Quick answer. Outdoor storage is cheapest, indoor is safest, and covered sits in between. Before you commit, ask about security, access, drainage, insurance requirements, and winter snow. Winterize before you store, and confirm your insurer covers the RV at that location.
Storage options compared
| Option | Protection | Cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor, heated | Best: no snow, sun, or freezing | Highest | Expensive units, long winters, full winter storage |
| Indoor, unheated | Protects from snow, sun, and weather; not from cold | High | Winterized RVs in cold climates |
| Covered, open-sided | Roof against snow load and sun | Medium | A compromise for summer and winter |
| Outdoor, fenced lot | Limited: weather, sun, and snow exposure | Lowest | Budget storage with a good cover |
Two other options: storing at home, where local bylaws may limit what you can park and where, and storing at a campground, which some offer on a seasonal basis.
What affects the price
- Size. Length and height drive the price, and some facilities charge by the foot.
- Type. Indoor costs the most, outdoor the least.
- Location. Facilities near cities cost more. A short drive out of town can cut the price.
- Season and term. Some facilities charge less for a full-year contract or for winter only.
- Extras. Power for a battery tender, a wash bay, dump and water fill, and winterizing services may cost extra.
Ask for a written quote with the monthly price, any deposit, and any fees for late payment or early exit.
Questions to ask any storage facility
- How is the property secured: fencing, gates, lighting, and cameras?
- When can I get in and out, and do I need to book access?
- Is the surface paved, gravel, or grass? Does water drain away from the units?
- Are there size or height limits, and how tight is the turning space for my rig?
- Can I plug in a battery tender?
- What is the snow-clearing policy, and who is responsible if snow damages the RV?
- What does the facility's insurance cover, and what does mine have to cover?
- How do you handle pests?
- Can I work on my RV on site?
- What is the notice period and the cancellation policy?
Prepare the RV first
Storage works best when the RV is ready. Winterize the plumbing, charge or remove the batteries, close propane valves, clean the interior, and deal with pests. Our winterizing guide covers the steps, and our propane guide covers cylinder handling.
Insurance and storage
Tell your insurer where and how you store the RV. Some insurers offer reduced coverage for a stored unit, and some facilities require proof of insurance. Ask whether the policy covers theft, fire, and weather damage at that location. See our page on RV insurance for what to ask.
Location matters
- Choose a facility you can reach easily in spring, when everyone wants their RV out at once.
- Check the route for low bridges, tight turns, and steep driveways.
- If you are a snowbird, compare storing in Canada with storing in the U.S. Border-state storage means crossing with the RV each time, and customs, tax, and insurance rules can differ, so check them first.
Storing at home
Municipalities often have bylaws about RVs on driveways and streets, including size, how long they can be parked, and whether people can sleep in them. Some condo or HOA rules restrict them too. Check before you plan on home storage.
Red flags
- No visible security or poor fencing
- Standing water on the lot
- Reluctance to put the terms in writing
- Signs of pests or neglected units
- No access when you need it in spring
Find RV storage by province
We keep this page to the how-to: what to ask, what it costs and how to prepare. For facilities you can contact, the RV Storage Canada directory lists storage businesses province by province, with locations and websites.
- Alberta storage facilities
- British Columbia storage facilities
- Manitoba storage facilities
- New Brunswick storage facilities
- Newfoundland and Labrador storage facilities
- Nova Scotia storage facilities
- Ontario storage facilities
- Prince Edward Island storage facilities
- Quebec storage facilities
- Saskatchewan storage facilities
Frequently asked questions
How much does RV storage cost in Canada?
It varies by size, type, and location. Outdoor lots cost the least, indoor heated storage the most, and prices near big cities run higher. Get a written quote that lists all fees.
Is indoor storage worth it?
For a newer or expensive RV, or in a region with harsh winters, often yes. It protects against snow load, sun, and temperature swings.
Can I store an RV at home?
Sometimes. Municipal bylaws and condo or HOA rules may limit where and how long you can park one, so check first.
Do I need insurance on a stored RV?
Generally yes, and many facilities require proof. Tell your insurer where the RV is stored and ask what is covered there.
Do I need to winterize before storing?
If it will sit in freezing temperatures, yes. Water left in the plumbing can freeze and cause expensive damage.
Sources and further reading
Prices, rules, and availability change. Check directly with providers and official bodies.