StorageCafe, a division of Yardi Matrix, recently released a report identifying the most RV-friendly destinations across the country, along with information about storing the vehicles and what areas are poised for the most growth in the RV storage industry. Toy Storage Nation has excerpted key elements of StorageCafe’s below. To read the full report, visit here.
The face of RV ownership is changing. While the median owner age has declined from 53 in 2021 to 49 in 2025, millennials (ages 35–54) now make up nearly half of all RV owners (46%).
That’s a notable shift from 2021, when nearly half (49%) were over 55. Younger travelers are embracing RV life — not just for retirement dreams but as an antidote to burnout and digital overload. For them, RVing is a way to reclaim time and recharge.
The thirst for adventure is real — and growing. The only question left: Which way are RVers going?
RV Hotspots Across the U.S.
To identify the best of the best, StorageCafe focused on destinations with at least 10 RV campsites — because while the surveyors love the idea of going off-grid, practicality still matters. Then they evaluated key factors:
- Number of campsites
- Must-have amenities: water, sewer and electricity hookups
- Extras for modern RVers: Wi-Fi, cable TV and the number of internet providers
- Local livability: air quality, grocery affordability, shopping options and pet-friendly policies
Park it here: How much storage costs for RVers in between trips
While the open road continues to call adventurers of all kinds, RVers are answering louder than ever. On average, they now spend 30 days on the move each year, up from 20 days in 2021 — proving that this lifestyle is no passing phase. It’s evolving into a seasonal rhythm for many Americans.
But while hitting the road may feel freeing, parking the rig once home can present unexpected challenges. Many RV owners return to garages that are too small, driveways too short or homeowners associations that are less than thrilled by the sight of a 35-foot vehicle outside the window.
In response, RV-focused self storage has become a booming industry. According to recent data, the number of facilities offering dedicated RV storage has increased by 20% over the last decade. These facilities typically provide secure, oversized spaces with features such as protective roofing, gated access and climate-controlled units — particularly valuable in moisture-prone regions like the Southeast and Midwest.
In short, the modern RV doesn’t just need space — it needs protection, convenience and a reliable place to rest between trips.
To see what the storage market looks like across the U.S. and which cities are friendliest for RV storage customers, StorageCafe turned to the numbers, looking at where demand for RV storage is concentrated, how much specialized RV storage costs and what kinds of availability and options are out there.
Naturally, RV storage interest is far from evenly spread across the country. Katy, Texas, 
currently leads the nation in RV-related search activity, registering 13.39 searches per 1,000 residents — more than double that of any other city. Other cities with high search volume include:
- Apache Junction, Ariz. — 6.54 searches per 1,000 residents
- Myrtle Beach, S.C. — 4.57
- Fort Myers, Fla. — 4.25
In these high-interest markets, storage costs generally exceed the national average of $171 per month, though Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Myrtle Beach, S.C., stand out for offering lower rates at $99 and $152, respectively.
When it comes to space availability in RV storage hotspots, half of the 10 top-searched cities offer more than the national benchmark of 7.5 square feet of self-storage per capita, but a few fall short — most notably Apache Junction at 4.36 and Simi Valley, CA, at 6.14.
Despite these disparities, inventory has been on the rise across the board. Nationally, RV inventory has reached 16k facilities. Surprise, Ariz., leads with a 100% increase in supply over the past decade alongside Cape Coral, Fla., which also has a 100% increase, followed by Modesto, Calif., with 56%.
These figures point to a growing nationwide infrastructure aimed at supporting RV travel not just as a hobby but as a lifestyle. And as more Americans trade airports for asphalt, the need for smart, scalable storage solutions is becoming more essential than ever.
U.S. Cities With the Highest Demand and Growth for RV Storage
What the experts are saying
To gain more insight about the RVing industry right now, Storage Cafe asked experts who passed on their opinions to us.
Paul Mitchell, National President at FRVA (Family RV Association)
Storage Cafe: How would you describe the current perception of RV travel? Have you noticed any major changes in how RVing is viewed now compared to the pre-pandemic era — or even during the height of the pandemic?
RV travel is not back to pre-pandemic levels, but it seems to be showing an upward trend. Overnights at RV parks are available in most cases without reservations, unless you’re trying to stay in an area where a special event is taking place, or over a holiday.
Lesa McDermott, VP of Operations at Girlcamper
Storage Cafe: With affordability and remote work driving new interest in RV living, what long-term trends do you foresee for RV travel?
We’re seeing three big shifts: more part-time digital nomads taking extended trips, smaller and smarter RVs with features like solar power and lithium batteries, and a move toward experience-based travel. Overlanding is part of that — it’s about having the ability to camp anywhere, far from hookups, while still enjoying the essentials. I think RVing will keep expanding beyond the traditional summer vacation into a flexible lifestyle choice year-round.
Storage Cafe: Which under-the-radar U.S. destinations do you think are poised to become RV hot spots — and what makes them stand out?
The next RV hot spots aren’t just the big-name national parks, but the towns and public lands nearby. Kanab, Utah is a gateway to multiple parks without the heavy crowds. The Driftless Area in Wisconsin offers scenic byways and river bluffs. Texas Hill Country blends wineries, wildflowers, and rivers. Alpena, Mich., is perfect for Great Lakes shipwrecks and dark-sky preserves. And for true off-grid magic, The Wall in South Dakota, where I’m currently camping, has some of the best boondocking views in the country. These places combine beauty, culture, and space to breathe — exactly what RVers are seeking now.
Fiorella Yriberry, Content Marketing Specialist at RVshare
Storage Cafe: How would you describe the current perception of RV travel? Have you noticed any major changes in how RVing is viewed now compared to the pre-pandemic era — or even during the height of the pandemic?
RV travel is no longer just for retirees or weekend getaways. It’s now embraced by digital nomads, remote workers, young families, and adventure-seekers. Millennials and Gen Z now make up the majority of new RVers, representing 67% and 76% of travelers planning on taking an RV trip in 2025.
Nathan Swartz, Editor-in-Chief at Wand’rly Magazine
Storage Cafe: How would you describe the current perception of RV travel? Have you noticed any major changes in how RVing is viewed now compared to the pre-pandemic era — or even during the height of the pandemic?
LTE service helped a lot of us get into the wilderness but still work. Now, with Starlink, many more people who wouldn’t have been able to — because they need to work over the Internet or just because they can’t bare to be without their Instagram — are able to get deep into the wilderness. That, and the way that Sprinter van conversions have made living in a van more comfortable and less intimidating than driving around a big RV, well you end up with a larger portion of folks ready to give the lifestyle a try!
Troy Bix, Toy Storage Nation Founder and Advisor
Storage Cafe: We’ve seen dedicated RV storage increase by 20% over the past decade. In your experience, what type of customer is driving this trend — and why now?
The pandemic inspired countless Americans of all ages to seek solace in the great outdoors, which drove RV and boat purchases higher than ever. Simultaneously planned communities keep popping up all over the nation with strict HOA rules prohibiting parking of RVs in driveways and backyards. People shell out a lot of money for their outdoor-rec toys, and they want to maintain them in mint condition—leading them to professional RV storage facilities. While RVing used to be associated with a senior lifestyle, remote work and just pure enjoyment of venturing outdoors has welcomed younger generations, and it shows no signs of slowing. Data collected by the RV Industry Association indicate all generations are buying motorhomes, campers and trailers in higher numbers. At the same time, Toy Storage Nation research indicates five times the number of current storage units is needed to house them. Demand far outweighs supply when it comes to RV and boat storage space.
Data on self-storage comes from Yardi Matrix, StorageCafe’s sister division and a business development and asset management tool for brokers, sponsors, banks and equity sources underwriting investments in the multifamily, office, industrial and self-storage sectors. To read the full StorageCafe report, visit here: https://www.storagecafe.com/blog/top-rv-destinations-2025/.
