Full-time RV living in Pennsylvania is an exciting prospect, but there are a few important things to consider before you embark on this journey. You may have several questions about this lifestyle, and rest assured, we’ll address them in this 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 Pennsylvania?
You may live in your RV full time in Pennsylvania as long as you either own the property yourself or have the permission of the property owner to do so. Each city, town, and village in Pennsylvania also has its own rules, which may be different than the state law. So, it’s important to become familiar with those rules if you plan on RV living full time in Pennsylvania.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has fairly lax rules and regulations for living in your RV full time, but it’s still a good idea to learn as much as possible about those laws before settling there in your RV.
RV Parking Laws
In Pennsylvania, the rules for parking apply to all vehicles. Parking violations include less than 15 feet from a hydrant, 20 feet from a crosswalk, and 30 feet of a stop sign among other restrictions. You also have to park within 12 inches of any curb.
Trailer Towing Laws
Trailers in Pennsylvania must be equipped with brakes. For trailers that weigh up to 3,000 pounds, those brakes must have enough force to stop 40% of the weight of the trailer. For trailers that weigh 3,001 pounds or more, the brakes must have enough force to stop the whole weight of the trailer. Additionally, trailers that weigh 3,001 pounds or more must have systems in place that will apply the brakes if the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle for some reason. All trailers must also have pneumatic tires.
Boondocking Regulations
Boondocking, which is otherwise known as dispersed camping, in Allegheny National Forest is restricted to four specific campgrounds within the forest. In the rest of Pennsylvania, boondocking is limited to approved campgrounds, meaning that you can’t just set up your RV anywhere you want.
RV Insurance Requirements
Like many other states, Pennsylvania RV insurance requires motorhomes to have the same kind of coverage for liability as cars and light trucks. Fifth wheels, travel trailers, popups, and toy haulers are covered under the towing vehicle’s liability policy. However, if you want insurance against damage to your trailer or its theft, then you must secure an additional policy.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
Allegheny National Forest is the single national forest in Pennsylvania. RV camping there is allowed in the campgrounds, some of which are for dispersed camping. As with all other federal public land, the limit is 14 days during any 28-day period before you need to move to a new location that is at least 30 miles distant from the previous location. RV camping at state parks in Pennsylvania is also allowed in designated areas.
Full-Time RVing in Philadelphia
The No. 1 perk of full-time RV living in Philadelphia is that you can explore the history of America at its very beginning as a sovereign nation. You can also enjoy professional sporting events in all four major American leagues: the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Of course, there are also RV campgrounds where you can set up shop.
RVing in Philadelphia FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Philadelphia?
No, parking an RV is quite complex in Philadelphia. In fact, the Philadelphia Parking Authority enforces different procedures for almost every block in the city.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Philadelphia?
While living in your RV is not permitted, you may park your RV for the long term on your own property in Philadelphia.
Full-Time RVing in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a cultural city that has many museums, art galleries, a fine symphony orchestra, and festivals that occur throughout the year. Two of the most popular museums are the Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museum of Art. If you’re a sports fan, then you can attend games of the Pirates, Penguins, and the Steelers while in town. When it comes to full-time RV living itself, there are quite a few RV parks from which to choose.
RVing in Pittsburgh FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Pittsburgh?
On the street, you’re bound by Pittsburgh’s parking laws. The most important thing to remember is that you can only stop for two hours between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on any street in Pittsburgh.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Pittsburgh?
Living on your own property in an RV in Pittsburgh depends on local zoning laws.
How to Live in an RV Full time
When you want to live in your RV full time in Pennsylvania, you have to plan wisely. The first step is to set up Pennsylvania as your “domicile state” even if you’ve spent the rest of your life living elsewhere. That means that you’ll conduct business, vote, and otherwise exist as a citizen of Pennsylvania. You should find a post office box near where you’re going to stay where you can get your mail whether it’s forwarded from your previous address or it’s sent directly to your post office box. Remember, too, that you’ll have to secure your driver’s license and other identifying documents from the State of Pennsylvania.
Voting is an important part of being an American citizen, so don’t forget to register. You’ll be voting in Pennsylvania now and not where you were living before. If you happen not to be in Pennsylvania when it’s time to vote, then you’ll have to vote by absentee ballot.
If you have children, then they’ll have to attend school. Many RVers homeschool their children. Children of high school age might be allowed to attend school virtually if you’re moving around from place to place, but you’ll have to check with the relevant school district to see if this is an option. It’s also possible but more uncommon to do so for elementary or junior-high students to do the same. In all other situations, your children will have to attend a regular school, so you should register them at the appropriate school near where you’re staying in your RV.
Healthcare is crucial too. Before you arrive in Pennsylvania, it would be wise to find out if there are any doctors accepting new patients near where you live so that you don’t have to travel back where you were previously for mundane care like examinations, prescription refills, or vaccinations. You should also audit your health insurance policies to make sure that you are covered in your new town or city.
It’s also a good idea to line up a job before you get where you’re going. A lot of RVers do seasonal work, and many also work for the campgrounds where they stay. They do this in lieu of paying rental fees for the campsite. If you plan to telecommute, then you will need a strong and reliable internet signal in your RV, which you can get from a high-quality mobile hotspot.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Long-term campgrounds: You can stay in one of these for as long as the campground allows you to do so.
• Public land: This includes both state forests and the one national forest in Pennsylvania.
• Private property: This can be either your own property or that belonging to someone else. If it belongs to someone else, then you need that person’s permission to park there for full-time RV living.
RVing in Pennsylvania FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while traveling through the U.S.?
In the State of Pennsylvania, there are two sets of rules for sleeping in rest stops. In all rest stops administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, you may sleep for up to two hours out of every 24. At rest stops administered by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, you may sleep for up to 24 hours. At neither kind of rest stop are you allowed to pitch tents or otherwise camp, however. When it comes to other states through which you will travel, research their laws on the appropriate websites.
What is the new RV law in Pennsylvania?
The latest edition of Pennsylvania licensing requirements on the Department of Motor Vehicles website says that you have to have a Class-A noncommercial license to be able to drive a vehicle with a trailer with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Pennsylvania?
Yes, it’s legal. Different municipalities might have their own ordinances in place, though, so it’d be smart to check them out before parking your RV in them.
Can I park my RV on my property in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you may park your RV on your own property for as long as you want.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Pennsylvania?
Yes, if you have no land in Pennsylvania, then you are allowed to buy some and then live in your RV on that land.
How long can I stay at an RV Park in Pennsylvania?
There are no laws on the books stating any restriction on how long you’re allowed to live in an RV campsite in a designated RV campground, resort, or park. However, each such private RV establishment is allowed to have its own rules.
In Pennsylvania, RVers have the flexibility to stay in their RVs on private property, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, provided you have permission from the property owner. Additionally, there are numerous RV parks in the state’s two major cities, offering even more options for your stay. Are you considering living in your RV full-time? If this lifestyle appeals to you, be sure to consider your pets. You can also rent an RV to experience RV living before making a commitment. Enjoy all that Pennsylvania has to offer!
