From Nomadic Dreams to Legal Reality: 10 States Where Living in an RV is Your Right!

While a majority of RV owners use their vehicles for the purpose of embarking on adventures, a portion of them opt for a full-time lifestyle within their mobile homes. The permissibility of residing in an RV is subject to specific geographical restrictions, as certain areas deem it unlawful while others embrace it. This article delves into a comprehensive exploration of 10 states where the option to live in an RV on one's property is legally recognized. It also sheds light on the diverse array of regulations and distinctive considerations that RV residents ought to factor in when selecting an ideal location to settle down.

RV-Friendly States: Live on Your Own Property in These 10 Places

These ten states have regulations that allow individuals to live in their RVs on their private property: States that allow RV residency include: California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, Florida, Nevada,Texas, South Dakota, and Washington. This is exciting news, as many of these states are renowned for offering exceptional RV camping experiences.


It's important to differentiate between using a vehicle for camping and using it as a permanent residence. However, those who choose to live in their RVs might still desire occasional camping adventures. Among the states, California stands out as an ideal choice due to its diverse range of attractions and RV-friendly amenities. Washington, Colorado, Texas, and Florida also offer enticing options for such experiences. While Arizona and Pennsylvania provide satisfactory camping prospects, Nevada and South Dakota fall short in comparison. What factors contribute to this discrepancy?

Some states exhibit greater leniency compared to others

Although those ten states allow individuals to reside in an RV on their own land, there are several factors owners should consider before moving to any of them. The first is financial. Because such states let individuals to live in RVs on their own land, property costs and the owner's work will be important considerations.

RV owners who work from home will most likely have it simpler than others. People in such jobs may wish to look into states with low property taxes or nil or low state income taxes. Washington, Texas, and Florida do not have state income taxes, while Colorado has a low income tax. And, while California has a state income tax, its property taxes are lower than the national average.

Furthermore, while South Dakota is not ideal for RV camping, it is one of the few states that provides mail-forwarding services.


RV owners should also examine any additional legislation that may apply to them. California, Colorado, and Washington, for example, are marijuana-friendly, but Texas is not. Even though states permit RV dwelling, towns and municipalities inside such states may oppose it, according to VEHQ.