Choosing where to store your boat or RV is a bigger decision than most people realize. You're trusting a facility with an investment that might be worth $20,000, $80,000, or more. Here's what actually matters when you're evaluating your options in the St. Louis area.
Many facilities advertise "extended hours" that aren't actually around the clock. Ask specifically: Can I access my unit at 11pm on a Saturday? At 5am on a holiday? Some facilities restrict access to business hours or lock gates at 9pm. Big River's keypad gate is open every hour of every day with no exceptions — because your schedule is yours.
This matters more than most people anticipate. A facility designed around standard self-storage units often has aisles that are too narrow for a long fifth wheel or Class A motorhome to navigate comfortably. Look for drive aisles of at least 30 feet and bay widths of 12 feet minimum. Ask the facility specifically about turning radius if you have a long rig.
A sign that says "24/7 security" doesn't tell you much. Ask: Are cameras actively monitored or just recorded? Is there perimeter fencing, and how high? Is the gate keypad or card-based? Is there lighting throughout the facility at night? A good facility will answer these questions specifically and proudly.
Outdoor storage is fine for short-term storage, but Missouri's hail storms can do real damage to an unprotected RV roof or boat hull. Ask whether covered canopy bays are available. If covered storage is listed, ask if there's actually availability or just a waitlist. Some facilities in the St. Louis area have waitlists stretching months for their covered spots.
Some facilities market themselves using the St. Louis name while actually located 60–90 minutes away. That distance adds up: every trip to pick up your boat or RV is a round trip. Before you commit, enter the facility address into your navigation app and see what you're actually signing up for. Big River's three locations are genuinely in the St. Louis metro — Eureka, High Ridge, and Valley Park.
Beyond parking, look for features that make your storage experience better: a dump station for waste disposal, electric hookups to maintain your battery, good lighting for early morning or late-evening access. These aren't universal — they're worth asking about specifically.
Many standard self-storage facilities have added RV and boat parking as an afterthought. The bay widths, aisle widths, and access points reflect that. A purpose-built boat and RV facility designs every element around large vehicles from the ground up — wider lanes, better turning clearance, higher gate clearance, and appropriate lighting throughout.
When you visit Big River, ask us any of these questions directly. We'll walk you through every feature — and if a space isn't right for your rig, we'll tell you honestly and help you find one that is.
View Big River's available spaces at all three St. Louis locations →