By Zachary Urow and Sean Ruhlman
Why Boat & RV Storage Is on Investors’ Radars
In recent years, boat and recreational vehicle (RV) ownership in the United States has surged, creating a nationwide need for storage solutions. In the last five years alone, approximately over 1.6 million boats and 2.2 million RVs were newly registered nationwide. Ownership levels still remain elevated, while sales have stabilized from the pandemic-era highs.
In reality these vehicles are not used year-round. On average, boats see around 54 days of use, while RVs are driven just 25 days per year. They need a secure place to be stored for the rest of the year. Off-site storage has become the go-to solution, as many residential areas and HOAs restrict on-site parking for oversized vehicles. The result is a growing market for boat and RV storage development and investment.
Investors have taken notice. Between 2023 and 2025, the number of dedicated boat and RV storage facilities in the U.S. more than doubled, rising from approximately 800 to nearly 1,800. Despite this growth, demand continues to outpace supply in many regions. In several growth markets, facilities report occupancy rates exceeding 95%, with waitlists for specific unit sizes. As a result, selecting the right location and asset for acquisition has become an essential factor for long-term performance and return on investment.
What Makes the “Right” Location?
Identifying a strong boat and RV storage opportunity requires a different approach than traditional self-storage. While proximity to residential rooftops is a key driver of success for self-storage, boat and RV storage prioritizes accessibility and destination appeal. The ideal location balances proximity to where owners live with convenient access to major recreational corridors.
Facilities located in areas with high ownership rates and restrictions on residential storage are especially attractive. States like Texas, Florida and California consistently lead the nation in new boat and RV registrations, collectively accounting for over 20% of all RV shipments. Markets with high population growth, housing density and HOA restrictions against oversized vehicle-parking create strong and sustained demand for off-site storage.
Highway access is another critical factor. Boat and RV owners value convenience, making proximity to major interstates and recreational routes essential. Strong-performing facilities are often located at the edges of metro areas, with direct routes to lakes, marinas, national parks and campgrounds. Locations that allow owners to quickly pick up their vehicles en route to recreational destinations—such as a boat ramp or a national park—are especially desirable.
Limited competition also improves a site’s appeal but must be evaluated carefully. Many markets are populated by “mom-and-pop” open-air facilities that provide minimal amenities. In contrast, Class A facilities offering covered parking, trickle charging, dump stations and upgraded security cater to a more premium segment. Class A facilities typically benefit from stickier tenants and lower delinquencies, and they are less sensitive to new open-air competitors entering the market.
Land, Layout and Logistics
After identifying a promising facility, the next step involves evaluating the property’s infrastructure, expansion potential and layout. Most facilities need 5 to 15 acres of relatively flat land to support wide drive aisles, adequate space for turning and a mix of covered and enclosed units. Sites must accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet in length and allow for ease of maneuvering. Drive aisles should ideally be 55 feet wide, and vertical clearance of 14 to 16 feet is necessary for canopies or enclosed units.
Ease of access is equally important. Facilities must be reachable from major roads with unobstructed entry and exit points. Sites should also have sufficient frontage, clear line of sight from the roadway and space for vehicle stacking at the entrance. Visibility can also improve marketing and drive-by awareness of the facility.
Infrastructure is also important to long-term operations. Investors should verify the availability and condition of utilities, including electricity (for lighting, security and trickle chargers), water (for wash bays and sanitation) and sewer connections (particularly for dump stations). Stormwater management systems should also be reviewed since they can impact both operating costs and usable acreage.
Finally, zoning must align with continued or expanded use. Investors should confirm that boat and RV storage is permitted outright or as a conditional use within the property’s zoning designation. It’s important to assess the municipality’s track record with these approvals and any potential impact on future value-add efforts if modifications or entitlements are required.
Red Flags and Smart Plays
It must be noted that not all properties are suitable for boat and RV storage investment. Investors must evaluate potential red flags such as floodplains, unstable soil or poor access, which can create insurance risks, ongoing maintenance costs or customer dissatisfaction.
Facilities in oversaturated markets, those with significant deferred maintenance or needed infrastructure upgrades may underperform without a clear repositioning strategy.
That said, strategic acquisitions can create long-term value. Properties near marinas, RV dealerships or campgrounds benefit from built-in demand and referral potential. Investors can reduce risk and improve returns through phased improvements, operational upgrades and features like solar power. High-end amenities and strong branding not only attract premium- paying tenants, but also position the facility for an institutional exit.
Final Thoughts
As demand for boat and RV storage continues to grow, acquiring the right facility requires more than just selecting a convenient location. Success hinges on understanding how tenants interact with the property, the local market’s supply and demand drivers and the operational realities of maintaining large-vehicle storage.
Well-located, thoughtfully designed and properly positioned facilities offer lasting value for both tenants and investors. A surface-level analysis is not enough—successful investors dive deep into the intersection of geography, regulatory environment, infrastructure readiness and competitive dynamics. When these elements align, the result is not only a profitable investment but a durable, growing business that serves a real and expanding need in the Market.
Zachary Urow and Sean Ruhlman are president/founder and senior associate, respectively, of Urow Real Estate, a boutique investment sales firm exclusively focused on the sale of self-storage facilities across the United States. Recognized as experts in the boat and RV storage, the company brokered the sale of the largest Class A facility of its kind in the country in 2025, Oakley Executive Boat & RV Storage. Located in Oakley, California, this 546-unit, 273,105 NRSF property set a new benchmark for large-vehicle storage in Northern California. Its standout features include 20 solar-integrated canopies; extra-wide drive aisles and angled pull-through parking; top-tier amenities including trickle charging, dump stations, wash station, tire air station, propane, restrooms, showers and an on-site conference room; 35+ security cameras, gated keypad access and a 14-foot perimeter fence; and onsite solar infrastructure generating over $695,000 annually in additional income. To learn more about the Oakley Executive Boat & RV Storage sale, visit: https://www.urowrealestate.com/oakley-executive-boat-rv-storage/
References
- https://listselfstorage.com/industry-insights/why-boat-rv-storage-is-a-smart-venture-for-self-storage-operators-and-other-investors/
- https://www.rvia.org/historical-rv-data
- https://www.yardibreeze.com/blog/2025/02/rv-boat-storage-breaking-records/
- https://www.passiveinvesting.com/rv-storage-opportunities/
