Can Someone Live in an RV? (Your Ultimate Guide to Full-Time RV Living)

Would you like to save this article?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later to read!

Have you ever dreamed of waking up to a different view every morning? Want to say goodbye to your mortgage and hello to adventure? If you’re wondering “can someone live in an RV,” the answer is a big, exciting YES! But before you sell everything and hit the road, there’s a lot you need to know.

Living in an RV full-time isn’t just for retirees anymore. Families, young couples, solo adventurers, and remote workers are all discovering the freedom and flexibility of RV life. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making an RV your full-time home—from the legal stuff to the fun stuff!

1. Yes, You CAN Live in an RV Full-Time!

Let’s get straight to the point: living in an RV full-time is totally legal in most parts of the United States. There’s no federal law that says you can’t call an RV your home. Thousands of people are doing it right now, and that number keeps growing every year!

Here’s what makes it possible:

RVs can be registered as your primary residence
You can claim an RV as your legal domicile
Many states welcome full-time RVers with open arms
You can work, get mail, and live just like anyone else

The key is understanding where and how you can park your home on wheels. Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean you can park anywhere you want—but don’t worry, we’ll cover all that below!

2. Understanding the Legal Side: Where Can You Live in an RV?

Okay, so living in an RV is legal, but the rules change depending on where you park. Think of it like this: it’s legal to own a house, but you still need to follow zoning laws about where you can build it.

States That LOVE RV Living:

Some states roll out the red carpet for full-time RVers:

RV-Friendly States	Why They’re Great
Texas	No state income tax, lots of RV parks, relaxed regulations
Florida	Warm weather year-round, RV-friendly laws, no state income tax
South Dakota	Easy residency, great mail forwarding services, RV-friendly
Arizona	Beautiful desert landscapes, snowbird paradise, welcoming laws
Oregon	Can park on public land up to 14 days, minimal restrictions
Montana	Beautiful scenery, relaxed regulations, year-round living allowed

States with STRICT Rules:

A few states make RV living harder:

Delaware – Strictly prohibits full-time RV living (you can get a $100 fine!)
Hawaii – Very limited RV camping allowed, strict parking restrictions
Michigan – State law prohibits travel trailers as permanent residences
Indiana – Some counties have ordinances against full-time RV living

Pro Tip: Always check your local city and county ordinances before settling down. Even in RV-friendly states, some cities have their own rules!

3. Can You Live in an RV on Your Own Property?

This is one of the most common questions people ask! The answer is: maybe, depending on where you live.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ In many places, YES – As long as local zoning laws allow it ✅ You might need permits – Some counties require special permits for RV living ✅ Septic requirements – Your RV might need to connect to a septic system ✅ Time limits – Some areas limit how long you can stay in an RV on your property

States where it’s generally easier:

Texas (with proper permits)
Pennsylvania (on your own property or with owner permission)
Arkansas (on private property)
North Carolina (on owned or leased property)

Always call your local zoning office before parking your RV permanently on your land. A quick phone call can save you from headaches later!

4. How Much Does It REALLY Cost to Live in an RV?

Let’s talk money! One of the biggest reasons people choose RV living is to save money—but is it actually cheaper than a house or apartment?

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Here’s what real full-time RVers spend each month:

Expense Category	Low Budget	Mid Budget	High Budget
RV Payment/Rent	$0 (paid off)	$400	$800
Campground Fees	$0-300 (boondocking)	$500-800	$1,000-1,500
Fuel/Travel	$100	$300	$600
Groceries	$300	$500	$800
Insurance	$100	$150	$300
Phone/Internet	$50	$100	$150
Maintenance	$100	$200	$400
Entertainment	$50	$150	$300
TOTAL	$1,000-1,700	$2,300-3,000	$4,350-5,650

Reality Check: Most full-time RVers spend between $1,600 and $5,000 per month. If you’re super frugal and boondock (camp for free), you can live on $1,000 a month. If you want luxury RV resorts and constant travel, expect closer to $5,000.

Compared to traditional living:

Average rent in the U.S.: $1,700-2,500/month (just for housing!)
RV living can be 30-70% cheaper than renting an apartment
You save on utilities, property taxes, and home maintenance

5. The AMAZING Benefits of RV Living (Why People Love It!)

Now for the fun part! Here’s why so many people are choosing to live in RVs:

🌄 Freedom to Travel

Wake up in the mountains on Monday, the beach on Friday! Your home goes wherever you go. No more saving up for vacations—you’re always on vacation!

💰 Save Money

No more mortgage payments, no property taxes, and way lower utility bills. Many RVers save thousands of dollars every year.

🌿 Live Closer to Nature

Park your home next to hiking trails, lakes, or national parks. Nature becomes your backyard!

☀️ Follow the Weather

Hate winter? Drive south! Too hot in summer? Head to the mountains! You can chase perfect weather all year long.

🧘 Simpler, Minimalist Life

Less stuff means less stress. You’ll focus on experiences instead of things. It’s surprisingly freeing!

🏡 Bring Everything You Need

Unlike hotel travel, you always have your own bed, kitchen, and bathroom. Your favorite coffee mug? It comes with you!

👥 Amazing Community

RVers are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. There’s an instant connection with other full-timers.

6. The Challenges You Need to Know About

Let’s be honest—RV living isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Here are the real challenges you’ll face:

😓 Limited Space

Living in 200-400 square feet is tight. You’ll need to downsize BIG TIME and get creative with storage.

🔧 Constant Maintenance

RVs are like houses on wheels—things break, leak, and need fixing. Regularly. Budget for repairs!

📍 Planning Required

You can’t just show up anywhere. Popular spots fill up fast, especially in summer. You’ll need to plan ahead.

🌐 Internet Can Be Tricky

If you work remotely, finding reliable WiFi is a constant challenge. You’ll need backup plans (and backups for your backups!).

❄️ Weather Extremes

RVs aren’t insulated like houses. Summer can be hot, winter can be freezing. You’ll need good climate control systems.

👨‍👩‍👧 Relationships Tested

Living in close quarters with family or a partner can be challenging. Personal space? What’s that?

💵 Unexpected Costs

Tire blowouts, engine problems, broken water heaters—RV repairs can be expensive and come out of nowhere.

7. Where Can You Park Your RV? (All Your Options!)

So you’ve got an RV—now where do you park it? You have lots of options!

🏕️ RV Parks & Campgrounds

Cost: $30-100+ per night, $300-1,500/month
Includes: Electric, water, sewer hookups, WiFi, laundry, pools
Best for: Beginners, those who want amenities and community

🌲 Boondocking (Free Camping!)

Cost: FREE!
Where: BLM land, National Forests, some parking lots
Best for: Adventurous folks with self-contained RVs

🏞️ National & State Parks

Cost: $20-50 per night
Includes: Beautiful locations, basic hookups, nature access
Best for: Nature lovers, weekend warriors

🏠 Private Property

Cost: Varies (sometimes free for friends/family!)
Where: Your own land, friend’s property (with permission)
Best for: Those staying in one area longer

🏪 Overnight Parking

Cost: FREE (usually)
Where: Walmart, Cracker Barrel, rest stops, casinos
Best for: Traveling between destinations, emergency stops

Pro Tip: Download apps like Campendium, iOverlander, and The Dyrt to find the best camping spots wherever you go!

8. Choosing the RIGHT RV for Full-Time Living

Not all RVs are created equal! If you’re living in one full-time, you need to choose wisely.

🚐 Class A Motorhome

Size: 26-45 feet
Best for: Families, luxury seekers
Pros: Spacious, tons of amenities, feels like a house
Cons: Expensive ($100K-500K+), lower gas mileage (6-10 mpg)

🚙 Class B Camper Van

Size: 16-21 feet
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, city dwellers
Pros: Easy to drive and park, better gas mileage (14-18 mpg)
Cons: Very limited space, fewer amenities

🚌 Class C Motorhome

Size: 20-33 feet
Best for: Small families, first-timers
Pros: Good balance of space and maneuverability, more affordable
Cons: Still expensive, moderate gas mileage (10-14 mpg)

🏘️ Fifth Wheel Trailer

Size: 20-40 feet
Best for: Stationary living, those with a truck
Pros: More space, cheaper than motorhomes, separate living areas
Cons: Need a heavy-duty truck, hard to move frequently

🏕️ Travel Trailer

Size: 12-35 feet
Best for: Budget-conscious, variety of tow vehicles
Pros: Most affordable, lots of options, easier to unhitch
Cons: Less space than fifth wheels, sway issues on highway

Shopping Tips:

Don’t pay full price! Negotiate 20-35% off new RVs
Consider buying used (1-3 years old) for huge savings
Rent first before you buy to test different styles
Think about where you’ll park most often

9. How to Get Your Mail While Living on the Road

“But where do I get my mail?” Great question! Here are your options:

📬 Mail Forwarding Services

Companies like:

Escapees RV Club – $100-150/year
St. Brendan’s Isle – Florida-based, popular choice
MyDakotaAddress – South Dakota domicile service
Good Sam Mail Service – Nationwide options

How it works: They receive your mail, scan it, and forward it to wherever you are. Simple!

👨‍👩‍👧 Family or Friends

Ask a trusted family member to receive and forward your mail. Free, but requires coordination!

📮 General Delivery

Use USPS General Delivery to any post office. Pick it up when you arrive in a new town.

10. Working While Living in Your RV

Wondering how to make money on the road? Lots of options!

💻 Remote Work

Perfect jobs for RV life:

Software developer
Writer/blogger/content creator
Virtual assistant
Graphic designer
Customer service representative
Online teacher/tutor
Accountant/bookkeeper
Social media manager

🏕️ Seasonal Jobs

Campground host (often includes free camping!)
National park ranger
Amazon CamperForce (seasonal warehouse work)
Ski resort staff
Harvest work
State fair workers

🚚 Freelance & Gig Work

Photography
Handyman services
Pet sitting
House sitting
Uber/Lyft driving
Selling crafts on Etsy

Internet Tip: Invest in a good hotspot, cell signal booster, and backup internet options. Reliable internet is CRUCIAL for remote work!

11. Downsizing: Getting Rid of Your Stuff

This is the hard part for many people. Going from a 2,000 square foot house to a 250 square foot RV means serious downsizing!

📦 What to Keep:

Essential clothing (1-2 weeks worth)
Important documents (keep digital copies too!)
Kitchen basics (minimal cookware)
Personal items that bring joy
Work equipment (laptop, tools)

🗑️ What to Ditch:

Duplicate items
“Someday” items you haven’t used in a year
Bulky furniture
Excessive decorations
Most books (get a Kindle!)

💡 Smart Storage Solutions:

Rent a small storage unit for sentimental items
Store with family (just a few boxes)
Scan important documents and photos
Sell everything else!

The One-Year Rule: If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it!

12. Essential Systems You Need to Understand

Living in an RV means understanding how everything works. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds!

💧 Water System

Fresh water tank – Holds clean water for drinking, cooking, showers
Grey water tank – Collects water from sinks and shower
Black water tank – Holds toilet waste (yes, someone has to empty it!)

Pro Tip: Fill fresh water from clean sources, and dump tanks at designated dump stations every few days.

⚡ Electrical System

Shore power – Plug into campground outlets (30 or 50 amp)
Generator – Backup power when not plugged in
Solar panels – Free power from the sun!
Batteries – Store power for lights and devices

🔥 Propane

Powers your:

Stove and oven
Water heater
Furnace
Sometimes the refrigerator

Safety First: Always use a propane detector and check for leaks regularly!

13. Staying Healthy & Safe on the Road

Your health and safety matter, even (especially!) in an RV!

🏥 Healthcare Options:

Health insurance – Keep good coverage (required by law)
Telemedicine – Video doctor visits from anywhere
Urgent care clinics – Available in most towns
Prescription delivery – Mail-order pharmacies
Dental/vision care – Plan visits during your travels

🔒 Safety Tips:

Lock your doors (sounds obvious, but do it!)
Trust your gut about campground locations
Keep emergency supplies on hand
Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detector
Know your escape routes
Carry a first aid kit
Share your location with family

🐕 Pet Safety:

If you have furry friends:

Never leave pets in hot RVs
Bring extra water on hikes
Update microchip information
Carry vet records
Research pet-friendly campgrounds

14. RV Living with Kids: Is It Possible?

Absolutely! Thousands of families are raising kids on the road. Here’s how they make it work:

📚 Education Options:

Homeschooling – Most popular choice for RV families
Online school programs – Structured curriculum
Road schooling – Learning through travel experiences
World is your classroom! – History at actual historic sites, science in nature

RV park communities
Local sports teams (even temporarily!)
Online friend groups
RV family meetups
Local library programs

🎮 Entertainment:

Download movies/shows for offline viewing
Board games and cards
Nature exploration
Bikes and outdoor toys
Creative projects

Parent Tip: Kids adapt faster than adults! Most RV kids love the lifestyle and don’t want to go back to traditional living.

15. Your First 30 Days: Getting Started

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s your action plan:

Before You Hit the Road:

✅ Choose and purchase your RV
✅ Establish domicile in an RV-friendly state
✅ Set up mail forwarding
✅ Get RV insurance
✅ Downsize your belongings
✅ Practice driving/towing your RV
✅ Learn basic RV maintenance
✅ Plan your first few destinations

First Week Tips:

Start with short trips (1-2 hours away)
Stay at full-hookup campgrounds (easier for beginners)
Join online RV communities for support
Watch YouTube tutorials on RV systems
Don’t pack your schedule too tight
Expect mistakes—everyone makes them!

First Month Focus:

Figure out your routine
Test all your systems
Learn what you really need (and don’t need)
Adjust your budget
Meet other RVers
Stay flexible and have fun!

16. Common Mistakes to AVOID

Learn from others’ mistakes! Here’s what NOT to do:

❌ Buying too big of an RV – Bigger isn’t always better! Consider where you’ll park and how much you’ll travel.

❌ Not having an emergency fund – RV repairs are expensive. Save at least $3,000-5,000 for emergencies.

❌ Forgetting to level your RV – An unlevel RV causes appliance problems and uncomfortable sleep!

❌ Ignoring weight limits – Overloading your RV is dangerous and illegal. Know your limits!

❌ Not winterizing – If you’ll be in cold weather, winterize your plumbing or it’ll freeze and break.

❌ Rushing the lifestyle – Start slow, learn as you go, and don’t sell everything on day one!

17. Real People Share: What’s It REALLY Like?

“After three years on the road, I can’t imagine going back to a house. Yes, the space is small, but the life is BIG!” – Michelle, Making Sense of Cents

“The best part? My kids are learning geography by actually seeing the places they read about in books. History comes alive!” – Full-time RV family

“Is it cheaper? For us, yes. We spend about $2,500 a month versus $3,500+ for our old mortgage and bills.” – Reddit RV Living community member

“The hardest part was adjusting to the minimalist lifestyle. But now I realize I don’t miss any of that stuff we got rid of!” – RVer from Reader’s Digest interview

Helpful Videos to Watch

Want to see RV living in action? Check out these helpful videos:

RV Living Basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLARpnU1e08

Full Time RV Living Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PQdQihGhhg

Cost Breakdown for RV Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etpumclhKuU

Tips from Experienced RVers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_VtoWxmCTM

RV Life Hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j29EY6_OmBg

Final Thoughts: Is RV Living Right for YOU?

So, can someone live in an RV? Not only can you—thousands of people are thriving doing it right now!

RV living offers incredible freedom, adventure, and simplicity. You’ll save money, see amazing places, and create memories that last a lifetime. But it also requires flexibility, problem-solving, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

You should try RV living if you:

Love adventure and new experiences
Want to simplify your life
Enjoy being outdoors
Can handle small spaces
Want location independence
Dream of seeing more of the country

It might not be for you if you:

Need lots of personal space
Aren’t handy with repairs
Prefer stability and routine
Have health issues requiring specific care
Can’t handle constant planning

The bottom line? RV living is totally doable, incredibly rewarding, and yes—someone can definitely live in an RV! In fact, that someone could be YOU.

Start small, do your research, and take the leap when you’re ready. The open road is waiting! 🚐✨

Sources:

All information in this article was researched from the following trusted sources:

RV Doctor – RV Living Laws 2025: States That Allow Full-Time RV Residency
Reader’s Digest – I Live in an RV Year-Round: Here’s What It’s Really Like
Anker Solix – How to Start Living in an RV Permanently: A Complete Guide
Jackery – Why is Living in an RV Illegal: Everything You Need to Know
RVShare – A Guide to Full-Time RV Living in New Jersey
Nomads in Nature – Cost of Living in an RV Full Time
The Adventure Detour – How Much Does Full-Time RVing Cost?
Cinderstravels – 51 Answers to Your Most Pressing Full-Time RV Living Questions
KOA Camping Blog – Full-Time RV Living: 16 Expert Tips & Insights
Roadtrippers – Full-Time RV Living Tips, Costs & How to Start
Outdoorsy – The Cost of RV Living: Complete Guide
Two Happy Campers – A-Z Guide to Full-Time RV Living
Dueling Journeys – 20 Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Living
RV Lifestyle – 10 RV Lifestyle Pros And Cons
Progressive Life Lanes – How To Live in an RV Full-Time
Transwest – What States Allow You to Live in an RV on Your Property?
Jalopnik – It’s Illegal To Live In An RV On Your Property In These US States