interstate as you travel south to north or west to east is Exit 1. Each exit thereafter increases consecutively as Exit 2, Exit 3 and so on. Few states use this method of numbering Interstate exits.

 
California's Numbering System
As mentioned above, California does not use mile markers nor does it indicate exits with a number. This is changing, however. In January of 2002, California began erecting signs displaying exit numbers based on the mile marker system. The exit numbers and mile marker numbers used in this web site for California are based on the new proposed numbers that California has assigned.

Dump Stations Along Interstate Highways

 
RV dump stations located along Interstate highways are presented in a chart. Depending on your direction of travel, you'll either read up the chart or down the chart. If you are traveling north or east, read up the chart. If you are traveling south or west, read down the chart.

Dump stations located directly along an Interstate are indicated by their mile marker surrounded by parentheses and have a light gray background. These dump stations are usually located in rest areas or welcome centers.

Dump stations located off the Interstate are indicated by their exit number and have a light blue background. These dump stations are usually located in truck stops and travel centers, gas stations, city parks, county parks, and other areas.

Sometimes you will notice an (nb), (sb), (eb), or (wb) after the site name. This means that the facility is only accessible to northbound, southbound, eastbound, or westbound travelers. For a list of other abbreviations used throughout this site, see below.

Abbreviations

 
Below is a list of abbreviations used throughout this web site.

• Blvd - Boulevard
• Bus or BR - Business Route
• CR - County Road
• E - East
• eb - Eastbound
• FM - Farm to Market Road
• Hwy - Highway
• I - Interstate Highway
• N - North
• nb - Northbound
• Pkwy - Parkway
• Rd - Road
• S - South
• SH or SR - State Highway or State Route
• sb - Southbound
• US - U.S. Highway
• W - West
• wb - Westbound