Read this guide to find out answers to almost all of your questions when it comes to living in an RV full time in Indiana. You’ll learn about the applicable laws, places where you can park, and other tips for full-time RV living.
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 Indiana?
The law for Jefferson County is representative of other counties in Indiana. You may not live in your RV full time in Indiana unless you park it in a campground. The reason for this is that RVs don’t conform to the standards set forth by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. In general, you may only stay 14 consecutive days at a campground, although there are a few that allow longer stays.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Indiana
Indiana’s rules for RV living are fairly straightforward, but it’s still important to learn about them so that you don’t wind up in trouble.
RV Parking Laws
Aside from parking on streets for normal day use according to traffic laws, the only places you can stay overnight in your RV are in campgrounds and other designated areas. Such areas include rest areas on highways within the state, but there are different laws by county regarding how long you can stay there. Most of the time, you can stay all night, but some high-traffic rest stops in Indiana restrict overnight parking and sleeping.
Trailer Towing Laws
Unlike many states, there are no laws in Indiana regarding riding in a trailer or in the back of an RV while in motion. For any trailer that weighs more than 3,000 pounds, the towing vehicle needs brakes that will be able to stop both it and the trailer it is towing. With side mirrors attached, the driver needs to be able to see at least 200 feet of roadway behind the rear end of the trailer. You have to use double safety chains while towing a trailer.
Boondocking Regulations
You don’t have to pay to boondock in Indiana, but you’re limited to public lands in national forests. You can also choose established campgrounds that charge a nominal fee. You must be within 125 feet of the road when boondocking.
RV Insurance Requirements
The state of Indiana requires insurance for RVs. For vehicles that have their own propulsion, that insurance is roughly the same as for other vehicles. For towed RVs, such as toy haulers, fifth wheels, and travel-trailers, the liability insurance is covered under that of the towing vehicle. Fire, theft, and other kinds of coverage must be purchased separately for the towed RV.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
The rules for Hoosier National Forest are similar to those regarding other public lands in Indiana. The United States Forest Service notes that you have to use an established pull-off or campground. Neither camping itself nor campfires are allowed within 300 feet of wilderness access points or trailheads. You also may not camp within 100 feet of a stream, river, or body of water, nor may you camp within a rock shelter.
Full-Time RVing in Valparaiso
Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the most popular in the country, and it’s a great family-friendly place for recreation. It’s definitely one of the perks of RV living full time in Valparaiso because the park is only 13.2 miles from the city.
Remember, you can only stay for the long term in a campground that is either in or near Valparaiso.
RVing in Valparaiso FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Valparaiso?
You may not park for the long term anywhere in Valparaiso other than in a designated RV park, resort, or campground.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Valparaiso?
No, you may not.
Full-Time RVing in Terre Haute
There aren’t any specific laws in Terre Haute, so the laws for the rest of Indiana apply. The attractions of Terre Haute include some museums on varied topics, including one for children. The Candles Holocaust Museum can educate you and your family on the Holocaust and how it affected not only the founder’s family but also all other victims. The Veterans Memorial Museum honors everyone who served and not just those who fell. It’s open Saturdays. The Terre Haute Children’s Museum provides great entertainment for everyone, including interactive exhibits for all ages.
RVing in Terre Haute FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Terre Haute?
No, the rules are the same as they are for the rest of Indiana, which means that the only places you can park for the long term are campgrounds and other places specifically for RVs.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Terre Haute?
You aren’t allowed to park on your own property under the same law as the rest of Indiana
Full-Time RVing in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is more than just the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, although that is certainly one of the main attractions of the city. When it comes to full-time RVing in Indianapolis, the rules are the same as the rest of Indiana: no living in your RV anywhere but in a resort, a campground, or an RV park. These campgrounds are a good place to start looking for long-term accommodations. Another perk is that Indianapolis is a great sports town with the NFL’s Colts and NBA’s Pacers both based in the city.
RVing in Indianapolis FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Indianapolis?
RVs may not be parked for the long term anywhere but spaces designated just for them.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Indianapolis?
No, even on your own property, you’re not allowed to park your RV for the long term.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
If you plan to live in your RV full time, then one of your challenges will be not having a fixed address. What you have to do first is to establish a domicile. That way, you have a “home” that you can use as the basis for your affairs even if you don’t have a physical place to live. The state where you create your domicile will be the one to issue you a driver’s license. Remember, some states will require you to complete extra steps if you plan on driving an RV. Registering to vote is also important. Unless you plan to be in the state where you establish your domicile during elections, you will have to vote by absentee ballot. Depending on your chosen domicile state, you might have to file extra paperwork.
Making sure that your children, if any, receive adequate schooling is crucial. You have the choice to homeschool them. Alternatively, if you set up shop for the long term in an RV campground in Indiana, then you can choose to have your children attend regular school in the applicable city. You must see to yours and your family’s healthcare, too. The usual practice is to find a family doctor in the state where you domicile. That way, you can return there for routine exams and other simple healthcare. You have to have health insurance for those times when you’re underway or at a campground outside of your domicile state. That way, if you need the hospital for someone’s care, then you can simply go wherever you happen to be.
Being independently wealthy is nice, but most of the time, you’ll need an income while traveling or staying in a campground. Many campgrounds have complimentary Wi-Fi, but you can also secure mobile hot spots with an RV. When you’re prepared this way, you can telecommute for many remote jobs. A good tip is to become customers of a bank that has offices in as many states as possible so that you always have access. Be diligent when planning your budget, too, because it’s easy to forget the little things.
Types of Properties You Can Live in Full Time in an RV
• RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds are the only places where you can stay for the long term in an RV in Indiana.
RVing in Indiana FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while traveling through the U.S.?
The laws regarding this will vary by state. In Indiana, for example, you may sleep in a rest area as long as you need unless it’s a specific high-traffic rest area, which will have restrictions. In Indiana, there are no laws regarding riding in the back of an RV while it is in motion.
What is the new RV law in Indiana?
There has been no new legislation enacted in Indiana regarding RVs since 2021.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Indiana?
In Indiana, you can live in your RV full time only in RV campgrounds, resorts, and parks.
Can I park my RV on my property in Indiana?
You can park it there indefinitely, but you cannot live in an RV on your property for more than 14 days.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Indiana?
Other than the initial 14 days, you may not live in an RV on your own land. The only acceptable places to live in an RV full time are RV campgrounds, resorts, and parks.
How long can I stay at an RV park in Indiana?
That will usually depend on the rules of the campground, park, or resort. Many campgrounds in Indiana offer long-term rates. A few even provide opportunities for an entire season or year.
Living in an RV full time in Indiana gives you an opportunity to have freedom and flexibility to go where you want when you want. But it comes with some restrictions regarding how long you can stay in certain places. Renting an RV, however, is a great way to “take a test drive,” so to speak, to see if living in such a vehicle full time is a good choice for you and/or your family. Once you find your chosen park, campground, or resort, remember to take the proper steps to make your campsite safe and secure. Have a great time!
