Full-time RV living is a unique choice suited for those who want to live among the many lakes of Minnesota. When you live full time in an RV, you’ll have the freedom to park and move your home whenever you’d like, so you’ll always have a new location to explore. Here, we’ll cover all of your RV living questions, including where you can stay in your RV while exploring Minnesota.
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 Minnesota?
Living in an RV full-time in Minnesota is subject to various legal and zoning regulations, especially when it comes to private property or public lands. In terms of private property, many cities, including Minneapolis, have strict zoning laws that prevent individuals from living in an RV full-time on residential lots. In addition, Minnesota does not specifically allow full-time residency in state parks, as camping is generally limited to short-term stays, usually up to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. If you’re hoping to live in your RV permanently within the state, you would need to explore private RV parks or designated long-term RV-friendly campgrounds.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Minnesota
Before you commit to full-time RV living in Minnesota, it’s important to know the state rules for RVing. For example, you’ll want to understand where you can park your RV, whether or not you can tow another vehicle, or whether boondocking is permitted.
RV Parking Laws
The RV parking laws in Minnesota vary by city, so it’s best to check the local city’s regulations before parking your RV on private property. Most cities do not allow permanent street parking although they may allow temporary 48-hour parking for loading and unloading, such as in St. Louis Park. Some cities also require RVs to be parked on pavement, not grass, and to be at least 5 feet away from private property lines. As for parking in parking lots, overnight parking is generally prohibited, and RVs should be parked in RV-designated parking areas where available.
Trailer Towing Laws
In Minnesota, you are generally permitted to tow one additional vehicle behind your RV, such as a car or trailer. The combined length of your RV and the towed vehicle cannot exceed 75 feet. Additionally, any trailer you tow must not be longer than 45 feet. It’s important to comply with these requirements to avoid violations.
Boondocking Regulations
There are a lot of places where boondocking is allowed in Minnesota, particularly on public land. There are also some state campgrounds and public parks that allow boondocking, including August Lake Campground, Crane Lake, the Marcell Dispersed Camping Area, Noma Lake Campground, Buckman Coulee Wayside Park, Dodge Center Creek Park, and Bemis Hill Campground.
Whenever you decide to go boondocking in Minnesota, be sure to follow the general Leave No Trace guidelines to help protect the natural environment. This includes picking up after yourself, keeping your distance from wildlife, and always controlling any campfires you start.
RV Insurance Requirements
“No fault insurance” is required for all motor vehicles operated on public roads in Minnesota, including any RVs that can move under their own power, like Class A, B, and C motorhomes. Additional types of RV insurance are optional, but it may be a good idea to look into RV coverage options if you plan on living in your RV full time. Travel trailers and fifth-wheels do not require additional insurance, but vehicle towing RVs will need automobile insurance.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
Minnesota’s two national forests, Superior National Forest and Chippewa National Forest, both offer free camping options for RVers. Dispersed camping is allowed in most areas of these forests, with a general limit of up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After staying for 14 days, campers are typically required to move at least 25 miles away from their previous site for the next 30 days. However, regulations may vary by specific area, so it is essential to check the local guidelines before setting up camp.
Full-Time RVing in Minneapolis
While you cannot live permanently in an RV in Minneapolis, many year-round state park campgrounds are available to visit. Some campgrounds you can stay at near Minneapolis include William O’Brien State Park, Afton State Park, and Frontenac State Park. While in the city, you can check out top attractions, like the Science Museum of Minnesota and Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.
RVing in Minneapolis FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Minneapolis?
In Minneapolis, vehicles over 9,000 pounds, which includes most RVs, are prohibited from parking in residential zones. However, some lightweight rigs can be parked in some neighborhoods.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Minneapolis?
Living in an RV on a private property is generally prohibited in Minneapolis. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, such as in emergencies.
Full-Time RVing in St. Cloud
St. Cloud is a large city in the central area of Minnesota, and it’s home to recreational attractions like the Munsinger Gardens and Quarry Park and Nature Preserve.
RVing in St. Cloud FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in St. Cloud?
In St. Cloud, RVs cannot be parked on public streets in a way that blocks public rights-of-way or violates parking regulations, such as being too close to intersections, fire hydrants, or crosswalks. Parking an RV on private property is allowed, but only two RVs can be parked at one time.
Can I live in my RV on my property in St. Cloud?
RVs are prohibited from being used as living quarters in the city of St. Cloud. This includes RV living for guests, but guest RVs may be parked on your property for one week in any given month.
Full-Time RVing in Duluth
Situated on Lake Superior, Duluth is a scenic city that features a famous aquarium and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Plenty of state parks with year-round camping options are located just outside of town, such as Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Jay Cooke State Park, and Savanna Portage State Park.
RVing in Duluth FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Duluth?
Parking is permitted for RVs on public streets in Duluth for less than 24 hours at a time. Longer parking is permitted in designated city camping areas.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Duluth?
RVs are not allowed to be used as homes in the city of Duluth. Instead, those who want to try RV living full time will need to take their campers to designated long-term camping areas.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
A lot of factors can affect your decision to permanently live in your RV, so it’s good to understand exactly how you can live in an RV full time before you commit to this lifestyle. For example, you may need to find a reliable source of income that allows you to travel, like an online job, or you could choose to become a paid campground host for certain camping seasons.
One detail you will need to figure out is how you can receive your mail while you travel for long periods of time in your RV. There are a few different ways to do this, one popular option being forwarding services.
Additionally, if you’d like to register to vote, you’ll want to register in the state of Minnesota and request an absentee ballot through the mail. In Minnesota, there is no excuse required to obtain an absentee ballot, so you can certainly request one while you are traveling.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Long-term campgrounds: Many privately owned campgrounds in Minnesota allow campers to stay seasonally or annually. This is especially common in RV parks and resorts designed for long-term living or extended stays.
• Your own property: Zoning regulations in Minnesota’s most prominent cities do not permit living full-time in an RV on property you own. However, regulations may be more flexible in rural areas or smaller towns.
RVing in Minnesota FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the US?
In the US, you may sleep in your RV at designated overnight parking areas, such as rest stops with truck and trailer overnight parking. You are also permitted to sleep in a moving RV as a passenger if you are wearing a seat belt. Sleeping in the bedroom area of an RV is prohibited while the motorhome or trailer is in motion.
What is the new RV law in Minnesota?
No new legislation has been passed regarding RVs in Minnesota since 2021.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Minnesota?
Yes, it’s legal to live in your RV full time in Minnesota so long as you follow state regulations and camp only in designated long-term stay areas.
Can I park my RV on my property in Minnesota?
Yes, you can park your RV on your property in this state. When parking your RV on private property, you may need to follow local city ordinances, like rules for parking on grass.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Minnesota?
Living in an RV on private property in most of its cities is not currently legal in Minnesota.
How long can you stay at an RV park in Minnesota?
In Minnesota state parks, there are typically no year-round camping options and limits on how long you can stay. Most state parks allow camping for up to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period.
If you’re interested in trying the RV lifestyle, consider renting an RV first before you commit to living in your own RV full time. You might also want to read more tips and tricks about RVing before taking your first lengthy trip, like finding out how you can realistically cook meals in your RV for a full week or more. Whether you decide to camp for just a few days or make a move into your RV permanently, you’ll be able to find lots of great camping sites in Minnesota.
