At nearly 164,000 square miles, California is the third-largest state by area in the country. There are nine national parks, dozens of state parks, and many other wondrous places to explore in your RV. Read on to find out more about living in an RV full time while in California. You’ll find answers to many of your questions.
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 California?
Although you aren’t allowed to live in your RV as a primary residence in California, as long as you neither create a health hazard nor a nuisance, you can live in your RV for periods of time. Some cities and counties have their own rules regarding living full time in your RV, so it’s a good idea to check with the relevant authorities. This does not include staying long term in a designated RV park. When it comes to public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management, you can stay 14 days in any one location before you have to move on.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in California
It’s important for you to know and understand the applicable local, state, and federal laws when it comes to living in your RV in California. By doing so, you can reduce the chance of hassles.
RV Parking Laws
RV parking laws in California vary from city to city. Those for the city of Gardena are representative. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. local time, it is not allowed for you to park your RV on any public street, avenue, alley, or other public thoroughfare.
It is likewise not allowed for you to do so in public city parks. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. First, if you have a permit to park where you do on a public thoroughfare or city park, then you’re good to go. The same holds true for guest permits. Also, if your vehicle breaks down, then you’re allowed to leave it where it sits for up to 48 hours
Trailer Towing Laws
You are not allowed to have anyone ride in your towed RV no matter its type. You’re required to do a safety check before setting out. This check should include making sure that pins, safety chains, plugs for the brake and indicator lights, and the hitch coupler are all connected correctly and are in good condition. California is a hilly state, and you have to have a tow vehicle with enough torque to be able to pull your trailer up mountain grades without losing speed.
Boondocking Regulations
You can’t just stop anywhere in California to boondock. Normally, you can choose sites belonging to the Bureau of Land Management or administered by the United States Forest Service. Some state parks allow it as well. In all areas, the principle of Leave No Trace applies.
RV Insurance Requirements
If your RV moves under its own power, then it needs its own insurance in California. However, if you have a fifth wheel, toy hauler, travel trailer, or other towed RV, then the liability insurance for the RV would be the same as that of the towing vehicle. If you want collision, fire, theft, or other kinds of insurance coverage for a towed RV, then the RV would need its own coverage.
If you live in your RV full time in California, then you’ll need special coverage. That coverage is similar to that of home policies that cover people for any injuries they might sustain while visiting you. In some cases, this insurance will also cover the property where you park your RV. There are other kinds of coverage available as well, such as pest damage, replacement of personal effects, and coverage for pets.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
The rules for Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in California are much the same as they are in other states. You’re allowed to stay for 14 days at any one location before you need to move to a different one. Also, that location must be at least 30 miles from your previous location. You cannot leave items or vehicles unattended on BLM land for more than 48 hours, or you risk it being removed. If you’re living in your RV full time, then you may not use BLM land for long-term occupancy because its 14-day rule has no exceptions.
Full-Time RVing in San Jose
In the city of San Jose, you’re not allowed to park an RV within 150 feet of a school. There are also distinct no-parking areas for RVs throughout the city. Generally, it’s best if you use RV parks or resorts. One of the most interesting sites you’ll encounter in your travels is the Winchester Mystery House, which is where the owner kept adding rooms for more than 30 years. The perks of full-time RVing in San Jose include many world-class dining options, year-round pleasant weather, and proximity to three national parks and other recreational opportunities.
RVing in San Jose FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in San Jose?
No, you may not. There are many designated areas where you aren’t allowed to park in San Jose. Contact the city for more information.
Can I live in my RV on my property in San Jose?
No, you may not. You have to go to an established RV park or resort to do so.
Full-Time RVing in San Diego
San Diego has made it illegal to stay overnight in a vehicle outside of two “safe parking lots” or in designated RV campgrounds and resorts. Still, the perks of full-time RVing in San Diego are many, including exceptional year-round weather, iconic beaches, and a thriving job market. If you like the great outdoors, then there are multiple state parks and three national parks all within a few hours’ drive of San Diego.
RVing in San Diego FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in San Diego?
No, you may not. The options for overnight parking in San Diego include two designated parking lots and the city’s RV campgrounds.
Can I live in my RV on my property in San Diego?
No, you may not. The only places to live in an RV full time are specific RV resorts and campgrounds.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
Living in your RV full time presents certain challenges because of your lack of a permanent address. The first thing you have to do is to establish a domicile. Think of it as a hypothetical “home base” from where you conduct business but have no actual brick-and-mortar home. You’ll have to have a driver’s license from that state. Some states require extra steps for RV drivers. You also have to register to vote in that state. When election time comes around, you would then vote by absentee ballot. Some states require you to file official documents about your domicile, and securing the advice of a lawyer is wise in these cases.
If you have school-age children, then you have to make sure that they attend school. You can either do this through homeschooling or by having them go to a school in the city where you set up shop in your RV. Healthcare is also important. Generally, you’ll have to have a family doctor in the state where you domicile. Then, whenever you need routine care, you can take a trip “back home” to see the doctor. Speaking of healthcare, it’s also crucial to have health insurance so that if you have a medical emergency while on the road or visiting a city semi-permanently, then you can go to the hospital for care.
Unless you’re independently wealthy, you’ll also need an income while you’re on the road. This could involve remote work by computer, seasonal work in different areas of the country as you travel around, or even exchanging campground fees for doing work at the campground. It’s a good idea to become customers of a bank with offices all over so that you don’t have to take a trip just to use an ATM. Don’t forget to budget for all expenses regarding full-time RV living. These will include insurance, fuel, food, campground fees, dump station costs, internet and phone service, and payments on the RV itself.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Long-term campgrounds: These will generally offer weekly or monthly rates. Some will even offer rates for the entire season.
• In California, you have no other option. Even in places without city laws that restrict RV parking, the state mandates that you’re not allowed to park on any thoroughfare or any park not strictly designated for RV parking between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
RVing in California FAQs
• Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the U.S.?
In certain areas, you may sleep in an RV in places other than RV parks and/or resorts. Check with the state and municipality in question beforehand.
• What is the new RV law in California?
There are several that were passed in 2024, mostly geared toward homeless people sleeping in vehicles, including RVs. These laws also restrict such sleeping to certain areas.
• Is it legal to live in an RV full time in California?
Yes, it’s legal, but there are limitations on where you can park your RV.
• Can I park my RV on my property in California?
No, you aren’t allowed to park your RV on your property in California. You have to park it in an RV resort, park, or campground.
• Can I buy land and live in an RV in California?
Because such an arrangement usually violates both zoning and community planning laws, you’re generally not allowed to do this.
• How long can I stay at an RV Park in California?
That depends. On Bureau of Land Management land, the limit is 14 days. In private RV parks, absent any specific laws to the contrary, the rules would be those implemented by the park itself, so it’d be wise to contact the park and the city authorities where the park is.
Renting an RV is a great way to test out whether or not full-time RVing is for you. Remember, in California, there are restrictions on where you can park while RV living full time, so it pays to do research before you arrive to make your stay hassle-free. Be sure to make your campsite safe as part of setting up.
