The recreational vehicle (RV) and boating industries have seen some massive growth in recent years, creating a significant demand for safe and reliable self storage options.
Many homeowners don’t have enough space to park a large RV or boat on their property, which has created an opportunity for entrepreneurs with tailored storage solutions.
The number of RV and boat storage properties in the U.S. has nearly doubled from 800 in 2023 to 1,789 in 2025, showing just how strong the ongoing demand is for these services.
For business owners, this represents a unique opportunity. Unlike a traditional self storage facility, an RV and boat storage operation requires specific design considerations, zoning approvals, and amenities.
However, in exchange, you attract long-term tenants who are often willing to pay premium rates to protect their recreational assets.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about starting a profitable RV and boat storage business.
Is Investing in an RV and Boat Storage Facility Worth It?
For entrepreneurs considering a new venture, the RV and boat storage industry is a massive opportunity. RV ownership has increased by more than 62% over the past 20 years, so there’s a high chance people in your area require storage for their vehicles.
Demand is rising fast as more RV owners and boat enthusiasts look for safe, long-term locations to keep their vehicles when they’re not in use.
Not every homeowner has the driveway space, garage capacity, or homeowner association (HOA) approval to park large recreational vehicles or boats on their property. This has created a clear and growing market gap.
The RV and boat storage market is projected to grow from $2.6 billion this year to nearly $6 billion in 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%.
That kind of sustained growth outperforms many other real estate investments and indicates steady future demand in a stable, scalable industry.
One of the main advantages of entering this industry is the differentiation from a typical self storage facility. While self storage owners continue to see healthy demand for traditional units, facilities that can accommodate oversized vehicles attract a specialised customer base who are often willing to pay premium rates.
For example, while a small indoor storage unit may rent for a modest fee, covered or enclosed RV and boat storage spaces command much higher monthly rates because they solve a big problem for recreational vehicle owners.
Additionally, running a vehicle storage facility often requires fewer operational complexities compared to a traditional self storage facility. Units designed for boxes and furniture typically involve high tenant turnover, frequent access, and a need for climate control.
On the other hand, RV and boat storage tenants often sign longer-term leases, visit their units less frequently, and are usually concerned with security and accessibility. This may result in steadier revenue and lower wear and tear on your property.
A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Start an RV or Boat Storage Business
Starting an RV and boat storage business can be highly rewarding. However, like any venture, success comes down to preparation, planning, and execution.
Unlike a standard self storage business, a boat and RV facility must be designed with larger vehicles, unique amenities, and specialised security in mind.
Below is a guide to help you build a facility that meets customer needs while generating reliable income:
1. Start with a boat and RV storage business plan
Every successful new business begins with a solid plan. Your boat and RV storage business plan isn’t just a financial document; it’s your blueprint for growth and sustainability. Research has found that companies with a business plan grow about 30% faster than those without one, and about 70% of them survive five or more years.
A comprehensive business plan should outline your startup costs, projected revenue, and anticipated operating expenses.
Consider construction, zoning, staffing, insurance, and security features like fencing, lighting, and security cameras. If your property is going to include both outdoor RV storage and enclosed units, you’ll need to calculate these different revenue streams to ensure you’re optimising profit.
It’s also critical to define your target market. Are you catering to local retirees who own RVs, seasonal boat owners, or a mixture of both? Each customer type will have different expectations, and understanding those nuances will shape everything from your design to pricing.
Your plan should also detail operational procedures and strategies for scaling your entire facility as demand increases. This clarity not only guides your daily decisions but also strengthens your case with lenders and investors.
Within your business plan, instead of stating “build 200 storage units,” a strong plan might outline “construct 100 outdoor RV storage spaces in phase one, then expand the facility by another 100 units in year three based on occupancy.” This shows both direction and flexibility for growth.
2. Conduct market research
The next step is analysing the local market. Thorough market research tells you whether demand exists, how much you can charge, and what services will set your facility apart.
Around 80% of companies are set up without market research, and about 50% close within five years, suggesting that a lack of research is associated with higher failure rates.
Start by identifying every existing facility in your area. Visit them in person and see how they operate, check availability, and evaluate their storage solutions. If potential competitors have long waiting lists, it’s a clear sign of demand. If they’re struggling with low vacancy rates, dig deeper to understand why.
Look closely at regional demographics. Retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and families with larger homes are more likely to own RVs and boats. Recreation patterns also matter, as proximity to water, campgrounds, or highways will also influence storage demand.
Research helps you find service gaps. For example, if competitors offer uncovered parking, offering a mix of covered and enclosed storage could give you a strong competitive advantage.
If your research shows three existing facilities in your area with long waiting lists for covered RV parking, prioritising covered units over uncovered spaces positions you to meet demand and capture new customers immediately.
3. Choose the right site for your boat and RV storage facility
Choosing the right location for your self storage facility is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The site you choose will influence how many potential customers you can help, how convenient your property is to access, and how much you can charge per square foot.
Accessibility is key. RVs and boats require wide roads, large turning radiuses, and easy access to major highways or recreational hubs. This is because the largest RVs range from about 26 to 45 feet in length, about eight to 8.5 feet wide, and 12 to 13 feet tall.
Take this leisure travel van, for example. You can see that it’s quite wide and long, meaning it would need a lot of space to move around:
Facilities near lakes, marinas, or campgrounds tend to attract more boat owners, while areas with high rates of RV ownership naturally see a stronger demand.
If you’re starting your facility from scratch, look for affordable, unused land with room to expand. But if you’re taking over or extending an existing storage facility, ensure that the site can be upgraded to handle oversized vehicles safely.
Your lot needs to provide space for RV parking, drive aisles of at least 40 to 50 feet, and flexible layouts that accommodate both open-air and covered storage.
For example, if your site is a narrow lot tucked behind residential housing, RV parking would be difficult for customers. On the other hand, a spacious property just off a major highway with open turning lanes gives potential customers confidence that their vehicles will be easy to drop off and pick up.
The site you select will ultimately determine how competitive you are within your local market, so it’s important to balance land costs with long-term earning potential.
4. Understand zoning processes and restrictions
Zoning is often one of the biggest challenges for storage operators. Even if you’ve found the perfect property for your new business, you need to confirm whether local zoning codes allow for a storage business.
For example, some US states allow for storage developments, while others restrict them, particularly when located near residential neighbourhoods. Additionally, a site zoned for commercial property may allow storage solutions but restrict tall fencing or bright floodlights.
In Thousand Oaks, California, zoning regulations have strict restrictions for self storage facilities. For instance, units are prohibited within 1,000 feet of Route 101 Freeway or Route 23 Freeway, and within 500 feet of any arterial roads. The area also requires that facilities be located in industrial zones.
Before you purchase land, check these things with your local planning and zoning office. If a boat and RV facility isn’t an approved use, you may need to apply for a special permit or variance.
Be prepared for resistance from local people. You may need planning permission to set up your facility. This process could involve public hearings where nearby residents can give reasons why they do or don’t support your storage business. To avoid this, get to know local people and find out what will make your facility acceptable to them.
Also, factor in landscaping, fencing, or other visual buffers that may be required for you to build your facility.
5. Design and build your self storage units
Designing your facility goes beyond simply putting up buildings. It’s about creating a safe, accessible, and efficient property that appeals to your customers.
Layout is very important. Wide drive aisles ensure easy maneuvering for large vehicles, while angled parking reduces the risk of accidents.
You’ll need to decide how much of your site will be dedicated to RV parking, open-air boat spaces, or enclosed garages. Multiple options enable you to serve different budgets and preferences.
An aisle that’s only 25 feet wide might work for cars, but a 40-foot RV would struggle to move in this space. Designing 50-foot-wide drive aisles ensures easy navigation, reducing damage risks and making your facility more attractive.
When it comes to the type of storage units you’re going to build, you have a choice between fixed (built-in storage units) and relocatable (units that can be moved around a site) storage. Milestone Storage, based in Colorado, combines traditional RV and boat storage with relocatable units on a one-acre lot.
The business’s owner, Tomas Lenihan, expanded the capacity of his site by using these relocatable units along with permanent indoor units. This mix maximised his rental potential without costly construction.
From the start, you’ll want to integrate security features into your design. Tall fencing, bright lighting, and modern security cameras are non-negotiables for most customers.
Drainage is another critical element, as water pooling on your lot can cause expensive damage to the vehicles you store.
6. Get business insurance
Protecting your investment in a boat and RV facility goes beyond installing cameras or fencing. It also means safeguarding your business against risks that could lead to financial loss.
“When it comes to RV and boat storage, coverage isn’t just about property damage. It’s about understanding how liability shifts when you have high-value customer vehicles on site, when those vehicles are plugged in, fueled up, or exposed to weather.” — Terry Campbell, Johnson Insurance |
Business insurance is an important step in launching a new business, and the right insurance policy can cover your full facility, all your equipment, and even liability if accidents happen on your property, such as if a customer slips and falls while walking to their RV parking spot.
The type of coverage you’ll need often depends on what you store, the size of your operation, the value of your investment, and the customers you serve.
General liability insurance is a must-have for any self storage business, while property insurance also covers the physical structure of your storage facility in case of fire, vandalism, or extreme weather.
You might also want to consider business interruption insurance, which can help maintain cash flow should your boat and RV business temporarily shut down.
7. Invest in the right equipment and amenities
To stand out in a competitive market, your facility should include both essential and value-added amenities.
At a minimum, you’ll need automated gates, lighting systems, and good security. But adding features like dump stations, wash bays, or charging outlets for RVs creates a premium experience that allows you to justify higher rates.
Technology is equally important. Online booking systems, smart access control, and automated billing aren’t just conveniences. They’re what customers expect.
Installing a dump station, for example, means RV owners can empty tanks before parking. Without it, they’d need to drive elsewhere, which may push them toward a competitor that does offer this service.
8. Choose a pricing strategy
Your pricing structure should reflect demand, competition, and the value of your facility. Most facilities adopt a tiered approach, offering budget-friendly outdoor storage, mid-range covered parking, and premium enclosed units. This ensures appeal to both cost-conscious and high-end customers.
Tiered pricing may be your best choice when you’re just starting out, as research shows that companies using this pricing strategy have an average 98% increase in revenue compared to single-price models.
Pay attention to your local market when setting your prices. If competing facilities are full, you may be able to charge higher rates. Seasonal adjustments may also work, particularly for boat storage where summer demand peaks.
For example, charging $200 per month for covered storage in a high-demand area where the average is $175 works if you also provide video surveillance, wide drive aisles, and an on-site wash bay that your competitors lack.
9. Develop a marketing plan
Self storage marketing is how you connect with your potential customers and differentiate your facility from your competitors.
Redspot Self Storage, a facility based in the UK, successfully repositioned its brand to identify with customers, focusing on life events that created their need for storage. They also focused on telling customer stories that connected emotionally with prospects. Through focused brand and content marketing, they were able to attract more customers. A solid marketing plan can help you do the same.
A professional self storage website showcasing your solutions, amenities, and security features is essential. Ensure it’s optimised for local search so you can capture people searching online for nearby storage solutions.
You can also combine your digital presence with local partnerships. RV dealerships, marinas, and repair shops are ideal for sending potential customers to your facility.
Online reviews also have a huge impact on your business, as positive feedback builds trust faster than any advertisement. It’s a good idea to include strategies in your marketing plan for driving positive online reviews, like asking happy tenants to leave a testimonial on your Google Business Profile (GBP).
The goal is to create brand recognition in your community so that when someone buys an RV or boat, your facility is the obvious choice.
10. Streamline your customer service
As your new business grows, how you treat your customers will define your reputation. Offering excellent customer service goes beyond friendliness. It’s about making the storage experience seamless.
Providing world-class customer support is crucial because over 50% of consumers will switch to a competitor after just one bad experience. You can’t afford to make this mistake.
Invest in software like Stora to automate payments, send reminders, and manage unit reservations. It enables you to improve your customer service and make the overall experience seamless.
Offer multiple ways for tenants to reach you, including phone, email, and live chat. Quick, efficient support builds confidence, especially since customers trust you with vehicles worth tens of thousands of dollars.
For instance, a customer who can sign a lease online at midnight and access their storage unit with a mobile app may choose your facility over an existing facility that only processes paperwork in person during office hours.
In an industry where tenants may store their vehicles for years at a time, excellent customer service is one of your most powerful retention tools.
11. Maintain each boat and RV storage unit
Keeping your facility in top condition is crucial for long-term success. Regular inspections should cover pavement quality, gate operations, lighting, and drainage systems.
Small issues like potholes or broken lights can quickly snowball into major expenses and lost customers.
Cleanliness and pest control also matter, particularly in enclosed units. Nothing undermines customer confidence faster than signs of rodents or insects.
Consistent upkeep not only protects your tenants’ vehicles but also reinforces the professional image of your facility.
A good idea is to schedule a monthly maintenance walk-through checklist that includes inspecting asphalt for cracks, testing security lights, and checking enclosed units for signs of pests.
For example, if you catch a drainage issue before the rainy season, you could prevent flooding, minimising disruption to your facility and customers.
12. Manage your growth
As demand grows, so will your opportunity to expand. Many successful storage operators begin with a modest site and reinvest profits into adding more units, covered parking, or premium features.
Your growth should be strategic. Monitor occupancy rates, customer demand, and profitability to decide whether to add more solutions or diversify with services like vehicle maintenance or cleaning.
Always reinvest thoughtfully to avoid overextension that could strain your finances. For example, instead of immediately expanding your facility to add 100 more RV parking spaces, first analyse your current occupancy rates, revenue per unit, and seasonal demand.
If your current units are 90% occupied year-round, consider adding just 20 to 30 new spaces in a single phase. Monitor how quickly these fill and whether revenue increases as projected. This measured approach ensures you don’t take on excessive construction costs, debt, or operational complexity.
Managing growth also means scaling your operations. Your staff, marketing, and technology must evolve as your facility grows larger. When done strategically, expansion transforms a small venture into a thriving, long-term business.
Choose the Right Self Storage Software to Support Your New Boat or RV Storage Business
Launching a boat and RV storage business is only the first step. Long-term success depends on keeping your entire facility efficient, secure, and customer-focused.
Managing reservations, billing, and tenant communications manually can quickly become challenging as a new operator, and especially as your occupancy grows.
That’s why choosing the right self storage software is just as important as finding the right land and designing your units.
Stora provides a platform designed for storage operators who want to streamline daily tasks and deliver a seamless customer experience to their tenants.
With automation, integrations, and user-friendly tools, you can focus less on admin and more on growing your business.
Stora gives you the tools to run a professional, future-ready storage business without being bogged down by manual work. If you’re planning your boat and RV storage venture, book a Stora demo today to see how our software can help you launch with confidence and scale with ease.
