If you own a boat or RV in Hot Springs, Arkansas, you’ve
probably run into this problem: your HOA says no. Whether it’s a rule against
parking in your driveway, a size restriction, or an outright ban on
recreational vehicles on the property, HOA restrictions are the number one
reason boat and RV owners in Garland County turn to a storage facility.
The good news is that you have options — and storing your boat
or RV doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here’s everything you need
to know.
Homeowners associations typically restrict boat and RV storage
for a few common reasons:
•
Aesthetics — Large vehicles parked in driveways or
yards can affect the appearance of a neighborhood
•
Safety concerns — Oversized vehicles can obstruct
sightlines at intersections and block access for emergency vehicles
•
Property values — HOAs argue that visible storage of
large vehicles can negatively affect home values
•
Local ordinances — Some cities and counties have their
own rules that HOAs are required to enforce
In Hot Springs and the surrounding Garland County area, HOA
restrictions on boats and RVs are especially common in newer subdivisions and
lakefront communities — the exact neighborhoods where boat and RV ownership is
highest. It’s a frustrating irony that the communities closest to Lake Hamilton
and Lake Ouachita often have the strictest rules about storing the vehicles
you’d use on those lakes.
Some owners try to wait it out or push back on HOA rules, but
ignoring them can lead to real consequences:
•
Fines — HOAs can issue recurring fines, sometimes $25
to $100 per day, until the violation is resolved
•
Forced removal — In extreme cases, HOAs can arrange for
the vehicle to be towed at the owner’s expense
•
Legal action — Persistent violations can result in
liens on your property
•
Neighbor disputes — HOA complaints often come from
neighbors, which can damage relationships
It’s almost always easier — and cheaper — to find proper
storage than to fight your HOA.
Once you’ve accepted that home storage isn’t an option, the
next question is: where do I put it? Here are the main choices available to Hot
Springs boat and RV owners:
1. Enclosed Storage Units — The best protection for
your investment. Enclosed units keep your boat or RV completely out of the
elements, protecting against UV damage, rain, hail, and the extreme Arkansas
summer heat. This is especially important for fiberglass boats and RV exteriors,
which can fade and crack with prolonged sun exposure.
2. Covered Parking — A roof overhead without four
walls. Covered parking offers more protection than open-air storage and is a
cost-effective middle ground for owners who primarily want shade and weather
protection.
3. Open-Air Storage — The most affordable option, and
suitable for short-term storage or vehicles with heavy-duty covers. Best for
owners in mild climates or those who access their boats or RVs frequently.
Not all storage facilities are equal. When choosing where to
store your boat or RV in the Hot Springs area, here are the most important
factors:
Security — Look for facilities with gated access,
individual PIN entry, video surveillance, and motion-activated lighting. Your
boat or RV is a significant investment, and you want it protected around the
clock.
Unit sizes — Make sure the facility has units large
enough for your specific boat or RV. A 24-foot pontoon boat needs a different
unit than a 19-foot bass boat. Common sizes range from 10x28 for smaller boats
and trailers up to 10x45 or larger for Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels.
Power outlets — If you want to run a trickle charger on
your boat battery or keep your RV’s systems maintained, look for units with
120V power outlets.
Access hours — Lake season means early mornings and
late evenings. Make sure the facility offers flexible or 24/7 access so you’re
not locked out when you want to hit the water.
Location — Proximity to Lake Hamilton or Lake Ouachita
matters. A storage facility that’s on your way to the lake means less time
driving and more time on the water.
One of the most common questions we hear from first-time
storage renters is: what size unit do I need? Here’s a quick reference guide:
•
Jet skis, ATVs, small trailers — 10x20 or 10x28
•
Bass boats and fishing boats up to 22 feet — 10x28 or
10x30
•
Pontoon boats, ski boats 22–28 feet — 10x30 or 10x35
•
Large pontoons, travel trailers, smaller Class C RVs —
10x40 to 10x45
•
Class A motorhomes, fifth wheels, large boats — 12x45,
15x45, or 15x50
Always measure your boat or RV including the trailer hitch and
any accessories like trolling motors or bike racks before choosing a unit.
At Safe T Storage, we’ve built our facility around the needs
of Hot Springs boat and RV owners. Located on E Grand Ave (Highway 70) between
Hot Springs and Little Rock, we offer convenient access whether you’re heading
to Lake Hamilton, Lake Ouachita, Lake Catherine, or DeGray Lake.
Our unit options include:
•
Enclosed storage units from 10x28 up to 15x50
•
Covered RV parking with power outlets
•
Open-air parking for boats and trailers
•
Fully fenced property with gated PIN access
•
Video surveillance and motion lighting
•
Month-to-month leases — no long-term contracts required
Whether your HOA just sent you a warning letter or you’ve been
searching for the right storage solution for months, we’re here to help. Our
team can walk you through your options and help you find the right unit for
your boat, RV, or trailer.
Can I access my boat or RV whenever I want? Yes. Safe T
Storage offers flexible access hours so you can pick up or drop off your boat
or RV on your schedule, including early mornings before a day on the lake.
Do I need to sign a long-term lease? No. We offer
month-to-month rentals, so you’re never locked into a contract longer than you
need.
What if my HOA sends a violation notice while my boat is
here? Once your boat or RV is stored at a licensed facility like Safe T
Storage, it is no longer on your property and is not subject to HOA parking
rules.
Is my boat or RV insured while in storage? Your
existing boat or RV insurance typically covers the vehicle while in storage.
Check with your insurance provider to confirm your policy covers off-site
storage.
Ready to solve your HOA storage problem? View available units
at Safe T Storage or give us a call. We’ll get you set up quickly so your boat
or RV is safe, secure, and ready for your next adventure on the water.
