Recreational vehicle (RV) and boat sales surged during the pandemic, fueling an increase in Class A storage facilities. However, while demand remains strong, RV and boat registrations have declined from their 2021 peak. Despite this, a supply-demand imbalance still exists due to increased sales in previous years and a lack of dedicated RV and boat storage facilities in the U.S.
2025 RV & boat storage statistics
- Demand remains high despite a slight decline in new registrations
- From 2023 to 2025, RV/boat storage properties increased from 800 to 1,798
- RV/boat property sales slowed in 2024, showing a 30% drop from 2023
- The average price per acre declined to $627,283 in 2024, from $685,774 in 2023
- RV ownership has increased by more than 62% in the last 20 years, but growth has slowed since the 2021 pandemic-fueled peak
Increased development & sales
According to data from Yardi Matrix, which tracks self storage properties in the U.S., the popularity of RVs and boats soared in recent years. At the peak of the pandemic in 2020-21, many people sought ways to travel and enjoy themselves outdoors while avoiding crowds. This led to an increase in demand for storage facilities specifically designed for RVs and boats. Now, there are nearly 1,800 RV/ boat-exclusive storage properties in the country, with 56 currently under construction and 162 more in the planning stage.
Rising prices: a look at the RV storage market
RV/boat storage is an emerging niche segment dominated by mom-and-pop owners. However, more institutions are entering the market, having found favorable conditions for investment. In 2022, RV/boat storage properties accounted for $556.1 million in sales, but in 2024, sales volume declined. Yardi Matrix data shows that the average price per acre of RV and boat storage properties dropped to $627,283, reflecting a softer market.
Despite the price adjustments, some markets continue to see rent growth. Minneapolis posted a 1.6% increase in annualized rental rates, while Kansas City saw a 1.3% rise. Larger unit sizes (12×40, 12×45, 12×50) have held steady, while smaller units (10×20, 10×25, 10×30) have experienced rent declines up to 1.4%.
Changing demographics
RV usage is no longer limited to older Americans, as a growing number of millennials and Gen Z are making purchases. According to Go RVing’s RV Owner Demographic Profile Study, the average age of RV owners today is 49, down from 53 in 2021. Of those who say they are likely to buy an RV in the next five years, nearly 20% are under age 34.
Generation X is the clear leader in RV sales and ownership, but these trends are worth following. If your market skews younger or older than the national average, you may be able to attract more business by marketing to the right group in the right way.
Bringing in the business
Now that we’ve reviewed the latest data, let’s look at some ways self storage operators can attract the business of RV and boat owners. We’ll focus on customer service, amenities, security and facility location.
Customer service is key for RV & boat facility managers
It’s always important to provide a high level of service, and it matters even more for customers with large, expensive boats and RVs. Customers might want to have a look around your facility before entrusting you with their vehicle. So, take them on a friendly tour and prove that your service is second to none. In the offseason, you want to be top of mind when prospects and potential return customers are thinking again about storage.
Facility managers need to offer the right amenities
RVs and boats require special care. If people can keep and maintain their vehicles on-site at your storage facility, you’re more likely to attract them as customers. For RVs, consider amenities that you’d find at most RV campgrounds or mobile home lots. These include climate controls (especially for cold-weather storage), electrical hookups, waste management systems, a wash station, heavy-duty jacks for tire changes and basic on-site maintenance, etc. Some boats may be able to use those amenities as well, in addition to specialty boat lifts for cleaning and routine service.
Put your security measures on display
Invite prospects to tour the facility and show them how you protect their possessions. While you’re at it, show off the property management software you use to stay connected with your customers. They’ll appreciate the ability to easily contact you with questions, complete the leasing process and pay rent online.
Many storage facilities have adopted 24/7 self-service access. With the right security measures in place, such as CCTV cameras, thermal sensors, smart locks, motion detectors and traceable keys, you can ensure a high level of security and privacy after hours.
When in doubt: location, location, location
The closer you are to water, the easier it will be for customers to haul their vehicle out of storage and set sail. Obviously, you can’t just move your property waterside on a whim, but the boat scene has grown such that it might make sense to expand nearer to water, if expansion is in your plans. The latest report indicates that Southwest Florida has the highest number of new RV/boat storage developments under construction, reinforcing that coastal areas remain prime locations. Even if adding or changing locations isn’t possible, you can still adapt your marketing to meet the clients’ needs. On your website and in your listings, include maps and directions to nearby docks. Just make it clear that you’re engaged with the boating comm
