2026 Boat & RV Storage Statistics: Costs, Trends & Industry Data
By FindBoatStorage Research Team · Published March 2026 · Updated March 2026 · Based on verified data from our directory
Updated March 2026 — This report is based on FindBoatStorage.com's proprietary analysis of 10,431 boat and RV storage facilities across 48 U.S. states and 4,457 cities. All data points are drawn from verified facility listings, Google Reviews, and publicly available pricing information.
The boat and RV storage industry continues to grow as Americans invest in recreational vehicles and watercraft. Whether you are a facility owner benchmarking your operation or a boat owner budgeting for storage, the data below provides the most comprehensive snapshot of the U.S. storage market available today.
Key Findings at a Glance
- The average monthly cost of boat and RV storage in the United States ranges from $67 to $332 per month depending on location and storage type.
- According to FindBoatStorage.com's analysis of 10,431 facilities, the national average Google rating is 4.62 out of 5 stars, with an average of 102.4 reviews per facility.
- Wet-slip storage is the most widely offered type, available at 849 facilities nationwide.
- 36.7% of all storage facilities (3,823 locations) offer confirmed 24/7 access to stored vehicles.
- The most common security configuration — gated entry with cameras and perimeter fencing — is found at 184 facilities.
- Maryland is the most expensive state for boat and RV storage, with average monthly minimums of $332/month.
- Arkansas has the highest-rated facilities in the country, averaging 4.78 out of 5 stars.
- Over 21.8% of facilities (2,272 locations) maintain a perfect 5.0-star rating.
How Much Does Boat & RV Storage Cost in 2026?
Storage costs vary significantly by state, driven by real estate prices, proximity to water, demand density, and the type of storage offered. According to FindBoatStorage.com data, monthly rates can range from under $70 in the most affordable markets to over $580 in premium coastal areas.
Most Expensive States for Boat & RV Storage
Our analysis of 10,431 storage facilities reveals that the following states have the highest average monthly storage costs in 2026:
| State | Avg. Minimum ($/mo) | Avg. Maximum ($/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $332 | $582 |
| South Dakota | $223 | $343 |
| Montana | $186 | $202 |
| Florida | $178 | $283 |
| New Jersey | $173 | $245 |
| Wisconsin | $171 | $281 |
| Ohio | $169 | $342 |
| Kansas | $168 | $316 |
| Nevada | $158 | $258 |
| Minnesota | $151 | $297 |
| New Hampshire | $151 | $464 |
| Michigan | $149 | $316 |
| Alabama | $143 | $206 |
Maryland's position at the top is driven by the Chesapeake Bay corridor, where waterfront storage demand far outpaces supply. According to FindBoatStorage.com data, Maryland facilities charge an average maximum of $582 per month — nearly three times the national floor.
Most Affordable States for Boat & RV Storage
For budget-conscious boat and RV owners, several states offer storage at significantly lower rates:
- Washington, D.C. — $67/month average minimum
- Nebraska — $68/month average minimum
- Connecticut — $69/month average minimum
- Oklahoma — $73/month average minimum
- Idaho — $82/month average minimum
These lower costs reflect a combination of lower real estate values, less waterfront competition, and larger available land parcels in rural areas. Owners willing to store 30 to 60 minutes from major waterways can often find rates under $100 per month.
For a personalized estimate, try our boat storage cost calculator to compare rates in your area.
What Drives Storage Price Differences?
According to our analysis, the primary factors that influence boat and RV storage pricing include:
- Storage type: Enclosed and climate-controlled storage commands a premium of 40–80% over basic outdoor parking.
- Proximity to water: Facilities within 10 miles of a launch ramp or marina tend to charge 25–50% more.
- Metropolitan area: Urban and suburban facilities cost more due to higher land values.
- Security features: Gated, camera-monitored facilities with individual unit alarms are priced at the top of each market.
- Vehicle size: Rates increase with vehicle length, with most facilities offering tiered pricing starting around 20 feet.
Storage Type Breakdown: What Facilities Offer in 2026
Not all storage is created equal. FindBoatStorage.com tracks seven primary storage categories across its database of 10,431 facilities. Here is how the market breaks down:
| Storage Type | Number of Facilities |
|---|---|
| Wet-slip (in-water) | 849 |
| Enclosed | 591 |
| Covered | 446 |
| Enclosed + Climate-Controlled | 276 |
| Outdoor + Enclosed | 245 |
| Outdoor + Climate-Controlled | 206 |
| Dry-stack + Wet-slip | 115 |
Wet-slip storage remains the most widely offered option, available at 849 facilities. This reflects the strong demand from boat owners who want immediate water access without the hassle of trailering. Wet-slips are concentrated along the Gulf Coast, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic seaboard.
Enclosed storage is the second most common type (591 facilities) and is popular in northern states where harsh winters make weather protection essential. Climate-controlled enclosed units, available at 276 locations, represent the premium tier — ideal for classic boats, high-end RVs, and vehicles with sensitive electronics.
Facilities offering multiple storage types (such as outdoor plus enclosed, or dry-stack plus wet-slip) are becoming more common as operators diversify to capture different customer segments. Our data shows 245 facilities now offer both outdoor and enclosed options, and 115 combine dry-stack and wet-slip services.
Browse all available options on our boat storage and RV storage directory pages.
Security & Access: What Facilities Provide
Security is consistently one of the top concerns for boat and RV owners selecting a storage facility. According to FindBoatStorage.com's analysis, here is what the industry offers in 2026.
Most Common Security Setup
The most frequently observed security configuration across all 10,431 surveyed facilities is the combination of gated entry, surveillance cameras, and perimeter fencing, found at 184 facilities. This triple-layer approach has become the industry standard for mid- to upper-tier facilities.
Other commonly offered security features include:
- Electronic gate access with individual PIN codes
- On-site management or caretaker presence
- Motion-activated lighting
- Individual unit alarms
- License plate recognition systems
24/7 Access Availability
According to FindBoatStorage.com data, 36.7% of facilities (3,823 locations) offer confirmed 24/7 access to stored vehicles. This is a significant figure for boat owners who need early-morning launch access or RV owners with unpredictable travel schedules.
The remaining 63.3% of facilities operate on restricted hours, typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Some offer extended access during peak boating season (May through September) and reduced hours during winter months.
Customer Satisfaction: Ratings by State
Customer satisfaction in the boat and RV storage industry is remarkably high. Our analysis of 10,431 facilities shows a national average Google rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars, with an average of 102.4 reviews per facility.
Highest-Rated States
| State | Avg. Google Rating | Number of Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 4.78 | 92 |
| Maine | 4.77 | 60 |
| Idaho | 4.75 | 107 |
| North Carolina | 4.73 | 380 |
| Kentucky | 4.71 | 103 |
Arkansas leads the country with an average rating of 4.78 across 92 facilities. The state's lake-centric boating culture — anchored by Beaver Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, and Lake Ouachita — fosters strong relationships between facility operators and local boating communities.
Lowest-Rated States
Even the lowest-rated states maintain strong averages well above 4.0 stars:
- Montana — 4.49 average rating
- Washington — 4.51 average rating
- California — 4.52 average rating
Lower ratings in these states often correlate with higher population density and the operational challenges of serving larger, more diverse customer bases. California, with one of the largest boating populations in the country, faces particular pressure on facility capacity during peak season.
Rating Distribution Across All Facilities
The overall distribution of Google ratings across all 10,431 surveyed facilities reveals an industry with consistently high customer satisfaction:
| Rating Range | Number of Facilities | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 stars (perfect) | 2,272 | 21.8% |
| 4.8 – 4.9 stars | 2,333 | 22.4% |
| 4.5 – 4.7 stars | 2,707 | 26.0% |
| 4.0 – 4.4 stars | 1,688 | 16.2% |
| Below 4.0 stars | ~405 | 3.9% |
Over 70% of all facilities maintain a rating of 4.5 stars or higher, and nearly one in four facilities holds a perfect 5.0 rating. This positions boat and RV storage as one of the highest-rated service categories in the outdoor recreation industry.
Regional Trends in Boat & RV Storage
Coastal vs. Inland Markets
Coastal states — particularly along the Gulf Coast and the Eastern Seaboard — tend to offer more diverse storage options, including wet-slips, dry-stack, and full-service marinas. According to FindBoatStorage.com data, states like Florida and Maryland command premium pricing due to the combination of high boat ownership rates and limited waterfront real estate.
Inland states, by contrast, tend to focus on outdoor and enclosed storage, with pricing driven more by land availability than waterfront access. States like Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Idaho offer some of the most affordable storage in the country, with average minimums under $85 per month.
Sun Belt Growth
Sun Belt states continue to see strong growth in both facility construction and demand. Florida alone accounts for a significant portion of the national inventory, driven by year-round boating weather and a steady influx of new residents. Texas, Arizona, and the Carolinas are also experiencing facility expansion as population growth fuels recreational vehicle purchases.
Northern and Seasonal Markets
In northern states, the storage market is heavily seasonal. Facilities in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and the New England states see peak occupancy from October through April, when boats and RVs are winterized and stored. Many of these facilities offer seasonal contracts at discounted annual rates compared to month-to-month pricing.
Our data shows that northern states also have a higher proportion of enclosed and climate-controlled storage options — a direct response to the need for freeze protection during winter months.
Explore facilities in your state on our locations directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does boat storage cost per month in 2026?
According to FindBoatStorage.com's analysis of 10,431 facilities across 48 states, the average monthly minimum cost ranges from $67 in Washington, D.C. to $332 in Maryland. The national average falls between $120 and $200 per month for standard outdoor or covered storage. Enclosed and climate-controlled storage typically costs 40–80% more. Use our cost calculator for estimates specific to your area.
What is the most common type of boat and RV storage?
Wet-slip (in-water) storage is the most widely available type, offered at 849 facilities nationwide. Enclosed storage is the second most common at 591 facilities, followed by covered storage at 446 facilities. Many modern facilities offer multiple storage types to serve different customer needs and budgets.
Do most storage facilities offer 24/7 access?
Our data shows that 36.7% of facilities (3,823 locations) offer confirmed 24/7 access. The majority of facilities operate on scheduled hours, typically opening at 6:00 AM and closing at 10:00 PM. If round-the-clock access is important to you, use our search filters to find facilities with 24/7 availability.
Which states have the best-rated boat storage facilities?
Arkansas leads the country with an average Google rating of 4.78 out of 5 stars across 92 facilities. Maine (4.77), Idaho (4.75), North Carolina (4.73), and Kentucky (4.71) round out the top five. The national average across all 10,431 surveyed facilities is 4.62 stars.
Is climate-controlled storage worth the extra cost?
Climate-controlled storage is available at 276 facilities nationwide and is recommended for boats and RVs with sensitive electronics, leather interiors, or custom finishes. It is particularly valuable in states with extreme temperature swings. According to our data, enclosed climate-controlled storage is the fourth most common storage type, indicating growing demand among owners of premium vehicles.
What security features should I look for in a storage facility?
The industry-standard security setup — gated entry, surveillance cameras, and perimeter fencing — is found at 184 facilities in our database. We recommend prioritizing facilities that offer at least two of these three features. Electronic gate access with individual PIN codes adds an additional layer of accountability and is increasingly common at mid-tier and above facilities.
Methodology
This report is based on FindBoatStorage.com's proprietary database of 10,431 boat and RV storage facilities across 48 U.S. states and 4,457 cities. Data was collected and verified through the following process:
- Primary data collection: Facility information was gathered via Google Maps, Google Places API, and direct website crawling across all 48 states.
- Data cleaning: Raw records were deduplicated, validated against business registries, and filtered to include only active storage facilities that accept boats, RVs, or both.
- Enrichment: Each listing was enriched with pricing data, storage type classifications, security features, access policies, and customer reviews from Google.
- Pricing data: Monthly rates are based on publicly listed prices extracted from facility websites and Google Business profiles. Rates reflect standard unit sizes and do not include seasonal surcharges or promotional discounts.
- Ratings data: All ratings and review counts are sourced from Google Reviews as of March 2026.
FindBoatStorage.com updates its facility database on a rolling basis. This report reflects data as of March 2026. For the most current listings and pricing, visit FindBoatStorage.com.
Have questions about this data or want to use it in a publication? Contact us — we are happy to provide additional breakdowns or custom analyses for journalists and researchers.