Last Updated on June 27, 2024
Whether you’re a veteran RV owner, a weekend warrior with a cozy camper or just starting to explore the idea of hitting the open road with a trailer, the summer fun takes a break every year. So, where is the best place to store an RV when the open road starts to ice over?
There are many options for storing your RV, whether at home or through various self-storage facilities, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Regardless of the seasonal RV storage you choose, there are methods to protect your investment and prepare for next year’s adventures.
To make the process of choosing the right storage space for your recreational vehicle stress-free, we’ve created a quick guide to help you weigh the pros and cons of all these RV storage solutions.
Storing Your RV at Home
Keeping your RV, camper, pop-up or trailer on your own property (indoors or outdoors) is a free and easy option, maybe even the first one that pops to mind. But do you have enough room in your garage for an RV? Does the neighborhood allow recreational vehicles in the driveway or backyard if not? Let’s see what each of these home RV storage solutions entails.
Garage storage
A standard garage measures 22 to 24 feet deep, which is enough to fit campers and trailers that are on the small side, typically class B which run between 16-21 ft. If the RV you need to store is larger than this, storing it in your garage may be out of the question.
Pros:
- Cost-effective — Storing an RV at your own home doesn’t cost anything.
- Protecting RVs from weather — Keeping your RV indoors protects it from damage caused by all sorts of weather conditions, saving you money on repairs later.
- Secure environment — Indoor RV storage of any type also protects your RV from theft and vandalism.
Cons:
- Space limitations — The RV takes up space you could be using for things you use more often, such as a snow blower, shovels, lawn mower, bike or another car.
- Potential pest issues — Bugs and other unwanted pests can find their way into your garage, and you can bet those critters will also want in your RV.
Driveway or backyard storage
Is there not enough space indoors but plenty in your driveway or backyard? Both are very tempting spots for long-term RV parking. However, it is still important to weigh the pros and cons. To combat the elements that can damage your RV, camper or trailer, you may need to invest in a carport or RV cover.
Pros:
- Convenient — Last-minute road trips are much easier to pull off when the RV is right there on your property.
- Relatively inexpensive — Storing an RV in your driveway or backyard doesn’t cost you anything, but you must invest in protecting it.
Cons:
- Exposed to weather — Your RV will be exposed to harsh weather conditions that can damage it and cost you money on repairs. RV covers provide an extra layer of protection and typically start around $200 — the price can greatly increase based on the size of your vehicle. While RV tarps are more affordable options, not all are breathable and can do more harm than good.
- Possible local restrictions — If you’re storing in an area where homes are close together, your neighbors may consider your recreational vehicle to be an eyesore. What’s more, your neighborhood or HOA may have rules against parking your RV outside — better check those beforehand.
- Security risks — Parking your RV, camper or trailer outside leaves it vulnerable to theft and vandalism.
Storing Your RV at a Storage Facility
Overall, the greatest benefit from any type of RV storage in a facility is going to be security. The three most common types of RV storage in a facility are outdoor, covered and indoor.
Open-air RV storage
The most common type of storage for RVs is uncovered outdoor storage. Outdoor RV storage entails parking your RV, camper or trailer in a designated spot on the storage facility’s property. It is typically the most affordable option at any storage facility and is a great solution for short-term storage.
Pros:
- Cost-effective — Outdoor RV storage is a simple storage method and is often the least expensive option at a storage facility.
- Easy access — Some storage facilities offer 24-hour access using secure electronic gate access, so you get pretty much the same convenience of storing your RV at home.
Cons:
- High exposure to weather — Since your RV will be outside, it is exposed to extreme weather conditions, just like in your driveway or backyard.
- Less secure than enclosed option — While the storage parking lot that serves as outdoor storage for RVs is typically located behind a securely fenced area, it lacks the extra layer of protection of an indoor space.
Covered RV storage
Covered RV storage is the most popular method among owners of medium and larger RVs. With covered RV storage, your RV is parked outside under a sheltered area, often a roof or awning. This offers some added protection from unfavorable weather conditions.
Pros:
- Moderate protection from weather — Your RV, camper or trailer is more protected under a roof or awning than if it were simply placed in outdoor storage.
- Better security features for RV storage than open air — Covered RV storage is the best compromise between indoor and outdoor storage.
- Cost-effective — Covered storage still costs less than indoor storage.
Cons:
- Still some exposure to elements — While covered storage offers more protection than outdoor RV storage, an awning alone will not completely protect your RV from extreme weather conditions or pests.
Fully enclosed RV storage
For a camper, trailer or very small RV (most likely only Class B), indoor storage can be a great option. However some over-sized units can hold RVs up to 40 feet, but they may be tough to find. Indoor RV storage at a facility will be the most expensive option, but also offers the most protection. However, it’s not the most common RV storage method people choose because it is hard to come by.
Pros:
- The best protection from weather and theft — Four walls, a locked door and a secure facility will protect your RV from theft, vandalism and harsh weather conditions.
- Often includes climate control — While it comes at a premium, climate-controlled units are a blessing for your RV or camper, reducing the risk of rust and keeping tires in tip-top condition.
Cons:
- The most expensive option — It comes with high costs, but paying more to store your RV well may save you money on repairs later.
- May have limited availability — Indoor RV storage is not that common, so finding it near you may be a challenge. Plus, Class A and Class C RVs are not likely to fit in indoor storage.
Comparing RV Storage Solutions
That’s a lot to go over, so here is a simplified version — a cheat sheet for camper storage options if you will:
| Storage Type | RV Storage Costs | Accessibility | Security | Weather Protection | Suitability by RV Type |
| Garage Storage | Most cost-effective | Very high (at home) | Very secure | Excellent (indoors) | Small RVs only |
| Driveway or Backyard | Rather inexpensive (requires cover/carport) | Very high (at home) | Low to moderate | Moderate (with cover/carport) | Suitable for any size; local RV storage regulations apply |
| Open-air RV Storage | Least expensive (requires cover) | High (24-hour gate access) | Moderate to high (fenced) | Low (exposed to elements) | Suitable for any size; mostly short-term storage |
| Covered RV Storage | Moderate | Moderate to high | Moderate to high (fenced) | Moderate | Suitable for any size |
| Fully Enclosed RV Storage | Most expensive | Moderate | Highest security | Excellent (especially if climate-controlled) | Depends on availability |
Additional Considerations for Seasonal RV Storage
No matter where you store your RV, take additional steps to ensure its security and perform regular maintenance to avoid unpleasant surprises come spring. Here are a few RV and trailer storage tips to guide you:
- Buy robust locks, add security cameras around your driveway and choose storage facilities with gated access and 24/7 monitoring.
- Check with your insurance provider to confirm storage coverage specifics — some greatly depend on where you store your RV.
- Familiarize yourself with any local laws or HOA regulations that could affect where and how you can store your RV to avoid costly penalties and a last-minute change of plan.
- Clean and dry the interior thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew before moving your ride to long-term RV parking.
- Invest in a breathable cover to protect the exterior from the elements and slap on some tire covers too.
- Periodically inspect your RV for leaks or damage.
So, Where Is the Best Place To Store an RV?
Now, before you wrap up your RV for its seasonal snooze, take a moment to think about what works best for you and your trusty home on wheels — a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it here.
Check out your local spots, weigh the pros and cons we’ve discussed and choose the camper storage options that tick the most boxes, feeling like a snug, safe hat for your road-weary traveler.
