Are you ready to move into an RV and live in it full-time? This lifestyle offers several benefits though it requires you to consider many factors. For instance, you’ll have to figure out where to stay, where to get your mail, and how to set things up for the winter. In this guide, we’ll go over the answers to frequently asked questions and explain everything you need to know about RV living full time in Maine.
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 Maine
In many communities in Maine, you are allowed to live in an RV full time. Municipalities may have set up guidelines about where you can park on a property, how long you can reside in an RV, and whether you can run any special equipment, like a generator. In some more populated cities, you won’t be able to live in an RV full time within city limits, but the alternative is to park at a nearby campground. No matter what arrangement you come up with, remember that establishing residency as a full-time RVer is different than traveling around Maine while you move from campground to campground.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Maine
Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations described below so that you can avoid any complications with officials. These laws can also help you stay safe, so they’re important to understand.
RV Parking Laws
The state of Maine doesn’t have specific laws regarding parking RVs. The same rules apply to regular passenger cars and RVs. For instance, you can’t park on bridges or certain highways. However, each city or town can create its own RV parking laws. For example, RV parking laws in Portland are stricter than for the rest of the state. Keep in mind that RV street parking is typically banned in densely populated areas, and many HOAs and other organizations prohibit it.
Trailer Towing Laws
In Maine, any vehicle or trailer being towed has to have a coupling device along with a safety chain or steel cable. This prevents the trailer or towed vehicle from breaking away from the towing vehicle. Further, any trailer or vehicle being towed needs to have a rear brake light. If you’re towing a trailer that’s wider than your vehicle, the trailer needs reflective material or lamps on its front corners.
Boondocking Regulations
In some public lands, you can boondock, which some people call dry camping. When boondocking, you won’t be hooked up to electricity, sewage, or water, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient. Unless you have written permission from the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, you must limit your camping to 14 days. Perhaps consider boondocking in a more remote part of the state if you prefer some true peace and quiet. Options include Richardson Public Land, Allagash Gateway Campground, and the Bigelow Preserve Public Land.
RV Insurance Requirements
If you drive an RV around Maine, insurance is required. The state requires a minimum coverage of $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage, $2,000 per person in medical payments, and $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for incidents involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist. It might be a good idea to purchase more insurance than the minimum, as it has the potential to help you cover costs that can be extremely high. Your insurance company may offer full-time RV insurance that can be considered a combination of renter’s insurance and auto insurance.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
Maine is a great place to spend time in an RV, as it has so much open space. Unless you have special permission from the Bureau of Public Lands, you can only camp in your RV for 14 days in any 45-day period. RV camping in state parks is limited to two weeks as well. In the winter, many roadways on public lands in remote areas do not get plowed frequently, making travel and parking difficult if they’re even allowed.
Full-Time RVing in Portland
Living in Portland gives you the best of both worlds. You can appreciate the natural beauty of the state by visiting Fort Allen Park, Back Cove Park, and other local parks and beaches. At the same time, you can get a taste of city life by venturing out to its restaurants, shopping, and museums, like the Maine Maritime Museum and Portland Museum of Art. As the largest city in Maine, Portland feels like a busy community, but it’s still quite manageable to navigate. Living in an RV in or around Portland can help you cut down on some living expenses.
RVing in Portland FAQS
Can you park an RV anywhere in Portland?
Many parking spots in Portland are too small to accommodate RVs. You might have better luck parking on Marginal Way between Plowman and Cove Streets or on West Commercial Street near the Casco Bay Bridge. Please keep in mind that you can’t park your RV for more than 24 cumulative hours in a seven-day period.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Portland?
In certain neighborhoods in Portland, you may be able to live in an RV on your property. Remember, though, that you won’t be able to park on the street for more than 24 hours in a week, so you’ll need to park in a driveway or in a side or back yard.
Full-Time RVing in Lewiston
Lewiston is easy to navigate, as it’s not too large in terms of population and acreage. The downtown area and the streets around Bates College are the center of the action, but they have limited parking. You won’t have to travel far to feel like you’re in the woods. Gulf Island Pond, Lake Auburn, and Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary are popular sites to visit when you want to enjoy nature.
RVing in Lewiston FAQS
Can you park an RV anywhere in Lewiston?
Parking an RV on the street is only allowed for 72 hours and as long as you don’t use any water while doing so. In addition, you’ll have to move your RV off the street in case of inclement weather. In some neighborhoods, you won’t be able to park any vehicle on the street from December to March because of winter parking bans. You won’t be able to park your RV in one of the city’s parking garages either. Your best bet would be to park on private property.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Lewiston?
Yes, but only in certain circumstances. You can live in an RV temporarily if your home has been damaged and is being redone. The city has set a 90-day limit for temporary RV living on personal property. However, you may apply for two extensions.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
Living in an RV full time is very different than spending time in an RV on a short-term basis. As you can see from the information already presented, parking is perhaps the biggest factor to consider. You’ll also have to think about how to stay warm and keep your pipes from freezing during the winter, and camping fees, fuel expenses, and maintenance all need to be accounted for when coming up with a budget. To receive mail, you’ll have several options. You could rent a box at your local post office, forward your mail to a trusted friend or family member, or sign up for a mail-forwarding service. This service can hold onto your mail until you’re ready to pick it up or receive it. Remember that you’ll need a permanent address to register to vote in Maine.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Long-term campgrounds: These campgrounds are designed with serious RVers in mind. They often have amenities, hookups, and plenty of space for you to enjoy.
• Public land: All state parks except for Warren Island allow RV parking, though the time limit for camping is usually 14 nights. RV camping on public land outside of designated state parks is limited to 14 days in a 45-day period.
• Your own property: Certain places outside of urban areas may allow full-time RV living on your own property. Check your local regulations to ensure this is allowed, and see whether you must park your RV in a back or side yard, away from the road.
RVing in Maine FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the US?
Maine doesn’t have any state law regarding sleeping at rest stops. However, certain rest stops do have signs indicating a ban on overnight parking. If you don’t see a sign, feel free to get some rest, and if you’d like to sleep while someone else takes the wheel, you’ll have to keep wearing your seat belt.
What is the new RV law in Maine?
No new state legislature has passed regarding RVing in Maine in recent years. Certain municipalities, though, may have enacted local laws regarding RV living. Wiscasset has recently limited RV living to 120 days, for example.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Maine?
It depends on what area you live in. In some areas outside of the major cities, you can call an RV your permanent home. Also remember that you can live full time in an RV campground, many of which are open throughout the year.
Can I park my RV on my property in Maine?
For the most part, yes. Some areas might have regulations addressing whether RVs can be parked in driveways. In that case, you’d need to move your RV to a back or side yard. Additionally, some HOAs don’t allow RVs.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Maine?
Yes. If there are no local regulations regarding RV living where the property is located, you can live in your RV.
How long can you stay at an RV park in Maine?
Some RV parks don’t have any limitations as long as you keep paying your rental fee. You might inquire about long-term discounts if you plan to stay for several months.
It’s certainly possible to live in an RV full time in Maine. Look into long-term rentals at campgrounds or see whether you can park your RV on your own property. Testing out RV living before you make a full-time commitment can be extremely helpful. Check out the many options available for RV rentals in Maine, and start thinking about how you can incorporate hobbies, cooking, and other activities into your daily routine in an RV. Taking steps now to prepare for this exciting new chapter of your life can ensure everything goes smoothly.
