With its lush green fields, limestone caves, and forested Appalachian hills, Kentucky offers plenty of natural beauty for RVers. Still, it’s important to know what to expect about RV living full time in the Bluegrass State before you drive your motorhome there to settle down. When it comes to camping, parking, trailer towing, and insurance on public and private roads and property, you’ll need to abide by state and local laws. Although there are few state laws that govern RVs, local governments control land use, so you’ll need to make sure that living in an RV is permissible at your destination. We’ll cover the essential knowledge you need for full-time RV living in Kentucky.
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 Kentucky?
Living in an RV in Kentucky full time can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right planning and preparation. While Kentucky state laws do not prohibit you from living in an RV full time, local zoning laws may make it difficult or illegal to do so in many places. Most towns and cities do not allow RV owners to live in their motorhomes on private property, though regulations tend to be less strict in rural areas. Many counties require you to get a permit if you plan to stay there long term in your RV. Generally speaking, RVers should look for RV parks or campgrounds that are set up to accommodate permanent residents.
Kentucky’s temperate climate features mild springs and falls and hot, humid summers, but temperatures can dip into the 20s or lower during the winter months. To stay comfortable year-round, you’ll need to insulate your RV and install an air conditioner and heater in it. If you’re planning to settle in the mountainous eastern part of the state, you should know that Kentucky closes some roads in bad weather. Studded winter tires are allowed on Kentucky roads any time of year, and you can use tire chains when road conditions are icy or snowy. Before you hit the road, check the KYTC Roadway Weather Information System website for the latest travel advisories.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Kentucky
If you’re planning to live in your RV for an extended period while you’re in Kentucky, you’ll need to be aware of rules and regulations that deal with towing, parking, and camping so you won’t risk breaking the law or paying fines. Be sure to check with official sources like the Kentucky.gov and Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services websites for the latest updates.
RV Parking Laws
In Kentucky, you can park your RV for free without a permit for up to four hours at most rest areas. If you’re staying in the state long term, you’ll need to register your RV and get a permit to park it legally for an extended period. Cities and municipalities differ in the amount of time you are permitted to park your RV on the street.
In Frankfort, you can park a camper, a trailer, or an RV that’s less than 7 feet wide, 20 feet long, and 7.5 feet tall on a city street if you get a special permit from the city’s parking operator. You’ll also need to get a $50, 90-day permit to park an RV outside of an RV community in the Louisville Metro area. Some cities allow campers, trailers, and RVs to stop only for short-term loading or unloading. Typically, if you park your RV on a public street in Kentucky for more than 24 hours, it could be considered abandoned, and most cities will not let you live in an RV on municipal property unless local officials make an exception.
Trailer Towing Laws
Kentucky trailer towing laws say that RVs can have a maximum height of 13.5 feet and trailers can have a maximum height of 14 feet, with a maximum width of 8 feet on non-designated highways and a maximum width of 8 feet, 6 inches on designated highways, interstates, and parkways. An RV motorhome can have a maximum length of 45 feet. On non-designated highways, a vehicle and trailer combination can have a maximum length of 65 feet on most roads.
If you are towing a trailer in Kentucky, you must have a safety chain, a breakaway switch, a fire extinguisher, and flares or reflective signs available. The trailer must have brakes if it weighs more than 1.5 tons or more than 40% of the weight of its tow vehicle. Any RV or trailer that exceeds these limits requires a special permit granted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to operate.
Boondocking Regulations
The state of Kentucky offers several options for boondocking on public lands, although some locations require permits. RVers can park and camp for free in designated dispersed camping areas and some wildlife management areas. The Land Between the Lakes provides sites for dispersed camping that exclude day-use areas, picnic areas, and cemeteries.
The Daniel Boone National Forest requires a permit for free overnight RV camping around the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Indian Creek, and Cave Run Lake. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and USDA Forest Service (USFS) Ranger Districts also have RV camping facilities, including the Wilson Creek Recreation Area operated by the USACE and the Paragon Dispersed Camping Area operated by the USFS. RVers can usually camp on public land for up to 14 days within a period of 28 consecutive days as long as the campsites are not closed for camping. They should follow all rules and Leave No Trace policies set by the land management agency.
RV Insurance Requirements
It’s necessary to have RV insurance in Kentucky, even if you park your RV most days. RV motorhome drivers must have minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for total bodily injuries, and $25,000 per accident for all property damage. It’s also a good idea to purchase additional insurance that covers collisions, towing, uninsured drivers, and personal property.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
The Kentucky State Parks Service, the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, USDA Forest Service, and Tennessee Valley Authority are among the agencies that regulate RV camping on public lands in the state of Kentucky. In general, you should only camp in and park in designated areas. If there is no designated parking area, you can sometimes park alongside maintained roads as long as you do not block the road or a gate. Most locations establish quiet times and prohibit visitors after 11:00 p.m. Washing pots, pans, dishes, or silverware in bathhouses or at spigots is typically not allowed, and all sewage and gray water must be dumped at a sewage disposal site.
Full-Time RVing in Louisville
Louisville, KY has an extended-stay campground at the Louisville South KOA Holiday with monthly campsites that are available year-round. Brooks RV Park also allows year-round stays.
RVing in Louisville FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Louisville?
No. In Louisville, Kentucky, you generally cannot park an RV on a public street without getting a specific, time-limited permit from the Kentucky Cabinet of Health for a designated area.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Louisville?
Louisville only allows RV living in RV parks or designated RV campgrounds. It is illegal to permanently live in an RV on your own land because building codes and zoning laws do not recognize motorhomes as permanent dwellings. You can park an RV on the site of an occupied dwelling for no more than seven days.
Full-Time RVing in Lexington
Lexington, Kentucky does not have many campgrounds that allow extended stays. You may be able to stay month-to-month at Whispering Hills RV Park in nearby Georgetown, KY.
RVing in Lexington FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Lexington?
Generally, Lexington parking ordinances prohibit parking your RV on the street in the city. Some private businesses may allow you to park on their lots temporarily.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Lexington?
No. Living in an RV full time on your property is not allowed in Lexington, KY. Residential zoning laws and building codes do not recognize RVs as permanent dwellings.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
Living full time in your RV takes a lot of planning and financial preparation. You’ll need to make your RV road-ready, stock it with necessary supplies, and make sure that you have a job, retirement income, or savings. Draft a budget that accounts for expenses like fuel, vehicle payments, campground fees, utilities, medical insurance, and discretionary spending.
Be sure to plan for logistical considerations like storing your belongings, establishing residency in Kentucky, and getting a mailing address and voting address if your RV is your primary home.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Public lands: In Kentucky, federal agencies such as the USFS and USACE manage most of the public lands that allow dispersed camping. These areas allow free parking but typically require permits and limit stays to 14 out of 28 days. Some locations lack amenities like paved roads, bathrooms, or dump stations.
• Developed campgrounds and RV parks: These areas are generally your best bet for full-time RV living. RV campgrounds usually include amenities and hookups in a community setting, but they tend to have fees and fill up fast.
• Private facilities: Some area businesses and private properties may offer overnight RV parking with permission.
• Your own property: Kentucky city zoning laws tend to restrict or prohibit full-time RV living on your own property. There may be exceptions in some counties and rural areas, so check with the local authorities.
RVing in Kentucky FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while touring the US?
As you’re driving through the United States, you can find places to sleep in your RV in campgrounds, on some public lands, and in some private parking lots.
What is the new RV law in Kentucky?
As of July 1, 2023, all Kentucky RVs, including motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, pop-up campers, and pull-behind campers, are subject to a motor vehicle usage (MVU) tax when the vehicle is titled or registered. Most Kentucky cities do not allow you to park your RV on the street for more than two hours.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, it is legal to live in an RV full time only if the county or municipality allows it. The limit for camping on most public campgrounds is 14 days, but some private campgrounds offer extended stays at monthly rates.
Can I park my RV on my property in Kentucky?
In most Kentucky cities, you can legally park your RV on your property for a limited amount of time in a designated area. Some rural areas may have more lenient regulations.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Kentucky?
In some areas in Kentucky, you may be able to buy land and use it for RV living, but it’s forbidden in most places.
How long can you stay at an RV park in Kentucky?
You can stay at a Kentucky RV park for as long as the campground allows it. Most campgrounds on public lands require a permit and have a 14-day limit within 28 consecutive days.
If you want to explore America and live adventurously, you might enjoy full-time RV living in Kentucky. From horse parks to bourbon distilleries and plenty of natural beauty, you’ll be charmed by all this state has to offer. Be sure to educate yourself about RV living in your destination and plan ahead before you decide to pursue this way of life. Check with local officials to learn about camping and parking regulations. Before you commit to living in an RV full time, we recommend that you rent an RV and see how it works for you.
