Ames West Side Storage
Locally owned West Ames storage with 24/7 gate access, cameras, and a 5.0 rating from 363 reviews.
Ames, IA
Boat Storage in Ames, IA
Two storage facilities serve Ames boat owners, and the average rating sits at 4.6 across more than 460 combined reviews. That is a small pool, so it pays to know which one fits your rig before you call. One facility handles indoor, outdoor, trailer and semi parking, while the other keeps things simpler. Here is how they stack up.
Discover Boat Storage in Ames, IA
2Facilities listed
4.6★Average Google rating
124/7 gate access
1More within 30 miles
Facilities in Ames
Signature Self Storage
Ames self storage on Y Ave. and West Lincoln Way with RV and boat parking, cameras and climate-controlled units.
Nearby options
Within a short drive of Ames. Many owners store a town or two away to save on the monthly rate.
Safekeep Self Storage - Ankeny
Ankeny self storage with indoor RV and boat parking, climate-controlled units, and 24/7 access.
Where the two facilities sit
Ames West Side Storage is the busier of the pair, with 363 reviews and a 5.0 rating. It covers indoor and outdoor spots and takes boats, trailers, vehicles and semis. Signature Self Storage rates 4.2 over 100 reviews and lists boat storage with cameras, lighting and climate control. Only one of the two offers 24/7 gate access, so if you launch early or come back after dark, confirm hours before you commit. Both are in Ames, and one nearby option shows up just outside the city count.
Indoor, outdoor and what Iowa weather does
One facility in Ames offers indoor space and one offers outdoor, so you are choosing between a roof over the hull and open air. Indoor storage keeps sun, hail and snow off gelcoat and covers, which matters through Iowa winters. Outdoor spots cost less in most markets but leave your boat exposed to UV and freeze-thaw cycles. If you go outdoor, a quality cover and a pulled drain plug go a long way. Ask whether the ground drains well before you park on it in spring. Winterizing is not optional here. Fog the engine, stabilize the fuel and pull the battery for the cold months.
Practical checks before you sign
Cameras and lighting show up at both facilities, and climate control is listed at each, though that usually applies to indoor units rather than open spots. Ask what climate control covers for a boat. Confirm gate hours, since only one facility advertises 24/7 access. Check your insurance policy to see whether the boat stays covered at a storage site. Trailer owners should ask about room to maneuver and whether the spot includes the trailer. With just two facilities in town, book early in fall when everyone else is putting their boat away.
More ways to store in Ames
Nearby cities
- Ankeny, IA (3 listed · 22 mi)
- Grimes, IA (5 listed · 26 mi)
- Des Moines, IA (6 listed · 29 mi)
- Pleasant Hill, IA (2 listed · 30 mi)
RV storage guides
Research & data
Questions people ask
How many boat storage facilities are in Ames?
There are 2 boat storage facilities in Ames, with 1 more listed nearby. Combined they hold a 4.6 average rating across 463 reviews, so the market is small and worth calling ahead.
Which Ames facilities offer indoor boat storage?
One of the 2 facilities lists indoor storage, and one lists outdoor. Ames West Side Storage carries the indoor option along with trailer and vehicle parking. Signature Self Storage lists boat storage with climate control and cameras.
Do any Ames boat storage facilities have 24/7 gate access?
Yes, one of the 2 facilities advertises 24/7 gate access. Ames West Side Storage lists it among its features. If late launches or evening returns matter to you, confirm access rules with the other facility before booking.
What should I check before storing a boat over an Iowa winter?
Ask whether the unit is heated or just covered, confirm gate hours, and check that your insurance still applies at the site. Winterize the engine, stabilize fuel and pull the battery. Outdoor spots need a tight cover and a clear drain path for meltwater.