How to Store Outdoor Gear in South Dakota
Reno Gulch Storage
September 1st, 2025
Hiking in the Black Hills, camping in one of South Dakota’s many state parks, going on a weekend bike trip. Spending time in the great outdoors is fun for the whole family.
But along with those activities comes a whole lot of gear. Don’t let it take over your garage, closets and living spaces.
With the right storage techniques, it’s easy to keep everything organized and protect your gear for many more years of fun adventures. Here’s how.
Get Everything Organized
First, gather up all your gear that you want to store. Discard any broken items, and consider donating or selling any items you don’t use anymore.
Group similar items together to prepare for storage. For instance, keeping your tent, lantern, sleeping bags and cooler together will help make your next camping trip a breeze.
Clean Everything Thoroughly
Dust, mud and dirt don’t just look bad. They can also damage your outdoor gear over time, even shortening its lifespan.
No outdoor enthusiast wants to deal with more frequent maintenance, especially for expensive gear like bikes and paddleboards.
Always clean your gear before putting it into storage, and ensure that everything is completely dry to avoid mold and mildew.
Use Labeled Bins or Boxes
Heavy-duty plastic bins are our top pick for pretty much any item you might need to store. Not only are they more durable and water-resistant than cardboard, keeping your gear safe no matter where you store it.
Write a detailed label on every bin, and always return items to their designated spot after every use to make your gear easy to find, every time you need it.
If your busy family participates in many different outdoor activities, consider assigning each person their own bin for each different sport or hobby. Rotate bins out of your home and into self storage at the end of each eason for easy access.
Our Top Tips for Specific Outdoor Gear
Camping and Hiking Gear
Love sleeping under the stars and hiking in state parks? Hiking and camping are the perfect way to see South Dakota, but there’s no doubt that storing all your gear can be a chore.
While it’s tempting to try and save space, don’t compress your sleeping bag too tightly. It can lead to the insulation becoming unevenly clumped together. Instead, roll it loosely or, better yet, hang it up in a closet.
Always make sure your tent and sleeping bags are completely dry before you store them. Even if it didn’t rain, condensation can still build up overnight. Leave your tent out to dry after you return home, ensuring that it’s dry before folding it back up.
Give your cooler, camping stove, utensils and other cooking gear a thorough wash before storing them. Never leave any food or crumbs in your long-term storage bins or self storage unit. This can lead to mold or attract unwanted pests.
Skis and Snowboards
Whether you prefer to stay local and hit Terry Peak or take a road trip down to the Rocky Mountains, there’s no better way to enjoy winter than hitting the slopes.
But when spring arrives, it’s time to store those skis so they’re not taking up all the space in your garage. If your family has multiple snowboards or sets of skis, consider investing in a rack.
Storing in your home garage? Wall-mounted models keep your skis up and out of the way. Opting for a storage unit to clear up some room at home? Freestanding racks hold your skis and boards, leaving you with extra floor space.
Bikes
Biking is a healthy way to get out of the house and see some of our most beautiful trails here in South Dakota.
When cold temperatures and snow roll around though, it’s time to put the bike away for a few months. Always keep your bike inside to avoid weather damage and rusty parts.
Before putting your bike into storage, clean and dry everything thoroughly. Now is a good time to complete routine maintenance tasks, like checking your frame, brake pads, tires, cassette and chain for signs of wear.
Sports Equipment
Got kids on sports teams, or are you an avid athlete yourself? Uniforms, padding, rackets, balls and other equipment can quickly pile up, taking up far too much closet and garage space.
Sturdy plastic bins are the perfect solution to keep everything straight. Whether you keep them in the garage or closet, they make everything far easier to access.
In the off-season, gear and uniforms can be stored away from your home in a secure storage unit, ready to be cycled into regular use whenever you need.
Water Sport Equipment and Pool Gear
Nothing feels better in the hot summer months than hopping in the pool or boating on Pactola Lake or Sheridan Lake.
Before storing any water gear, give everything a thorough cleaning. Chlorine, algae and dirt build up over time, and can cause damage over time.
While small items like inflatable inner tubes and goggles are easy enough to store in your garage, large vessels like kayaks and stand up paddleboards need more space. A self storage unit is the perfect place to keep them safe and out of your way.
RVs and Boats
While not “gear” in the typical sense, you still need a place to store your recreational vehicles. If parking them at home isn’t an option, self storage facilities that offer vehicle storage are a great alternative.
At Reno Gulch Self Storage, for instance, we offer highly convenient uncovered parking for boats, RVs and cars. We also now offer full-enclosed 12’x35’ units, large enough to keep your vehicle safe from the weather.
Store Your Outdoor Gear Today
If you’re ready to spend more time exploring South Dakota’s great outdoors and less time decluttering your garage, Reno Gulch Self Storage is here to help.
Located in Hill City, we provide secure, budget-friendly solutions to help keep your outdoor gear neatly stored year-round. Easily rent a unit online within minutes, or contact our friendly on-site staff to learn more.