Living in an RV full time in Alaska can be a rewarding adventure, but it’s important to do your homework first. You’ll need to know the specific rules and regulations covering issues such as insurance, parking, trailer towing, and camping on public and private land. To get you started, we’ll provide many details you must know to live in an RV full time in the Last Frontier state.
Can You Live in an RV Full Time in Alaska?
Yes, you can live in an RV full time in Alaska. Specific codes apply in specific cities, so check them out. Remember that Alaska has particular driving laws during the winter months. Generally, you will need to use tire chains or studded tires for your RV. Studded tires are allowed from mid-September to mid-April. Some areas of the state, such as the Dalton Highway and Thompson Pass, have more specific laws, so be sure to check before traveling in your camper.
In some areas of Alaska, it regularly gets down to -30°F in the winter. This can pose difficulties when living full time in an RV. Plan on having multiple heat sources available. In addition, adding insulation to the top and bottom of the trailer will help. If you plan to stay in one area for a long time, consider adding skirting around the bottom of the trailer so that wind and snow cannot get under it.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Alaska
To live full time in an RV in Alaska, you will need to follow regulations that cover activities like parking, trailer towing, and boondocking. It’s important to become familiar with them so that you don’t have to pay a hefty fine if you accidentally violate one. Rules may change over time, so always check for updates from official sources.
RV Parking Laws
In much of rural Alaska, there are few laws about where to park an RV. In some cities, like Anchorage and Fairbanks, there may be local zoning laws. Even when RV parking is not expressly prohibited, some towns may restrict it so that RVs won’t interfere with snow and ice removal from city streets.
Trailer Towing Laws
Trailers being towed cannot exceed 45 feet in most cases. Typically, this law also applies to motorhomes. If you tow a trailer and a second unit, like a boat or car hauler, the total length cannot exceed 75 feet. No part of the tow vehicle or trailer can be wider than 102 inches or taller than 15 feet. If your rig exceeds these limits, you may be able to obtain an oversize permit by contacting the Alaska Department of Transportation.
Boondocking Regulations
Alaska offers many boondocking opportunities. There are no statewide rules against boondocking if you have permission to be on private property. If the place where you want to boondock is tribal land, you will need to gain permission from tribal officials before parking your RV there.
RV Insurance Requirements
You need insurance to drive an RV in Alaska. As of 2024, the minimum amount is $50,000 per personal injury or death, $100,000 per accident for personal injury or death, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
Opportunities abound to camp on public lands in Alaska. For example, you can boondock in many areas of Tongass National Forest for up to 16 out of 30 days before you must move at least 5 road miles away. The Bureau of Land Management owns about 13% of the land in Alaska, and you can generally camp there for up to 14 of 28 days at one site before needing to move to another location at least 2 miles away.
Alaska has approximately 120 state parks, many of which have a campground or allow boondocking. The length of time that you can camp at each location varies from four to 15 days. You can also camp at many locations owned by the Department of Natural Resources for up to 14 days. Alaska’s national parks that are reachable by road have seasonal campgrounds. Generally, you can camp there for 14 days. Some municipalities and boroughs operate campgrounds where you can boondock.
Full-Time RVing in Anchorage
There are many areas of Anchorage where you cannot live in an RV full time. They include city parks, shelters, private and public schools, and near the downtown area. Title 21 of the Anchorage Municipal Code has all the regulations that apply. Full-time RVing may also be against homeowner association rules in other areas of the city.
RVing in Anchorage FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Anchorage?
In general, you can park a trailer or motorhome for up to two hours on an Anchorage street or on municipal property. But, you cannot park along some roads or during particular hours. It’s best to get the details before you park.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Anchorage?
Generally, the only time that you can live in an RV on your property in Anchorage is if your home is being built or remodeled on the same lot. Even then, some HOAs may prohibit this activity entirely.
Full-Time RVing in Juneau
You can live in an RV full time in Juneau on private property. The city and boroughs maintain campsites along public rights of way. The Juneau Municipal Code establishes special rules for camping near the downtown area. Some HOAs may have special rules. The city operates the Mill Campground, where guests can stay free from May through October.
RVing in Juneau FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Juneau?
You can generally park an RV for a short period in any public parking lot in Juneau or along public streets where parking is allowed. Note that special rules may be enforced during severe weather events.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Juneau?
It depends on how the property’s location is zoned. Check with the borough for further details.
Full-Time RVing in Fairbanks
Fairbanks North Star Borough zoning laws cover living in an RV in Fairbanks. Camping is allowed for up to 14 days out of 30 days on all borough lands not used for another purpose. The city allows camping in designated areas at Pioneer Park and Chena Lake Recreation Area from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Guests can stay five days before leaving for at least one night and may not stay more than 15 out of 30 days.
RVing in Fairbanks FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Fairbanks?
You can park along public streets for short periods in Fairbanks, but you cannot sleep or prepare food in the vehicle while doing so.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Fairbanks?
You cannot live in an RV on private property in Fairbanks. It is against the city’s laws. However, some people may qualify for a Conditional Use permit that allows them to live in an RV for a specific period.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
Learning how to live in an RV full time requires thinking through many things, but some people find it an exhilarating experience. Most people find that they need to downsize when moving from traditional housing to an RV. You may also find that you live closer to other people than you are used to. You need to choose the type of water tank that meets your expectations the best.
You also need to think about if solar panels or another choice will provide you with the electricity that you need. Another factor to consider is how you will get your mail as you move from one location to the next. Your mailing address will probably be your voting address, so be sure to keep it updated as needed. You also need a permanent address for your driver’s license.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
There are many types of properties where you can live, including:
• Public lands
• Public campgrounds
• Private and public facilities in exchange for labor
RVing in Alaska FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the US?
You can sleep in an RV while driving through the United States. People choose different options, such as boondocking on public lands, working in exchange for a place to park their RV, or staying in campgrounds.
What is the new RV law in Alaska?
There are no new statewide laws regarding RVing in Alaska. However, some cities, like Juneau, are making it illegal to camp in particular areas to control homelessness.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Alaska?
It is legal to live in an RV full time in Alaska. However, you may need to move the RV to a new place regularly and may not be able to live in it in particular locations.
Can I park my RV on my property in Alaska?
It depends on the location of your property if you can legally park your RV there. While it is acceptable in most rural areas, some municipalities and homeowners associations have specific laws forbidding it.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Alaska?
You can buy property in some areas of the Last Frontier and live on it in an RV. In other places, this is forbidden.
How long can you stay at an RV park in Alaska?
The length of time you can stay at an RV park in Alaska depends on many factors. Check with the campground when making reservations or upon arrival.
It’s possible to enjoy RV living full time in Alaska. While you may need to change campsites regularly, there are many options to camp long term in national forests, national parks, state parks, and on Bureau of Land Management property. In some cities, living in your RV is against the law. Remember to check local ordinances to find out about parking and camping regulations. Before you decide if this is the right lifestyle choice for you, rent an RV and try it out.
