Campervan and Motorhome Storage Costs in the UK

If you don't have a driveway, garage or street space big enough for a campervan, storage is a running cost you can't avoid. In the UK it typically costs £300-£1,000 a year, and the price depends more on location and security than on the size of your van.

Types of storage

• Open-air, fenced site: the cheapest, usually £300-£500 a year. Expect a locked gate, CCTV and space for a van up to 7m.
• Under-cover storage: £500-£900 a year. Protects the roof, seals and paintwork from UV and weather.
• Indoor unit: £800-£1,500 a year in cities. Best for long-term or valuable vans, but units sized for motorhomes sell out quickly.
• Council or farmyard options: £200-£400 a year, if you can find a space and it's convenient.

City rates run about 40-60% higher than rural ones. London and the South East are the priciest, with indoor units routinely over £100 a month.

What to check before you sign

1. Is the site secure? Look for perimeter fencing, gated access, CCTV and ideally on-site staff.
2. Is it covered by insurance? Many storage sites are self-insured; check what your own policy requires.
3. Can you access it when you need? 24/7 access matters more than you'd think - most owners want to leave mid-week.
4. Does the site have power? You may need a trickle charger or solar maintainer for the leisure battery.
5. Is there a contract or notice period? Some sites charge a full year regardless.

The alternatives

• A private driveway, side access or gated garden - free, but needs planning permission in some areas and neighbours' patience.
• Sharing space with another owner who has a spare bay - typically £100-£300 a year.
• Your own garage if it's over 6m long - rare, but ideal.
• Pubs, farms and businesses that rent casual space by the month.

Prepare the van for storage

Empty the water systems, turn off the gas, and leave the handbrake off with chocks under the wheels to protect the brakes. A good cover adds £100-£200 but protects the paintwork from moss and UV.

If you're storing for more than a month, consider declaring the van SORN to stop paying road tax - but it must stay off public roads and remain insured.

Storage is one of those costs owners forget until they buy. Factor it into your budget with our running costs guide and browse campervans for sale knowing what the year will really cost.