Sometimes, the best RV pit stops are the ones that offer a little peace and quiet, away from the constant roar of the interstate. On the northwest edge of Visalia’s industrial corridor, you will find just such a place. Security Self Storage offers a dump station nestled within its gated grounds, providing a low stress alternative for travelers who prefer a more controlled and secure environment. This isn’t the kind of place you just stumble upon. It operates on an access by appointment basis, catering to the RVer who is a planner, someone who values order and predictability over the free for all chaos that can sometimes be found at busier travel centers. For those of us who appreciate a calm and methodical approach to our travel chores, this facility on West Goshen Avenue is a real find.
Visalia's location is one of its greatest assets for travelers exploring California. It sits at the critical junction of Highway 99, the state's main north to south artery, and State Route 198, the primary road leading into the majestic Sierra Nevada. This unique position means you are only about an hour’s drive from the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park, yet you are also just a couple of hours away from the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach. This makes Visalia an incredible hub for launching two completely different kinds of California adventures. You could spend one week in the mountains and the next at the coast, using the city as your base of operations. After you have taken care of business at the storage facility, it is well worth taking some time to explore downtown Visalia. The farmers’ markets are a feast for the senses, brimming with fresh citrus and locally pressed olive oil from the surrounding Tulare County farms. It is a great way to turn a chore into a pleasant local experience.
The process of using a dump station at a self storage facility like this one is quite different from your average stop. It is a more deliberate and secure experience. You will need to start by calling the office during business hours. A friendly staff member will likely verify your information, explain the procedure, and provide you with a gate code for entry. When you pull up, you will use a keypad to open the secure gate, which immediately gives you a sense of safety. Inside, you will find wide asphalt aisles and an orderly environment. Because this facility offers covered bays for long term RV storage, you will be maneuvering around other people’s prized possessions, so it is important to go slow and be mindful of blind corners. The dump station itself might require a right angle back up to the sewer inlet, so be prepared for that possibility. It is a good idea to clarify the exact location and layout when you call ahead. The whole experience feels less like a public service and more like a private appointment.
When it comes to amenities, Security Self Storage offers a very specific and somewhat unusual combination of features. The biggest perk by far is the availability of shore power. Having an electrical hookup right at the dump station is a fantastic and rare feature. It means you can run your air conditioning, a true lifesaver in the Visalia heat, or use any other electrical equipment while you are getting set up. However, and this is a crucial point to be prepared for, there is no water or rinse hose available at the station. This means you must arrive completely self sufficient in that regard. You will need to bring your own water in jugs or have a dedicated rinse bucket, perhaps a five gallon one, to clean out your sewer hose and the area around the drain. It is a trade off: you get the comfort of electricity in exchange for the responsibility of bringing your own water. Beyond that, the facility is strictly for storage and dumping. There are no public restrooms, showers, or trash disposal services, and no fuel or propane is sold on site. Also, their yard rules strictly prohibit pets inside the fence for safety and cleanliness reasons.
The cost for a dump only visit is listed as "call for quote." This is standard practice for facilities that manage access by appointment. Based on typical rates for secure storage yards in the region, you can likely expect the price to be in the ten to twelve dollar range. While this is not the cheapest option in town, you are paying for a premium experience. The value is found in the security of the gated grounds, the complete absence of a waiting line, and the incredible convenience of having shore power. For an RVer with a high end rig, or simply someone who wants to take their time and do a thorough job without being rushed, this price is very reasonable and well worth the peace of mind it provides.
To make your visit as smooth as possible, here are a few insider tips. First, you must schedule your visit during their office hours so that the staff is available to provide you with the gate code and any necessary instructions. Second, come fully prepared. Have your gloves, sewer hose, elbow adapter, and your five gallon rinse bucket all handy and ready to go before you even pull through the gate. This will make the process quick and efficient. Third, a little local navigation knowledge can save you a headache. Goshen Avenue can get congested, especially around lunchtime. Using Riggin Avenue as an east west back route can often help you bypass the worst of the traffic. Finally, plan to reward yourself after the chore is done. Swing by downtown Visalia after you are finished to enjoy one of the great local coffee shops or browse the unique produce stands.
In conclusion, Security Self Storage provides an excellent service for a specific type of RVer. It is the perfect choice for the methodical traveler, the one who values a secure, quiet, and controlled environment. It is for the RVer who plans ahead and prefers an appointment to a queue. As long as you remember to confirm the gate times and, most importantly, arrive with your own rinse water, you will find this quiet, orderly yard to be an easy and pleasant addition to your Central Valley travel routine.
6601 W Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291
(559) 625-1015
Cost: Price not available
Category: Self-storage facility
No Water
visaliasecurityselfstorage.com