If you plan on a full-time RV living in the State of Washington, then it’s likely that you have some questions about how to proceed. You’ll find answers to nearly all your questions, including those about insurance, where you can set up your RV, and any laws about hauling a trailer in this guide.
Please note that this is not an official source of information, and rules and regulations may have changed since the writing of this article. Please always check with your local authorities before making any long-term decisions and if you are unsure of your local laws.
Can You Live in an RV Full Time in Washington?
Washington allows RV living full time. However, certain municipalities have their own laws that might place restrictions on such living. For example, the restrictions in Snohomish County include a proviso that if you’re living in your RV as a primary residence, then you’re limited to 180 days out of every year. That rule also applies to living in an RV park.
However, if you’re only occasionally using the RV, then there’s no limit on how long you can keep it on your property. In all cases, the RV must be functional and be ready for highway driving. Check with the building commission in any town where you wish to settle to find out any specific zoning regulations.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Washington
Washington’s rules allow for RV living, but there are variations in where it’s allowed, how long at one place it’s allowed, and whether or not it can be your primary residence.
RV Parking Laws
In the State of Washington, street parking laws require you to park at least 15 feet from a fire hydrant, 20 feet from a crosswalk, 30 feet from a stop sign or traffic light, and 50 feet from a railway crossing. It’s also possible for you to accumulate multiple tickets for the same violation. The rule is that you can receive one ticket every four hours if you’re in violation of Washington parking laws. Additionally, if your RV winds up being wheel-locked for more than 24 hours, then it’s subject to impound.
Trailer Towing Laws
Washington trailer laws state that trailers cannot be longer than 53 feet without a special permit and that the total length of towing vehicle and trailer cannot be more than 75 feet. Vehicles with single axles are allowed to pull trailers that weigh up to 20,000 pounds. If a vehicle has double axles, then it’s allowed to pull trailers of up to 34,000 pounds. You also have to have mirrors on the trailer that show at least 200 feet of roadway behind the back end of the trailer. No one is allowed to ride in the back of an RV while it is in motion.
Boondocking Regulations
There are more than 16 million acres of public land in the Pacific Northwest with much of it in Washington. The state has nine national forests, and the Bureau of Land Management administers many RV campgrounds in its locations. Boondocking in Washington is both easy to find and rewarding to experience, so you should contact the various campgrounds that offer it to find out the relevant particulars.
RV Insurance Requirements
The general rules for vehicle insurance in Washington are that you either have to purchase an insurance policy from a company in Washington or already have purchased one in another state. In Washington, trailers don’t need liability insurance because they have no motors. They’re covered under their towing vehicle’s policy. You will need to secure additional policies, however, if you want your trailer to be covered against theft or damage.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
In Washington, the rules for BLM camping are that you must move at least 25 miles from your previous location after having spent 14 days there out of any 28-day period. Thereafter, you may not return to the first location for 28 consecutive days. The rules for national forests are the same as those for federal lands. When it comes to camping in state parks, the limit is 10 days in any given month and only 90 days in total in any given year.
Full-Time RVing in Seattle
The perks of living in Seattle include being able to take day trips to Mount Rainier, attend games of the Mariners, Kraken, and Seahawks in the appropriate seasons and taking day cruises in Puget Sound. It’s also fun to visit the Space Needle and to learn about the city in its various museums. When it comes to camping, there are many Seattle-area RV campgrounds from which to choose.
RVing in Seattle FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Seattle?
You’re not able to park on the street in Seattle for longer than 72 hours. There are also areas that might be reserved for food trucks on certain days. Pay attention to all signs.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Seattle?
Yes, you may live in your RV on your own land in Seattle. Remember, in certain cases, you’re limited to 180 days out of every year, so be sure to check the relevant zoning laws for the neighborhood where you stay in your RV.
Full-Time RVing in Olympia
Aside from the fine collection of RV campgrounds, resorts, and parks in Olympia, you’ll find many perks about Washington’s capital city. These include being near enough to visit the Mount St. Helens National Monument and to take a walking tour of the forests of the peninsula. You can also explore both interesting museums and exciting wildlife refuges while in Olympia.
RVing in Olympia FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Olympia?
You may park your RV on the street in Olympia in your RV, but without a permit, you’re limited to a maximum of 24 hours, and you may not park between the hours of 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. You’re also not allowed to move to a different location within the city during those 24 hours.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Olympia?
Yes, you may live in your RV on your own property in Olympia under the same stipulations that apply to the whole State of Washington.
How to Live in an RV Full time
RV living full time is something for which you must plan so that you don’t run into pitfalls that ruin the experience. Flexibility is key because you may have to follow different laws in different places, even within the same state. Your first order of business before arriving in Washington is to set Washington as your “domicile.” That means that you’ll have an address in the state where you’ll both conduct business and receive mail. In many cases, this will be a post office box, which makes sense when you might have to change where you park the RV every 180 days.
Because you’ll be considered a Washington resident, you’ll need a new driver’s license from the state. The same is true of any other identification documents you might need. You’ll also need to register to vote in Washington. If you decide to go traveling, then you’ll need to apply for an absentee ballot if your trip coincides with an election.
You also have to look into your children’s schooling if you have children. You can enroll them at a regular school or home-school them. If you plan on using Washington as a base while traveling, then you should look into your children’s ability to attend school virtually. If your children cannot attend virtually, you might have to re-register them at a new school each time you move to a different location.
It’s also smart to try to find a general practitioner in Washington who is accepting new patients so that you have somewhere to go for prescription refills, vaccinations, and other routine medical care. It’s also wise to make sure that you have the right kind of health insurance for your family should the need arise.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Long-term campgrounds: In Washington, you can stay in one of these for up to 180 days.
• Private property: When your RV is your primary residence on your property, then the same 180-day rule applies.
RVing in Washington FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while traveling through the U.S.?
In the State of Washington, you are allowed to sleep in a rest area for eight hours before you have to leave it. There are exceptions, though, and these will be clearly marked with signs from the Washington Department of Transportation.
What is the new RV law in Washington?
The Washington Supreme Court issued a ruling that cities can force people living in their RVs to move.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Washington?
Yes, within the bounds of municipal zoning laws and state laws, you may live in your RV full time.
Can I park my RV on my property in Washington?
Yes, you may live in your RV on your own property. However, this is limited to 180 days if your RV is your primary residence.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Washington?
Yes, you are allowed to purchase land and live on it in your RV. The same 180-day restriction applies.
How long can I stay at an RV Park in Washington?
The State of Washington limits you to 180 days in any one RV campground, resort, or park. Campgrounds are allowed to set their own limits, however, so it’d be a good idea to check with the applicable campground to determine if the limit differs from the state’s.
Washington is among the easiest states in which to live in your RV full time. The rules are clear-cut and reasonable. When you pick an RV campground, remember to look out for your pets’ interests before booking your campsite. If you are still deciding if living in an RV full time is right for you, consider renting an RV in Washington to experiment with the lifestyle.
