Your RV gives you freedom, adventure, and the chance to explore the country whenever you want. But when the trip is over, the weather cools down, or life gets busy, one big question comes up: Where should you store your RV when you’re not using it? This choice matters more than most people realize. The wrong storage setup can lead to sun damage, roof cracks, battery problems, and even theft. The right setup, however, keeps your RV safe, clean, and ready for your next trip.
If you read our last post, “What Is the Average Cost of Storing an RV?”, you already know that RV storage pricing depends on the level of protection your vehicle gets. In this post, we’re focusing on where RV owners in Bakersfield actually should store their RVs — whether short-term, long-term, or during off-season months.
Because Bakersfield isn’t just any place. The Central Valley has extreme heat, high UV exposure, dust storms, and long dry seasons. All of this can wear down an RV fast if it isn’t stored properly. Choosing the right storage spot is about saving your RV now and saving yourself future repair bills.
RV owners have several ways to store their RVs, but not all options offer the same level of safety or value. Below are the most common storage choices and what you need to know about each one.
This is the first choice people think of because it feels easy and “free.” But storing an RV at home in Bakersfield can bring a lot of problems:
Home storage can work for small trailers, but for larger RVs, it usually creates more stress than it saves.
Outdoor RV storage is the cheapest paid option. In Bakersfield, you’ll see everything from open dirt lots to fenced areas with a gate. While this looks budget-friendly, it’s also the least protective choice. Sunny summers, dusty winds, and UV exposure can age an RV in half the normal time.
Outdoor storage may be okay for very short-term parking, but if you plan to store your RV for months at a time, your roof, paint, seals, and tires can suffer real long-term damage.
Covered RV storage gives your vehicle shade and reduces heat and UV exposure. In Bakersfield, this is a huge advantage. It helps keep your RV cooler, protects your roof, reduces fading, and keeps dust from piling up. Covered storage is often the “sweet spot” between cost and protection.
Many RV owners choose covered storage because it provides real protection without jumping up to the highest price tier.
Enclosed storage is the best way to store an RV long-term, especially in Bakersfield’s climate. It’s like giving your RV its own garage — locked, sheltered, and fully protected from weather, dust, and sun. Many owners pick enclosed storage if their RV is newer, high-end, or custom-built.
It also removes the stress of worrying about storms, vandalism, pests, and extreme heat. Even better, enclosed storage often leads to fewer repairs over time, which saves thousands of dollars.
You can explore storage solutions like oversized vehicle storage, luxury garage storage, and contractor fleet storage at Elite RV & Storage.
Storing an RV in California is not the same as storing one in states with mild weather. The Central Valley’s climate creates real risks:
Because of this, RVs stored outdoors in Bakersfield often wear down twice as fast as RVs stored inside or under cover. Even washing your RV more often never fully solves the problem — the environment here is simply too harsh.
Here are the key things to think about when choosing where to store your RV when it’s not in use:
Your RV is a big investment, so you want a location built for large vehicles — not a leftover parking lot. Look for:
These features cut down on theft, vandalism, and break-ins. Facilities designed specifically for RVs (like Elite RV & Storage) usually offer stronger security than standard self-storage lots.
If you want your RV to last, consider how much protection it needs:
The more you protect your RV now, the fewer repairs you’ll face later.
RVs need wide lanes, easy turns, and enough space to park without stress. Look for facilities built for large vehicles — not tight storage units that make it hard to get in and out.
If you take trips often, you want easy access. Many Bakersfield RV owners choose storage near major roads, like Highway 99 or I-5, so they can get on the road quickly.
Elite RV & Storage offers storage options designed for RVs, oversized vehicles, contractor trucks, and luxury cars. The facility is clean, secure, modern, and built for vehicles that need extra care. RV owners love the wide aisles, private garage-style units, and gated access that makes storing large vehicles simple and safe.
Elite also offers specialty storage solutions for:
So whether your RV is a weekend camper or a full-sized motorhome, you can find a storage setup that fits your needs.
If you live in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, the safest and smartest place to store your RV is at a location designed specifically for large vehicle storage. Home storage is rarely safe or legal, and outdoor lots don’t offer enough protection from the heat and dust.
The best long-term choice is covered or enclosed storage, where your RV stays secure, protected, and ready for your next trip. This saves you money on repairs, keeps your RV cleaner, and gives you peace of mind all year long.
To explore your options, visit Elite RV & Storage or check out our oversized vehicle storage solutions here: Oversized Vehicle Storage.
