Living in an RV full-time in Massachusetts can be a rewarding lifestyle choice. In Massachusetts, you’ll be able to experience forest hiking, ocean beach and lake swimming, and many other things in between. Read on to learn nearly everything you need to know about living in your RV in the state.
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 Massachusetts?
Yes, RV living full time is allowed in Massachusetts. You just have to live on private land that’s zoned as residential. It can be somewhere other than your own land as long as you have permission. Also, your RV has to provide you with three things stipulated by the IRS. You have to be able to sleep in it, cook in it, and be able to use a restroom somewhere on the property.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Massachusetts
The laws of Massachusetts regarding full-time RV living might or might not be the same as those of other states. Remember, the basic law is that you may live in your RV full-time, but relevant municipal and county laws still apply
RV Parking Laws
In Massachusetts, long-term parking of an RV must be on private property out of view of any public way. That means that your RV must either be inside a structure or behind a building, fence, or other object that obstructs the view from the street. Short-term parking is governed under the same laws as parking for other vehicles.
Trailer Towing Laws
When it comes to fifth wheels, toy haulers, or travel trailers, Massachusetts requires trailers of 10,001 pounds or more to have separate air brakes. All trailers in Massachusetts, except semi-trailers, must be connected to the towing vehicle by safety chains in addition to the hitch. The trailer must have functioning directional lights and a white light that illuminates the license plate. As far as mirrors go, the law states that the driver must be able to see the road behind the trailer and the left side simultaneously.
Boondocking Regulations
Boondocking in Massachusetts is limited to certain campgrounds that provide it. That’s because there is no federally administered land in Massachusetts, such as that run by the Bureau of Land Management or the United States Forest Service. Additionally, while Massachusetts state parks provide camping opportunities, these are not for boondocking.
RV Insurance Requirements
The State of Massachusetts requires liability insurance for any vehicle that has a driver. That means that the insurance must be on your car or truck. Your motorhome counts as a truck. Your insurance covers any trailers attached to your car or truck, including travel trailers, popups, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. Vehicles without their own motors will need additional policies for fire, theft, and other damage not covered under your main policy.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
Massachusetts doesn’t have any federal public land, and the state restricts camping in state parks to designated campgrounds only.
Full-Time RVing in Foxborough
Foxborough is a suburb of Boston. One of the RV campgrounds in Foxborough is listed among the Top 10 Campgrounds in Massachusetts, and it’s only a short drive to Boston and all of the perks of that city. Sports fans can attend games of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins, and history buffs will enjoy the Freedom Trail and the rest of the historical landmarks in the area.
RVing in Foxborough FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Foxborough?
You can park on private property anywhere as long as you follow local zoning laws and other state laws.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Foxborough?
Yes, you may. Remember, you have to keep the RV out of sight of people driving by.
Full-Time RVing in Truro
Truro is almost all the way at the end of Cape Cod. Only Provincetown is further out into the ocean. The fishing and swimming are exceptional on either the eastern shore, which faces the Atlantic Ocean, or the western shore which faces Cape Cod Bay. You’ll find a wonderful RV resorts in North Truro, as well, some of which provide rentals for an entire season.
RVing in Truro FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Truro?
No, you can’t just park anywhere. Aside from the designated RV campground in Truro, you can park on private property. It can either be your own property or someone else’s. If it’s someone else’s, you need that person’s permission.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Truro?
Yes, you may practice full-time RV living on your own property in Truro. Just follow all municipal ordinances.
How to Live in an RV Full time
To live in your RV full time, you must settle several things and prepare the right way. These include setting up a way to receive mail, ensuring your children have adequate schooling, and making sure that you have an income to support yourself. Remember, too, that you have to follow all applicable laws regarding living in your RV full-time.
Having your mail sent to a post office box near you is a convenient way to get it. Because you won’t have a fixed address, you have to have what’s known as a “domicile” in any state of your choosing. That’ll be your “home away from home” and where all of your mail will likely be received. When you renew your driver’s license, it’ll be through that state as well and not the state where you’re actually staying in your RV.
When you vote, you’ll be voting in your domicile state because that’s your official address of record. Don’t forget to register! If you have questions about voter registration, then contact the applicable Bureau of Voter Registration.
When it comes to school, RVers usually choose either to homeschool their children or to register them in the state where they are. If you’ve registered your children in a regular school and you move, then you’ll have to re-register them when you arrive at your new location.
Another thing that RVers do is to find a family doctor in their domicile state and then return to that area for prescription renewals, annual physical exams, and other routine medical services. By having good health insurance, they also cover themselves if either they or their family members need hospitalization while on the road or while living on private property in Massachusetts.
Once you’ve set all of that up, you’ll need a job. Usually, this will be some sort of remote position. It’s generally a good idea to make sure that your RV is equipped with a mobile hotspot with unlimited internet so that you can always perform your job duties. Some RVers get jobs at the campgrounds where they stay, trading work for rental fees, income, or both. Others find seasonal work at businesses near where they’re staying.
Because you’re away from your domicile state and travel from place to place, it would be wise to do your banking with an institution with branches in as many states as possible. That way, you won’t have to drive long distances just to find an ATM or settle business requiring you to go to a branch.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• You can opt to stay in an official RV park, campground, or resort that offers long-term rentals. Some campgrounds rent by the season, and others might even rent by the year.
• In Massachusetts, you can also live full-time in your RV on private property that can either belong to you or someone else. Before you settle in, be sure that you know all the applicable municipal and state laws regarding living in your RV on private property.
RVing in Massachusetts FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while traveling through the US?
In most states, you can sleep at rest stops or even along the road if necessary. In Massachusetts, there are some rest stops where you may not sleep overnight. Notices will be posted at the applicable rest stops.
What is the new RV law in Massachusetts?
There are no new laws specifically regarding RVs that have been enacted in Massachusetts since 2021.
Is it legal to live in an RV full-time in Massachusetts?
Yes, it is legal to live in an RV full-time in Massachusetts. Your options are to park on private property or in a designated campsite in a campground that provides long-term camping.
Can I park my RV on my property in Massachusetts?
You are allowed to park your RV on your own land in Massachusetts. The only stipulation is that you either put it inside a garage or other structure or that you block the line of sight to it in some way so that people driving by on a nearby road can’t see it.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Massachusetts?
Yes, if you don’t currently have land in Massachusetts, then you are allowed to buy some and then put your RV on it to live for the long term.
How long can I stay at an RV Park in Massachusetts?
There is no actual law about this, but the owners of RV parks, campgrounds, and resorts make their own rules regarding staying at their establishments. Some of these places will rent to you by the year, so be sure to contact any campground where you wish to stay to ask about how long you can stay.
Have you thought about living in an RV all the time? One of the smart things you can do is to rent an RV for a while to see how “the mobile life” appeals to you. If it does, and you go ahead and buy yourself an RV, then follow these safety tips when setting up your campsite for the first time. Happy trails!
