For those of us who spend a significant amount of time on the road, there's a special kind of joy in finding a truly great rest area. I'm not talking about a simple parking lot with a dingy bathroom. I mean a well-maintained, feature-rich facility that feels like a genuine oasis for the weary traveler. And when that rest area has a free, easy-to-use RV dump station, it feels like you've hit the jackpot. The Phillip S. Raine Rest Area on California's Golden State Highway, more commonly known as CA-99, is one of these jackpots. Whether you're heading northbound or southbound through the Central Valley, this stop near Tulare is a welcome sight, offering a no-cost, no-hassle way to take care of business without ever having to detour from your main route.
This part of California is the heart of America's dairy and farm country, and the town of Tulare proudly proclaims itself the "Gateway to the Sequoias." From this rest area, you are a mere 45-minute drive from the Foothills entrance to Sequoia National Park. You can empty your tanks and be standing in the presence of ancient giants in less than an hour. It's also a great jumping-off point for visiting the newly reopened Crystal Cave, a magnificent marble cavern within the park. If you're looking for a bite to eat or a bit of local culture after your stop, the historic Main Street in the nearby city of Visalia is just twenty minutes to the north. It’s packed with fantastic farm-to-fork restaurants and craft beer pubs, offering a real taste of the region's agricultural bounty. It’s a perfect, quick detour for dinner.
Using a dump station at a Caltrans rest area like this one is about as straightforward as it gets. These facilities are designed by people who understand the needs of large vehicles. You can expect wide, sweeping lanes with a generous turning radius, which is a relief for anyone driving a big rig or towing a fifth wheel. There are separate parking areas for cars and trucks/RVs, which keeps the traffic flow smooth and safe. The RV dump station is almost always located at the far end of the lot, near the exit ramp, so you can take care of your tanks as the very last thing you do before merging back onto the highway. The setup is typically a simple, concrete pad with a drain and a non-potable water spigot for rinsing. Everything is clearly marked and built for efficiency.
The amenities here are what elevate it from a simple dump station to a truly premium stop. The restrooms are generally clean and well-stocked. There are plenty of trash receptacles, so you can finally offload that bag of garbage you’ve been hauling around. For those traveling with pets, there are designated grassy areas for them to stretch their legs and do their business, complete with waste bag stations. One of the best features is the clear separation between potable and non-potable water. There will be a dedicated, clearly signed spigot for filling your fresh water tank, located away from the dump station itself. This is a critical detail that gives you confidence you’re getting clean, safe water. You’ll even find electric vehicle charging stations here, a nod to modern travel needs.
And now for the best part: the cost. It's free. In a state where everything can feel expensive, a clean, safe, and free dump station is a gift. It's a service provided by the state to keep the roads safe and travelers happy, and it’s something I never take for granted. Because it’s free and so convenient, it can get busy. Sunday afternoons, when everyone is heading home from their weekend trips, can see a line form. The sweet spot is almost always early on a weekday morning. You’ll have the place practically to yourself. One crucial piece of advice: California rest areas can occasionally close for maintenance or due to water issues. Before you bank on it being open, it’s always a good idea to check the Caltrans website or use their QuickMap app. A quick check can save you from a major disappointment.
There is an eight-hour stay limit at California rest areas, and overnight camping is officially prohibited. While a short nap to rest up is generally fine, the California Highway Patrol does occasionally patrol and enforce the time limits, so don't plan to make it your campground for the night. Another little tip from a seasoned traveler: the area around Tulare is famous for its citrus. After you’ve finished your RV chores, keep an eye out for the small, cash-only fruit stands that pop up along the local roads just off the highway. Pulling over and buying a bag of fresh, locally grown oranges is the perfect way to cap off your stop. The Phillip S. Raine Rest Area is a shining example of public infrastructure done right. It’s a perfect, no-brainer stop for any RVer traveling through the Central Valley. It provides a critical service for free, in a clean and safe environment, allowing you to get back on the road refreshed, reset, and ready for whatever adventure lies ahead.
Golden State Hwy, Tulare, CA 93274
(916) 654-2852
Cost: Price not available
Category: Rest stop
Has Water
dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra42.htm