Connecticut is full of wonderful places to explore if you’re traveling in an RV, and it’s an even better place to live in one full time. In this article, we’ll cover all the places you can and cannot live in your RV full time in Connecticut. We’ll also go over essential details like parking, insurance and local ordinances. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to know if you can be a full-time RVer in Connecticut.
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 Connecticut?
Remember that there is a difference between living the full-time RV life and simply traveling from location to location across the state in your RV. If you want to establish legal residency and live in your RV full time, you’ll have to make sure it complies with the local regulations.
In Connecticut, there is no state law that prohibits you from living a full-time RV lifestyle. However, the ordinances will vary from town to town. You should also bear in mind that this freedom comes with some restrictions. For one thing, your RV’s license plates must be valid and up-to-date. In addition, you must have the RV registered at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Connecticut
Beyond the basic laws that allow people in Connecticut to become full-time RVers, there are more specific regulations that govern what you can and can’t do with your RV while living in the state. Be careful to follow each of these rules to avoid any fees or penalties.
RV Parking Laws
Connecticut’s parking laws for RVs varies from city to city. In Enfield, for instance, you can park a registered RV in a side yard, rear yard or garage. The RV cannot be closer to the front property line than the home’s front wall. You can also have one guest RV on a residential lot for a maximum of 14 consecutive days out of 12 months.
Trailer Towing Laws
In Connecticut, all trailer hitches or couplings must be secured and mounted properly. The trailer hitch has to be structurally adequate and accurately rated for the amount of weight that it is pulling. Additionally, the coupling or hitch has to be affixed to the RV with a safety device such as chains or cables.
Boondocking Regulations
With the exception of rest areas off the highway, boondocking in Connecticut is expressly prohibited throughout the state if you are on public lands.
RV Insurance Requirements
RVers in Connecticut need to make sure they acquire liability insurance for their vehicle. With this type of insurance, you’ll be covered for both property damage and bodily injuries that may occur in the event of an accident.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
The state of Connecticut doesn’t allow RVers to camp out on public lands. You’ll find specific camp-friendly locations designated on local maps and with signage at state parks and forests.
Full-Time RVing in North Stonington
There is a variety of campsites and resorts in North Stonington where you can take your RV to live full time. Mystic KOA features hookups for electric and water as well as Wi-Fi. There’s also a pool, a mini golf course and places to go fishing. The site is rich with history as it is located on one of the first farms in Connecticut.
If you’re looking for a place to stay for free overnight as you hop between long-term campsites, the North Stonington Rest Area has you covered. You’ll find it just a few miles from New London and its expansive stretch of beach on Long Island Sound. The parking lot there provides more than enough room to give you and your fellow RVers a rest for the night. There’s even a fire pit to give you the perfect atmosphere for an outdoor gathering.
RVing in North Stonington FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in North Stonington?
Unfortunately, local regulations prevent RVers from parking on public lands in the city of North Stonington.
Can I live in my RV on my property in North Stonington?
No. You are only allowed to park your RV on a residential lot in North Stonington if you don’t use it to live and sleep in.
Full-Time RVing in Willington
You’ll find plenty of places to get out and enjoy nature in Willington that are full-time RV-friendly. Wilderness Lake is a popular campground, RV park and recreation area. There’s also Moosemeadow Camping Resort and Gibson Hill RV Park.
For a place to stay for free overnight in Connecticut in between stays at long-term campsites, look no further than the Willington Rest Stop. Near the main campus of the University of Connecticut and its many cultural and athletic events, this destination comes with the added benefit of being mere minutes away from Willington’s free dump station.
RVing in Willington FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Willington?
While you can’t park your RV just anywhere in Willington, there are certain exceptions. As long as you are on your own property, you are legally permitted to park your RV as long as it remains 5 feet from the rear and side property lines and nearer to the front property line than your home’s front wall.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Willington?
Although you are free to park your RV on your property, it’s possible that you’ll need a special permit if you plan to live in the vehicle full time. This depends on the specific zoning in your local area. It’s a good idea to talk to the town officials in Willington to make sure you are following the applicable regulations.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
Just like living at a physical address, full-time RV living takes logistical planning and considerations. You’ll need to think about how to receive mail, which is often done with the help of a mail forwarding service. This allows you to choose a domicile state and establish residency.
Once you have a state chosen as a domicile, you can move on to choosing a primary care doctor. This is a vital step in establishing medical care so that you can make sure to keep up with routine care. Even if you are traveling outside your state of domicile, you can use telehealth options for some health concerns. In other cases, you’ll need to make use of local urgent care centers and emergency rooms.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• RV Parks – In some cases, staying at an RV park can be less expensive than finding a more traditional type of accommodation. Check for the types of amenities offered by the park, including electrical and water hookups as well as sewage.
• Your Own Property – While RV living full time may be possible on property that you own, it’s important to check with your local zoning restrictions. Many places in Connecticut don’t allow residents to live or sleep in their RV even if it is parked on their own land.
RVing in Connecticut FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the US?
As long as you find a designated location where it is allowed, such as state parks or rest areas, you and your traveling companions can take the night off and sleep in your RV. Bear in mind that Connecticut has varying regulations from city to city that may prohibit this practice, and you are generally not allowed to park your RV on public lands. The good news is that if you are traveling in a group, you can always designate a driver and sleep in shifts while on the road.
What is the new RV law in Connecticut?
No new state legislation has been passed regarding RVing in Connecticut.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Connecticut?
There aren’t any state laws that prohibit people from living in their RV full time in Connecticut. The restrictions come in from town to town, where local ordinances and zoning restrictions often come into play and prohibit people from living this lifestyle.
Can I park my RV on my property in Connecticut?
It is legal to park your RV on your own property in the state of Connecticut. However, you will find that most cities require the RV to be a specific number of feet from the property line on all sides.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Connecticut?
There is no state legislation that officially prohibits people from buying land and living in their RV in Connecticut. In many cities and towns, however, you will find that the practice of living in your RV is prohibited even if you own the land that you’ve parked it on.
How long can you stay at an RV park in Connecticut?
The limits on how long you can stay at a Connecticut RV park varies from location to location. For instance, Rocky Neck State Park limits RVers to 21 consecutive days, and the same applies to Hammonasset Beach. Inland state park campgrounds limit visitors to 14 consecutive days, at which point they must wait five days before they’re allowed to return.
While it may be difficult to find places where you can live in your RV full time in Connecticut, it may still be worthwhile to seek out the right destinations. It’s always a great time to embark on your next great adventure, and the best way to prepare is by learning more. If you’re still unsure and would like to test the waters first, you can always rent an RV in Connecticut and see if this lifestyle is the right fit for you.
