Ah, Fort Collins. We live in a place that practically begs you to get outside. With an average of 300 sunny days a year, who wouldn’t want to own a boat, an RV, or some other adventure-making machine? We’ve got the beautiful Cache la Poudre River right in our backyard and Horsetooth Reservoir just a stone's throw away. Life is good.
But then, reality hits. You bring the boat home to your neighborhood in the 80524 zip code. You’re just trying to de-winterize it for that first perfect spring weekend. Or perhaps it's the end of the season, and you need to clean it out before the first snow. You park it on the street, and the clock starts ticking.
We all know what I’m talking about: Fort Collins' 48-hour boat parking rule.
It’s the municipal ordinance that lives rent-free in the head of every recreational vehicle owner in Larimer County. For two days, you’re fine. But just when you get busy with work, family, or enjoying a beer in Old Town Square, that 48-hour mark creeps up. Suddenly, you’re in a panic, running out to do the "48-hour shuffle"—moving your boat just far enough, for just long enough, to reset the clock and (hopefully) avoid that dreaded orange envelope on your windshield.
It’s a frustrating dance, isn’t it? Our unique cold semi-arid climate gives us four distinct seasons, but it's also wildly unpredictable. One day it’s 60 degrees in February, the next a major snowstorm hits in April. This weather volatility means our "seasonal storage" needs are serious. You can't just leave a major investment like a boat or RV exposed to the elements year-round, but you also can't keep it parked on a residential street.
So, what’s the alternative to constantly worrying about parking tickets or taking up your entire driveway? You’ve invested in the toy; now it’s time to invest in the peace of mind.
The answer, as many savvy locals have discovered, is finding a dedicated, secure, and affordable storage space. This is where a place like RV Storage Fort becomes a game-changer. I looked into their options, and it’s clear they understand the specific needs of FoCo residents. Located conveniently at 1314 Red Cedar Circle, they offer a whole range of boat, RV, and vehicle storage options designed for precisely this problem.
Instead of the street-side shuffle, you get a secure spot. They have everything from basic 20-foot outdoor parking (starting at a very reasonable $75/month) to 40-foot outdoor spaces for bigger rigs. If you want to protect your boat from that intense Colorado sun or the occasional hailstorm, they offer 30-foot and 40-foot canopy storage. And for those who want total protection, they even have fully enclosed 12x40 inside storage units.
Think about the sheer convenience. You’re done with a long weekend on the water. You’re tired, happy, and just want to be home. Instead of stressing about where to park the boat, you swing by your secure spot, park it, and you’re done. No tickets. No shuffling. No annoyed neighbors.
And when that first perfect spring day hits? You just swing by, hook up, and head straight for the water, bypassing the entire "Is today the day I get a ticket?" anxiety.
Living in Fort Collins is about embracing the lifestyle—the proximity to the mountains, the vibrant downtown, the adventures on the Poudre. Don't let a parking ordinance be the source of your stress. Solving the 48-hour rule dilemma is as simple as finding the right home for your boat, and thankfully, we’ve got great local options right here to do just that.