RV storage is a relevant concern for many who aren’t full-time vanlifers, or who need to leave their van for a while. You may not have a big enough garage or driveway to keep your camper at home, or you may not wish to leave it unattended and out in the weather. Shane himself, founder of The Van Conversion, is leaving his van to go travelling by bicycle for the next year or two. What concerns has he had and what solutions has he looked into to keep Beans the RV safe and secure?
Shane has been teaching people to convert campervans for years; he's the author of Roaming Home; The Comprehensive Guide for Converting Your Van Into a Campervan, writer of The Van Conversion Newsletter, instructor of The Van Conversion Course over at Udemy, and a full-time vanlifer for 4 years!
This article will go into all the important considerations when choosing storage, as well as cost estimations and helpful tips. We’ll also highlight some good options for outdoor and indoor RV storage in key areas of the US and Canada.
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Why Look for Dedicated RV Storage?
Many of us store our cars on the street year-round without a second thought, so why consider dedicated RV storage? For one thing, on-street parking may not be feasible if parking space is limited at your home. For another, many may prefer to keep their RV somewhere more secure, and most home garages are too small. Generally, your RV will be worth substantially more than your car, with many valuable components inside and out. Theft aside, you may also be motivated to prevent such a valuable asset depreciating due to wear and tear from weather, bird droppings, tree sap, and other environmental factors. Any good RV storage solution will provide security at minimum, and covered or indoor options will also protect against the elements.
Types of RV Storage
RV Storage Yards
Outdoor RV storage yards are dedicated businesses who manage large outdoor spaces where RVs can be stored. These are generally outdoor facilities, though some provide covered, indoor RV storage spaces. They’re set up for the storage of large vehicles, and thus have large parking spaces, often on hard standing ground, and wide aisles for easy manoeuvring. The compounds are secure to varying extents. Some provide just fencing, CCTV, and secure gated access, whilst others incorporate security patrols, number plate recognition systems, and alarms. RV storage yards are a good, dedicated option, with lots of choice available.
Self-storage Facilities
Self-storage facilities are businesses which generally cater to individuals and businesses who need to store the contents of houses and offices. Some, however, offer RV storage units in addition. The nature of this storage varies, and may be fully enclosed in containers or warehouses, or may simply be an adjacent outdoor yard. In all cases, however, the facility will be tightly secured against intrusions or theft. In addition, since these facilities are often in more urban areas, they may be a more convenient choice for city dwellers.
There are many chains that operate across the US and Canada. Prices vary depending on location, amenities, and demand, as well as the size of your RV, the length of your rental agreement, and whether you’re after indoor or outdoor RV storage. Contacting the company directly for your location and dates is the best way to check prices.
Long-term Car Parks
Plenty of long-duration car parks operate across North America, and again are often in urban areas. These generally offer security to some extent, though it’s often less stringent than that of a dedicated storage facility. The trade-off is often cost versus convenience. Parking in private car parks allows you to park your RV well within city limits, often in very central locations.
Companies like SP+, Impark, and LAZ Parking in the US, and Indigo, Diamond Parking, and Impark in Canada operate car parks all over the country, and offer monthly or seasonal passes which can be used flexibly in multiple locations. In addition, apps like Parkwhiz and Parking.com offer monthly subscriptions to parking spots operated by businesses or individuals nationwide.
Specialised RV Storage Services
These are similar to simple storage yards, but offer a more complete service for RV owners. Benefits include things like cleaning and valet services, winterisation, and repairs and servicing. Further, such businesses may also offer pickup and dropoff of your RV at your desired location. You may also find RV-specific amenities such such as waste disposal spots, wash bays, and electrical hook-ups. The trade-off is of course cost, but these businesses offer a complete and dedicated package for those wanting the best for their RV.
Estimating the Cost of RV Storage
The cost of your desired RV storage solution will depend on location, amenities, the size of the storage space, and whether it’s indoor or outdoor. You’ll also likely be able to take advantage of discounts for longer storage periods. Simple RV yards and storage facilities can cost as little as $50 a month for a smaller RV, and rise to more than $150 a month as amenities stack up. Larger RVs can bump the price up to the range of $80 to $250 per month. Many business owners simply advertise flat monthly rates, though they may offer discounts for longer agreements and 6 monthly or annual payments.
Long-term parking can cost as little as $50 per month but can be much more, with prices in excess of $200 depending on how centrally located in a city the car park is, and who operates it.
The Best RV Storage Solutions Near You
RV Storage in Las Vegas, NV
All In One Storage is a RV storage facility in South Downtown Las Vegas. They offer:
Secure, gated, 7-day-a-week access
Video surveillance
Alarms and motion detectors
Round the clock security patrols
Indoor and outdoor storage for all RV sizes
Prices are available on request.
Rancho Lone Mountain Storage is a self-storage and RV storage facility located 15 minutes north of Las Vegas, close to Nellis AFB and North Las Vegas Airport. They offer:
24-hour video surveillance
Secure, gated, 7-day-a-week access
Outdoor storage for all RV sizes
Prices start at $84 per month for RVs up to 15 feet long and $190 per month for RVs up to 30 feet long. The owners offer discounts for longer storage periods.
Fort Apache Desert Inn Self Storage is a self-storage and RV storage facility in Summerlin South, west of Las Vegas. They offer:
Secure, gated, 7-day-a-week access
24-hour security monitoring by CCTV and a digital surveillance system
Outdoor and indoor RV storage
Prices start at $159 per month, but these change subject to demand, special offers, and discounts for longer rental agreements.
RV Storage in Reno, NV
North Valley Self Storage is located just off US 395, north of Reno. They offer:
Secure, gated, 7-day-a-week access
24 hour video surveillance
Indoor and outdoor RV storage
Spanish speaking resident manager
They charge $100 per month for outdoor parking and $169 per month for covered parking.
Admiral Toy Storage is located in Sparks, east of Reno. They offer:
Secure, gated access
24 hour surveillance and proximity alarm
Automatic fire suppression system
Cleaning, waxing, and detailing service
Inspection and servicing
Pre-trip concierge services including fuelling, turning on electrical system, buying of groceries
Indoor RV storage
Prices are available on request.
Verdi Executive RV & Boat Storage is located just off interstate 80, west of Reno. They offer:
Secure, gated, 7-day-a-week access
24 hour CCTV surveillance
Perimeter security
Trickle charging
Dump stations
Complementary wash bay
Complementary water and air
Dog park
Indoor and outdoor storage
Prices start at $135 per month for a small bay of 8’ x 15’, and go up to $500 per month for a 14’ x 75’ bay.
RV Storage in Arizona
Tucson RV Storage is located just off interstate 10 in Flowing Wells, northwest Tucson. They offer:
Secure coded entry
CCTV monitoring and alarms
Complementary air and water
Servicing
Cleaning and detailing
Covered and uncovered storage
Prices start at $65 per month for a 10’ x 7’ uncovered bay, and go up to $265 per month for a 12’ by 75’ bay.
RecNation RV & Boat Storage is located off interstate 10 in Littletown, southeast of Tucson, near Tucson International Airport. They offer:
Secure, coded, 24-hour access
CCTV monitoring and alarms
Servicing and maintenance service
Electric hook-up
Dumping station
Indoor, covered, and outdoor storage
Prices start at $58 per month for a 8’ x 16’ uncovered space, and go up to $185 per month for a 12’ by 40’ space. Larger spaces are available.
Northwest RV & Self Storage is located just off interstate 10 in Kino, northwest of Tucson. They offer:
Secure 24-hour access
24-hour CCTV surveillance, alarms, and night lighting
Outdoor storage
Prices start at $90 per month for a 12’ x 15’ space and go up to $155 per month for a 12’ x 40’ space. Larger spaces are available.
RV Storage in Colorado Springs, CO
Fillmore Covered RV Storage is located just off CanAm highway in North Colorado Springs. They offer:
24/7 secure, gated access with code
CCTV monitoring and night lighting
Electricity and trickle charge provided
Dumping station
Covered RV storage
Prices start at $180 per month for a 12’ x 20’ space, and go up to $260 for a 40’ space. Larger spaces are available.
Bill’s RV & Storage is located directly off Woodmen Road in northeast Colorado Springs. They offer:
7-day-a-week secure gated access with code
Heavily fenced perimeter
Complimentary fresh water and compressed air
Dump station
On-site RV supply store (propane, firewood, spare parts, batteries, and more)
Outdoor storage
Prices start at $55 per month for a 10’ x 20’ space, and go up to $80 per month for a 40’ space. They also offer larger pull-through spots for an extra fee.
Pikes Peak Outdoor RV Storage is located just off interstate 25 in southeast Colorado Springs. They offer:
24/7 secure, gated access with code
24-hour CCTV coverage and proximity lighting
Outdoor storage
Prices are available on request.
RV Storage in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque RV & Boat Storage is located off interstate 40 in west Albuquerque, at Unser exit. They offer:
7-day-a-week secure gated access with code
24/7 video surveillance and lighting
On-site manager
Fully-featured RV wash bay and vacuum station
Electricity and trickle charging
Free ice, fresh water, and compressed air
Propane refill
Dump station
Outdoor, covered, and indoor storage
Prices are available on request.
Ayala RV Storage is located in Cervantes, just off interstate 25 in north Albuquerque. They offer:
Double-gated secure access
CCTV monitoring and security lighting
24/7 on-site security
Complementary air and water
Dump station
Washing and detailing service
Pick-up and drop-off service
Prices are available on request.
A Class RV Storage is located in Universal Business Parks, just off the interstate 25 in north Albuquerque. They offer:
Secure, 24/7 gated access with fob
CCTV surveillance
Resident managers
Complementary fresh water
Dump station
Prices start at $65 per month for a 20’ spot and go up to $105 per month for a 40’ spot. Larger spots are also available.
RV Storage in San Diego, CA
Toy Storage is located in Fruitdale, just off interstate 5 in south San Diego. They offer:
Secure, 7-day-a-week access with keycard
CCTV surveillance
Resident night watchmen
Fresh water and compressed air
Dump station
Prices are available on request.
Aquarius Marine & Storage is located just off interstate 805, near University City in north San Diego. They’re a simple RV and boat storage yard and offer 7-day-a-week access. RV storage costs a flat $7.50 per foot, per month.
RV Storage in Sacramento, CA
Discovery Indoor Storage in Woodlake, north central Sacramento. They offer:
24-hour access
Secure facility with CCTV, alarms, and automatic fire suppression
Cleaning and detailing service
Servicing and maintenance
Propane refills
RV transport service
Complementary ice, water, and compressed air
Battery charging
Prices start at $250 per month for vehicles up to 25’, and go up to $425 per month for vehicles up to 40’. Larger spaces are also available on request.
AAA Secure RV & Boat Storage is located in Lemon Hill, in southeast Sacramento. They offer:
Secure, 7-day-a-week gated access with code
24/7 CCTV surveillance and floodlighting
On-site management
Outdoor storage
Prices start at $33.50 per month for a 20’ space, and go up to $45.50 per month for a 40’ space.
RV Storage in San Antonio, TX
Bettis Boat & RV Storage is located on highway 181, near the junction with interstate 37 in southeast San Antonio. They offer:
Secure facility with 24/7 CCTV surveillance
Individually locked, fully-enclosed units
Electrical hook-up for all units
Indoor storage
The owners have 30’ and 40’ units available. Prices are available upon request.
Talley Road Boat & RV Storage is located on the northwest side of Bexar county, San Antonio. They offer:
Secure, gated, 24-hour access with code
24-hour CCTV surveillance and security lighting
Family owners live on-site
Guard dog
Outdoor storage
Prices start at $85 per month for 30’ spaces, and go up to $130 per month for a 45’ space. Leases are annual or six monthly; rolling monthly leases are available for slightly higher rates.
RV Storage in Houston, TX
Prestonwood RV and Boat Storage is located in Highland Timbers, just off state highway 249 in northwest Houston. They offer:
Secure, gated access
24-hour video surveillance with proximity lighting and motion detectors
On-site security
Covered, indoor, and outdoor storage
Prices start at $49 per month for a 9’ unit, and go up to $239 per month for a covered 35’ space.
Honey Bee RV Storage is located in Brookside Village just off state highway 288 in south Houston. They offer:
Secure, gated, 7-day-a-week access with code
24-hour video surveillance
Dump station
Wash stations
Trickle charging
Trash disposal
Ice machine
Compressed air
Covered storage
Prices start at $75 per month for a 25’ space, and go up to $120 per month for a 40’ space, with larger spaces also available.
RV Storage in Calgary, Alberta
South Macleod RV Storage is located in Academy just off Alberta highway 2A, in south Calgary. They offer:
Secure, gated, 7-day-a-week access with card
24-hour video surveillance
Outdoor storage
Prices start at $50 per month for a 15’ space with an annual payment, and go up to $75 per month for a 40’ space. They also offer 6 monthly and monthly payments, at slightly increased rates.
Stow-Away RV Storage is located in north Calgary, just off the Alberta highway 2 and 201 interchange. They offer:
7-day-a-week secure gated access with code
24-hour surveillance with security lighting
On-site security guards
Dumping station
Complementary fresh water and compressed air
Rodent control
Winterisation and cleaning services
Outdoor storage
Prices start at $45 per month for a 12’ space, and go up to $77 per month for a 40’ space. Spaces with electric hook-ups are available for an additional cost.
Frankonia RV Storage is located on Alberta highway 1, just east of the Calgary city limit. They offer:
Secure, 7-day-a-week gated access with fob
On-site owners and staff
24-hour CCTV surveillance
Indoor and outdoor storage
Prices start at $55 per month for a 20’ stall with an annual payment, and go up to $78 per month for a 45’ stall. They also offer 6 month payments for a slightly increased monthly cost. Pull-through stalls are also available for an additional cost.
RV Storage in Edmonton, Alberta
One Stop RV & Boat Storage is located on Alberta highway 37, east of Namao in north Edmonton. They offer:
Secure, gated storage
24-hour CCTV surveillance
Outdoor storage
The owners charge $40 per month for storage of vehicles less than 30ft long, and $50 per month for vehicles more than 31’ long.
Alberta Toy Storage is located just off Alberta highway 16, in Hagman Estate Industrial, north Edmonton. They offer:
Secure, gated access
24-hour CCTV coverage and motion detection alarms
Rodent controlled
Cleaning and detailing
Electric hook-up
Indoor, climate controlled storage
Prices are available on request.
Jimmy’s RV Storage is located in Winterburn Industrial Area, just off Alberta highway 16 in west Edmonton. They offer:
Secure, 7-day-a-week gated access with card
24-hour CCTV coverage
Resident site managers
Winter snow clearing
Propane refill
Firewood
Dumping station
Compressed air
Winterisation service
RV accessories for sale
Prices are available upon request.
Preparing Your RV for Storage
Having chosen where to store your RV, you need to prepare it for its time in storage. Long periods of inactivity and being left unattended can take their toll on your home on wheels if you don’t take proper care of it beforehand. Make sure you take the time to:
Clean your RV thoroughly inside and outside, removing food crumbs and rubbish. This prevents mould from growing and discourages pests from making their way in.
Inspect your RV for damage, and conduct repairs before putting it away. You don’t want to start your next holiday with a trip to the mechanic.
Empty, clean, and defrost the fridge to prevent mould and odour buildup.
Empty all water tanks and lines, and flush these with antifreeze if winters freeze where you’re leaving your RV.
Empty and flush the grey and black water tanks and lines, and treat with chemicals to make sure they’re properly clean and won’t be producing terrible smells by the time you next come to use your RV.
Top off the fuel tank to prevent condensation and moisture buildup, which can damage fuel lines and the engine.
Check your tyre pressure and top up if necessary.
Disconnect batteries to prevent the gradual parasitic drain that occurs over long periods of disuse. You may like to consider using a trickle charger or battery maintainer to maintain your battery health, depending on your setup.
Secure all windows and vents to prevent the weather and wildlife from getting in.
Consider pest control, such as poison, traps, or deterrents.
Final Thoughts
You’re now all set to get your RV into storage. A storage solution that works for you can well make the difference in deciding to buy or keep an RV if you’re not able to store it at home. Some options may even sweeten the prospect by providing you with the facilities and services to make your ownership experience smoother. If you live in an area not highlighted in our article, searching along the lines we’ve explained will help you find a local solution that works for you. In all cases, a reputable site that provides a quality service will have good reviews by appreciative customers. Find the RV storage solution that works for you, and go exploring with peace of mind.
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If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in Roaming Home; The Comprehensive Guide for Converting Your Van Into a Campervan. In the 380-page book (or ebook), you'll learn directly from Shane how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed!
Until next time.