This year, Toy Storage Nation combed through mountains of data regarding the RV and boat storage industry to identify the most reliable statistics available–all of which indicate a huge need for more professionally operated storage facilities across the country. Here’s a snapshot of what we found, which is compiled neatly into our RV & Boat Storage Factsheet that you can download here.
- RV Ownership: According to the RV Industry Association, more than 12 million U.S. households own RVs, marking a 62% increase in the past 20 years. Projections of RV shipments in the country (which predict the number of campers and trailers of various sizes available for purchase) point to a 24% increase over 2023. The current market value of the RV industry is estimated to be $48 billion and is expected to reach an $80 billion market value by 2035.
- Boat Ownership: Similarly, 15 million U.S. households own one or more boats. The annual boating economic activity has shot from $170 billion to $230 billion in the past five years. Research also reveals that 100 million Americans turn to boating for enjoyment every year, hinting that boat sales will continue to soar.
- Outdoor Recreation: The outdoor rec industry pulls in a whopping $1.1 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, outpacing the U.S. economy and contributing $563 billion GDP.
- RVing tops the list of U.S. conventional activities, raking in $36+ billion a year. Indiana, Texas and California rank as the top-three states in the country for RVing activity/growth.
- Boating, the second most popular U.S. activity, contributes $32+ billion to the economy annually, with Florida, California and Texas exhibiting the most activity/growth.
- Motorcycling and ATVing rank No. 3 in U.S. conventional activities, contributing $11+ billion a year to the economy. Top three states for activity/growth? Wisconsin, California and Texas.
Add the above numbers together and it equals growing interest of Americans to participate in outdoor recreation, increasing their appetite for owning more oversized toys:
RV and Boat Storage Facilities: Data shows there are a mere 1,500 to less than 5,000 storage facilities dedicated to storing boats and RVs, and less than 20,000 self-storage facilities offering some type of parking for them. Experts across the board believe that toy storage is on the precipice of exponential growth, with many stating RV and boat storage is where traditional self-storage was 20-30 years ago– just before facilities started popping up coast to coast.- The Biggie: By examining the current supply of existing storage space, and reflecting on projections for continued growth in the industry, Toy Storage Nation’s resources have determined the need for RV and boat storage is five times the current supply. Additionally, 50% or more of HOAs restrict RV and boat parking in backyards and driveways, a number that is trending upwards as more tract homes and neighborhoods are developed.
RV and Boat Storage Facilities: Toy Storage Nation was founded to educate entrepreneurs about this flourishing niche 
within the storage industry. Our leadership played a primary role in fostering explosive growth in the traditional self-storage over the past three decades. As such, our team takes great pride in providing the best resources for you to succeed. Your success is our primary goal.
Our library of how-to articles and industry news on the Toy Storage Nation website is constantly updated to keep you in-the-know and lead you on your path to profiting in RV and boat storage. For those looking to accelerate their knowledge and network with the most experienced professionals in this industry, Toy Storage Nation also offers four one-day, immersive workshops across the country each year. To learn more, visit our website and click on “Events” at the top of the page.
To download our RV & Boat Storage Factsheet, click here.
