Oregon is a lovely state full of beautiful waterfalls and picturesque coastlines, so it’s a fantastic place to live in an RV. If you want to learn more about RV living full time in Oregon, then you’ve come to the right place for advice. All of the questions you have about how to live in an RV full time in Oregon will be answered in this handy guide.
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 Oregon?
The state of Oregon allows residents to live in an RV as long as no violations of state or local law occur. You may even be able to live on some public land as long as no destruction of property occurs.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Oregon
Oregon’s RV laws may be less rigorous than those of some other states, but you still need to be familiar with them. Where and how can you park your camper? What are the rules for towing your camper from one place to another? Do you need to insure your RV? The answers to these and other questions are vital to your understanding of full-time RV living in Oregon.
RV Parking Laws
RV parking laws vary from city to city. Most places in Oregon allow you to park an RV in a driveway or side yard, but not all places allow you to keep your RV on your premises indefinitely. Many places allow you to park your camper on the side of the street temporarily for a day or two. RV parking laws are often more flexible in rural areas.
Trailer Towing Laws
Towing your trailer correctly requires you to abide by multiple rules and regulations. Your trailer can only be up to 40 feet long, and the combined length of your camper and vehicle can’t be greater than 65 feet. All trailers must be attached to towing vehicles with safety cables or chains and have turn signals, taillights, and brake lights. Most areas in Oregon require you to not exceed 55 miles an hour while towing a camper.
Boondocking Regulations
Oregon is home to roughly 768,000 acres of State Trust Land; you can go boondocking in any area that has an accessible road nearby and no gates or signs telling you not to camp. You can camp for up to 30 days before having to relocate. Don’t forget to properly dispose of all trash and to not go through private property without permission. Some great boondocking locations in Oregon include Huckleberry City, Hult Pond, and the Mayfield Pond Recreation Area.
RV Insurance Requirements
RV insurance requirements in Oregon are similar to those of cars. You’ll need to have bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. If you have a travel trailer, you aren’t required to have special insurance for it because it’s covered under the towing vehicle’s policy. You’re not required to procure comprehensive and collision coverage, but doing so would still be a wise investment.
Another option that’s not strictly necessary but that can be useful is full-time RV insurance. This type of coverage provides additional financial protection against liability for accidents that may occur while your RV is parked.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
Some great public lands that are ideal for camping are Oregon’s state forest campgrounds. Whether you want to stay at an established campground, a designated campsite, or a dispersed camping area, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect spot. The rules for camping in Oregon’s state forests include not camping 25 or fewer feet from a river or stream, packing out all garbage if there are no trashcans, and keeping all pets on six-foot leashes.
Full Time RVing in Portland
Portland is Oregon’s biggest city, so it’s full of interesting attractions like the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Japanese Garden. The simplest way to experience RV living full time in Portland is to stay at one of the multiple long-term RV campgrounds in the area.
RVing in Portland FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Portland?
You can park your RV in a driveway or backyard. You can’t park your camper between your house and the street.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Portland?
RVs aren’t considered dwelling units in Portland, so you can’t live in them permanently on your property. The only way you can legally live in your RV in Portland is in an RV park.
Full Time RVing in Eugene
Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, the Owen Rose Garden, and a stretch of the Willamette River. Several RV campgrounds in the area allow guests to stay on a long-term basis.
RVing in Eugene FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Eugene?
You can’t park your camper in front of a home or hotel for more than three nights within a 90-day period. Some parking spaces in Eugene have two-hour limits on them, so RVs can only park in them temporarily.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Eugene?
You must have authorization from the county to live in an RV on privately owned residential property. The only other situations in which you can live in your RV are in an RV park or if your home has become uninhabitable due to disaster.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
Can you live in an RV full time in Oregon? Yes, as long as you make sure to take care of the necessary logistics and finances. You may need to get a flexible mobile job that will enable you to work online. You’ll need to make sure that you have enough money to pay for insurance, phone, internet, RV maintenance, and more.
You’ll also need to ensure that you can receive your mail. Perhaps you could get a family member or friend to handle your mail for you. Maybe you could set up a forwarding service. Another option would be to have your mail delivered to a nearby post office. If you’re staying at an RV park, then you might be able to receive your mail there.
Another important aspect of full-time RV living is establishing residency. Doing so is necessary to file taxes, obtain healthcare, register your car, and vote. In order to establish residency, you’ll need to obtain an address, get a driver’s license, and file all appropriate legal documents.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Your own property: You can live in an RV on your own property if you receive authorization to do so. You can also reside in an RV on your premises if your home has been seriously damaged by a disaster.
• Long-term campgrounds: The easiest way to engage in RV living full time in Oregon is to stay at an RV park. Many of these RV-friendly facilities offer long-term or even annual rates.
RVing in Oregon FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the US?
If you’re driving your RV across the US, then you’ll need to find safe places to sleep while doing so. One obvious option is to camp at national parks, state parks, or BLM areas. Another option is to park overnight at a Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Camping World, or Cabelas; many of these big-box retailers allow travelers to spend the night. Other RV parking possibilities are truck stops, church parking lots, and casinos.
What is the new RV law in Oregon?
As of January 1, 2024, a new Oregon RV law states that those living in RV parks become tenants after 90 days of habitation rather than the previous standard of 45 days. This new law also states that RV park owners can evict RVers after a 90-day period without cause as long as they give RV owners a 14-day notice.
Can you live in an RV full time in Oregon?
Yes, you can live in an RV full time as long as you abide by local laws, aren’t disruptive, and don’t damage property.
Can I park my RV on my property in Oregon?
Thanks to another new law that went into effect on January 1, 2024, homeowners can keep an occupied RV on the property. Be sure to look into local rules and regulations before you park your camper since laws can vary by city.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Oregon?
One way to make sure you’re abiding by local laws is to buy an RV lot that’s set up with RVing in mind. Many property sizes and price points are available, so you’ll be able to find the property that’s right for you.
How long can you stay at an RV park in Oregon?
There are plenty of RV parks in Oregon that offer monthly or even yearly camping options. Many of these RV parks will allow you to stay at them indefinitely; some even offer a discount for renting annually instead of monthly.
Oregon is a stunning state with plenty of outstanding locations to take an RV including some fantastic scenic drives. Before you embark on your journey, remember that buying and maintaining an RV can be expensive, so you should consider renting an RV instead. If you rent an RV rather than buy one, you’ll be able to learn how to live in an RV in Oregon without having to commit to owning your own camper.
