Living in an RV can be fun and exciting. If you want to live in an RV year-round in Louisiana, you’re in luck. This consistently warm state makes it easy to adapt to RV living. We’ll answer typical questions about the RV way of life in this state to provide you with the guidance you need to try this lifestyle.
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 Louisiana?
Yes, it’s possible to live in an RV year-round in this state. However, you do have to abide by certain laws if you intend to set up a permanent spot with an RV. Your RV needs to pass state inspection as a functional vehicle. It also must pass safety ordinances for a clean, healthy, and pest-free domicile since you are living in it and not just camping out.
If you live in your RV in Louisiana for more than six months, you must register as a resident and pay Louisiana taxes. Parking your RV for long-term use requires doing so in a campground where long-term residency is allowed. You can usually tell the long-term campgrounds because they offer monthly parking and camping fees.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Louisiana
Following the rules and regulations for RV life in Louisiana allows you to avoid tickets and fines. They are highlighted below.
RV Parking Laws
In Louisiana, you may park in your driveway or on your own property if the city where you live permits it. You can park if your driveway is longer than 25 feet or your RV is shorter than 20 feet and doesn’t block the sidewalk. However, you can’t park your RV in your driveway or on your property for more than 48 consecutive hours in certain cities, like New Orleans. If you park it out of sight and behind your car port or garage and it’s not within 3 feet of property lines, it can stay there. However, it must be mobile, and you can’t live in it while it’s parked there.
If you don’t own property in Louisiana, you will need to park your RV in places designated for RV campers and parking, such as state campgrounds, parking lots where it’s not clearly forbidden, and RV parks.
Trailer Towing Laws
Some states allow you to tow extra items behind your RV. Other states expect you to tow your RV to another location after a certain period. In Louisiana, the size and length of trailer dictates what is allowed and what isn’t. For example, any trailer weighing more than 6,000 pounds must also be tethered to your truck, SUV, or rear of the RV with safety chains. Failure to do so results in fines as outlined in the Louisiana Towing and Storage Act.
Boondocking Regulations
Boondocking in Louisiana means camping anywhere where there are no hookups for your RV. You may have seen RVs do this in the parking lots of big box stores like Walmart, and in some Louisiana cities, this is allowed. Boondocking in other public areas is also allowed, although there might be some limitations. State forest parks are common sites for boondocking, with the most popular one being Kisatchie National Forest.
RV Insurance Requirements
RVs in this state are treated like mobile homes. If you are going to live in your RV, it is important to treat it like a trailer home rather than a recreational vehicle you use just once in a while. Louisiana requires, at a minimum, $25,000 for property damage in an accident, $15,000 for bodily injury per person, and $30,000 for total bodily injury per person per accident. When you are RV living full time, it is highly recommended that you add comprehensive coverage, medical coverage, and total loss replacement coverage.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
You must have some sort of license to park your RV long-term on public lands. This includes a fishing or hunting license, state parks entry license, and/or a WMA Access Permit. There are also Lifetime Resident and Non-Resident licenses that will allow you access to public lands for RV parking and camping. The focus in Louisiana is on preserving and conserving some of the most unique wildlife areas not found in other states. Your RV should follow the Leave No Trace policies to protect the parks and wildlife.
Full-Time RVing in New Orleans
The thought of being able to stay close to the heart of New Orleans is an exciting one. You can be there for Mardi Gras, the biggest party of the year. You can spend your days enjoying the flavors of Cajun and Creole foods as well as some of the most amazing comfort foods ever created. One particular park, the French Quarter RV Park, puts you within short walking distance of the famed French Quarter.
RVing in New Orleans FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in New Orleans?
Yes and no. There are many streets where an RV cannot fit or go. Some streets, particularly those in the French Quarter, will not allow RVs or large vehicles during festivals because the streets are usually packed with tourists.
Can I live in my RV in New Orleans?
No, but, thankfully, there are no less than a dozen RV parks near New Orleans.
Full-time RVing in Lake Charles
Lake Charles is one of Louisiana’s treasured cities on the Gulf Coast. You can eat fresh-caught seafood at the restaurants in town every day and lie on the beaches in the warm sun the rest of the time. Historic and cultural events and activities frequently draw tourists. Lake Charles is a small lake in the heart of the city, although you can easily travel to a much larger lake to the south known as Big Lake via RV or watercraft on the Calcasieu River.
RVing in Lake Charles FAQS
Can you park an RV anywhere in Lake Charles?
You cannot park anywhere on or near the Civic Center, except where exceptions allow, and RV parking is limited in general.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Lake Charles?
If your property is part of a mobile home park, then yes. Otherwise, no. There are four RV parks in the Lake Charles area where long-term RVing is allowed. Twelve Oaks RV Park, Little Lake Charles RV Park, Gulf Gate RV, and Cajun Heights RV Sites are your options.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
How do you live in an RV full time? If you have never spent more than a few days camping out in an RV, moving to live in an RV full time requires a lot of adjustments. If you are boondocking but the rules say you have to get up and move every two weeks, your home is never stationary. You may also want more frequent changes of scenery, particularly if the weather is unpleasant in your part of Louisiana. Still, a lot of people who have adopted the RV lifestyle say they wouldn’t trade it for anything.
One of the most difficult things about living in an RV in a state that you have not lived in before is getting your mail. If you are not keeping a permanent residence in another state, there are two ways you can get your mail.
Amazon lockers are set up all over the place so that you can pick up your packages. You can forward most mail to an RV park address and have that park hold your mail until you arrive to pick it up. Just make sure the RV park you choose allows you to do this.
Another concern is affording everything you need while living this lifestyle. While you may be free of a mortgage or high rent, you still have to pay dump fees, lot rent fees, gas, electric, water, and more. Freelancing or working odd jobs can help keep these costs in check. You will also need healthcare coverage, which may be available to you in the form of free or reduced-cost coverage through the state or local healthcare clinics.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Long-term campgrounds, which allow RV owners and some campers to stay all year and charge by the month
• Certain land that is not private property although some people do advertise their private property on rental sites as “RV friendly”
• Public lands, such as national forests and commercial campgrounds
RVing in Louisiana FAQS
Can you sleep in an RV while touring the U.S.?
Yes, there are roadside rest stops where you can pull off and take a rest. It’s better if you find a camping spot, but in lieu of that, rest stops are acceptable and available.
What is the new RV law in Louisiana?
As of 2023, the length of any vehicle in Louisiana can’t be longer than 45 feet. A trailer may not be longer than 30 feet.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Louisiana?
Yes, in some parts it is perfectly legal. In certain cities, there are restrictions.
Can I park my RV on my property in Louisiana?
Yes, as long as it remains in good condition, doesn’t draw pests, doesn’t block the sidewalk or driveway, and isn’t on the street in front of your house.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Louisiana?
Yes, as living full time in an RV in Louisiana is akin to trailer park living.
How long can you stay in an RV park in Louisiana?
That depends on the RV park. Some will let you stay for several months. Others insist you leave when your reservation period is up.
Ultimately, living in an RV full time may be the perfect life for you if you love camping. Learn all you can about the different types of RVs and which ones are allowed to stay long-term in various areas of Louisiana. Rent an RV in Louisiana to see if you like it first.
