New York isn’t just the “City and then everything else.” There’s the Adirondack Park, which is 6 million acres of breathtaking vistas to explore, world-class swimming in lakes and in the ocean, and sports franchises to cheer for. This guide will answer all of your questions regarding living in an RV full time in New York.
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 New York?
Yes, it’s possible to practice full-time RV living in New York. In big cities, it’s problematic because most of them restrict you to 30 consecutive days. However, especially on your own land, you can live in your RV full time on private property as long as you obey municipal, county, and state laws regarding such living and you receive direct permission from the municipal government prior to setting up shop.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in New York
Many questions that you might have regarding how to live in an RV full time vary from state to state, but it’s not difficult to find the answers you seek. Remember to check with the applicable authorities to get the very latest information regarding living in your RV full time in New York.
RV Parking Laws
The City of New York currently has a 24-hour limit on parking RVs on city streets. Other cities in the State of New York have their own ordinances regarding parking on public thoroughfares, so it’s a good idea to contact the appropriate departments in those cities for further information.
Trailer Towing Laws
Trailer towing laws in New York are more complex than in other states. For one reason, certain roads, such as the Taconic State Parkway and other parkways in the New York City metropolitan area, disallow commercial traffic. Towed RVs like fifth wheels, toy haulers, and travel trailers count as commercial traffic. So do all self-propelled motorhomes.
Additionally, if your RV is equipped with items that use liquefied petroleum gas, such as generators and other fuel-powered appliances, then you are prohibited from taking any of the tunnels and some of the bridges into and out of Manhattan.
Your RV cannot have a trailer longer than 48 feet nor may your entire vehicle measure more than 65 feet when connected. Self-propelled motorhomes cannot be longer than 45 feet. You may not triple tow, such as attaching a car hitch to the back of your towed trailer. Your speed limit is the same as that of passenger cars, and you may not ride in a trailer while it’s in motion.
Boondocking Regulations
New York boondocking is popular throughout the Adirondack Park, in Finger Lakes National Forest, and in certain state parks. Most of the time, the chief rules in any location are to remain at least 150 feet from bodies of water and roads.
RV Insurance Requirements
The State of New York requires all RVers to have liability insurance on their motorized RV or towing vehicle. The trailer is covered under the policy you have on the towing vehicle. In addition to liability insurance, you also need personal injury insurance and coverage for uninsured motorists. As with other states, full coverage, including riders for theft, fire, and acts of God, is optional, and if you have a trailer, then you have to have a separate set of rider policies for it.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
Finger Lakes National Forest provides dispersed camping in a few designated areas, and there are also quite a few RV campgrounds on the public lands within the Adirondack Park.
Full-Time RVing in Syracuse
Full-time RV living is prohibited in Syracuse outside of established RV campgrounds, resorts, or parks. There are, however, several perks to living in your RV in Syracuse, including an eminently affordable cost of living, varied museums and galleries, and the Great New York State Fair every year.
RVing in Syracuse FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Syracuse?
No, you may not park anywhere on the street. You’re limited to established RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Syracuse?
You’re not allowed to live on your own property in an RV in Syracuse, but you can choose one of the designated RV campgrounds.
Full-Time RVing in Buffalo
In the city of Buffalo, it’s possible to live in your RV full time, but it’s complicated. First, you need to obtain a permit from the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services. Then, you have to prove that you have adequate rest rooms, water and sewer connections, and enough light and ventilation. You also have to sign a document indicating that the commissioner may revoke your permission at any time. You also have the option to stay long term in one of the city’s RV campgrounds, presuming that the campground in question offers long-term rates.
RVing in Buffalo FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Buffalo?
The short answer is, “It depends.” You’ll have to contact the office of the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services and fulfill certain requirements to be allowed to park your RV over the long term in Buffalo.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Buffalo?
You may, but the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services has to give you permission to do so. There are stipulations involved, so you should contact the commissioner’s office to find out about them.
How to Live in an RV Full time
Living in your RV full time requires careful planning and foresight. You have to provide for schooling for your children, if you have any, healthcare for your family, mail forwarding, earning an income, and following both the rules of the road and the laws of the state where you plan to park your RV.
One of the first things to do would be to ensure that you get your mail without having a fixed address. Generally, you’ll have to have it forwarded from an address in a state where you set up a domicile. Your domicile state acts as “home” so that you have an address from which to conduct business or handle other things requiring paperwork. That state will issue your driver’s license and other official certifications.
It’ll also be where you register to vote, which you will then do by absentee ballot. The Bureau of Voter Registration in the state you choose for your domicile will be able to advise you and provide you with both relevant paperwork and ballots.
Speaking of schooling, people who live in their RVs full time generally either teach their children at home or register them in a brick-and-mortar school in the city where they set up their long-term RV campsite. Moving during the school year will likely necessitate registering the children in a new school in a new district.
When it comes to healthcare, for routine things, it’s usual for RVers to find a family doctor in their domicile state. That way, they can return to see the doctor for prescriptions, exams, and other mundane healthcare items. It’s important, too, to have adequate health insurance so that you and your family members can go to the emergency room where you’re actually staying. Having insurance will also give you peace of mind if you need to be admitted to the hospital for any reason.
You’ll also need a job while you’re either on the road or staying at a long-term RV campground. Remote work is the No. 1 method of earning a living while in your RV for the long term. You can, however, also seek seasonal work where you stay or even work for the campground owners in lieu of paying campsite fees. It’s a good idea to make sure that your RV has a mobile hotspot with reliable internet so that you can continue to work even if you’re in an area without Wi-Fi signal. Remember to maintain secure online banking apps and/or be customers of a bank with branches in the most states possible so that you always have access.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Long-term campgrounds provide you with the fewest hassles when it comes to living in your RV long term in the State of New York.
• Setting up your RV on your own property is possible, too, but you have to get permission from local authorities to do so.
RVing in New York FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while traveling through the U.S.?
Yes, in most cases, you can find someplace to sleep in your RV while you’re traveling through the U.S. Some states restrict where and when you can sleep, so be sure to research those restrictions before entering that state. In almost all states, as long as you’re seat belted, you can sleep in the front passenger seat. However, only a few states allow you to sleep in the back of an RV or in an RV trailer while it is in motion.
What is the new RV law in New York?
The newest laws in most cities in New York govern how long you can actually stop on a public thoroughfare. The latest legislation, which is from the early spring of 2024, hasn’t yet been enacted, but there is a push to do so before the end of the year.
Is it legal to live in an RV Full Time in New York?
Yes, within certain guidelines, it’s legal to live in your RV full time in the State of New York.
Can I park my RV on my property in New York?
Yes, you may unless doing so is prohibited by the municipal or county governments for some reason.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in New York?
Yes, with the permission of the municipal government, you may live in your RV on your own land.
How long can I stay at an RV Park in New York?
That will depend on the rules of the RV park, campground, or resort in question. Many such locations offer rates for a camping season or even for a whole year. In some places, even this is disallowed, so it’s wise to research before setting out.
Do you think that you’re ready for full-time RV living? If not, then it’s a good idea to consider renting an RV to “test the waters” before plunging in. You can experience a small slice of the full-time RVer’s life and then make a well-reasoned and experienced decision. The State of New York is an outstanding place to explore RV living full time, so planning a trip there is a fun way to bond with the family.
