How Much Does Boat & RV Storage Cost in 2026?

Understanding storage costs before you sign a rental agreement can save you hundreds of dollars a year. This guide breaks down average monthly rates by storage type and U.S. region, explains the variables that move the price up or down, and gives you practical strategies to keep costs in check.

Average Monthly Rates by Storage Type

Storage facilities use four primary pricing tiers based on the level of protection they provide. Here is what you can expect to pay nationally in 2026:

Storage Type	Typical Monthly Range	Best For
Outdoor / Uncovered	$50 – $150	Boats on trailers, travel trailers, older RVs
Covered / Carport	$100 – $250	Pontoon boats, Class B/C RVs, fifth-wheels
Enclosed / Indoor	$200 – $500	Ski boats, performance boats, Class A motorhomes
Marina / Wet Slip	$300 – $1,200+	Sailboats, cruisers, boats used frequently
Dry Stack (Marina)	$150 – $600	Powerboats under 30 ft needing quick water access

These ranges represent the national median. Actual prices at any specific facility depend on the factors covered below.

Regional Price Differences

Geography plays a major role in what you pay. Real estate costs, seasonal demand, and local competition all affect rates. Here is how the four major U.S. regions compare:

South (Florida, Texas, Gulf Coast)

The South has the highest demand year-round because boating seasons are long and RV travel is popular in winter. Outdoor storage in Florida averages $80–$180/month. Indoor units in coastal areas like Tampa or Fort Lauderdale can reach $400–$700/month. Marina slip rates in prime locations are among the highest in the country.

West (California, Pacific Northwest, Mountain States)

California carries premium land costs. Outdoor storage in the Central Valley averages $60–$140/month, while enclosed storage near the Bay Area or Los Angeles often exceeds $350–$600/month. The Pacific Northwest and mountain states like Utah and Colorado are more moderate, with outdoor lots running $50–$120/month.

Midwest (Great Lakes, Illinois, Ohio)

The Midwest has a clear off-season, which creates lower average rates and some facilities that close from December through March. Outdoor storage averages $50–$120/month in summer, and some facilities offer flat annual contracts that reduce the effective monthly rate. Indoor storage is generally $150–$350/month.

Northeast (New York, New England, Mid-Atlantic)

Short boating seasons mean facilities here maximize revenue during peak months. Outdoor storage runs $80–$200/month in the warmer months. Many facilities offer winter storage contracts rather than month-to-month rates, which can appear cheaper on paper but require upfront payment for several months at once.

What Drives the Price Up or Down

Vehicle Size

Most facilities price by the length of the space, typically in 5-foot increments. A 20-foot boat on a trailer might cost $80/month for outdoor storage, while a 40-foot Class A motorhome in the same lot could cost $180/month. Always measure your rig with the trailer or tow vehicle included before calling for quotes.

Security Features

Gated facilities with keypad entry, 24-hour camera systems, and on-site managers charge more — typically 15–30% above basic open-lot storage. That premium often pays for itself through lower insurance rates and peace of mind.

24/7 Access

Facilities that let you retrieve your boat or RV at any hour charge a moderate premium. If you boat frequently on weekends, this access is worth it. If you only use your rig a few times a year, an office-hours-only facility can save you $20–$50/month.

Proximity to Water

Storage facilities within a few miles of a boat ramp, lake, or marina typically charge 20–40% more than comparable facilities located inland. The convenience premium is real — factor in fuel and time costs if you choose a cheaper facility farther away.

Amenities

Facilities with dump stations, wash bays, electrical hookups, or forklift service for dry-stack customers charge higher rates. These services add operational costs that are passed through to renters.

Contract Length

Month-to-month contracts are the most expensive on a per-month basis. A 6-month or annual prepaid contract typically offers a 10–20% discount. If you know you will need storage for a full year, ask about prepay discounts upfront.

How to Save Money on Storage

Compare at least 3 facilities. Prices for similar units in the same city can vary by 30–50% depending on ownership and occupancy rates. Always get multiple quotes before committing.
Ask about off-season rates. In colder-climate states, facilities often discount rates from November through March because demand drops. If your boat can tolerate the cold, this is the cheapest storage period.
Negotiate annual contracts. Many independently owned facilities will offer a better rate if you prepay for 6 or 12 months. Ask directly — the discount is rarely advertised.
Downgrade one tier. Covered storage protects against UV damage and most weather without the full cost of an enclosed unit. For many boats and RVs, it hits the right cost-protection balance.
Check your insurance policy. Some policies discount premiums if the boat is stored in a gated, camera-monitored facility. The insurance savings can offset a higher monthly storage cost.
Avoid peak move-in periods. Spring (March–May) is when most boat storage facilities fill up. If you can negotiate a contract in January or February, you may find more availability and better pricing.

Summary: Cost by Type and Region

Storage Type	South	West	Midwest	Northeast
Outdoor	$80–$180	$60–$140	$50–$120	$80–$200
Covered	$130–$280	$120–$280	$90–$200	$110–$280
Enclosed	$250–$600	$250–$600	$150–$350	$200–$500
Marina / Wet Slip	$350–$1,200+	$300–$900	$200–$600	$300–$1,000

These figures represent 2026 market averages compiled from listings across our directory. Individual facility rates vary. Always contact facilities directly for current pricing and availability.

How Much Does Boat & RV Storage Cost in 2026?