RV living full time in Utah can be an exciting adventure, but you’ll want to know the rules and laws to follow in 2026. In this article, you’ll find out what kind of insurance you need, where you are legally allowed to park or stay in your RV, and what the trailer towing regulations are.
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 Utah?
Living in an RV full-time in Utah is possible, but it comes with some specific regulations and considerations. Where you can park long-term may depend on the local zoning laws in each city or county. Checking with local government offices about specific requirements in your chosen area can help ensure you comply with all local laws and avoid zoning issues.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Utah
Utah has specific provisions that cover everything from boondocking and street parking to various ordinances that apply to RVs, whether towed or otherwise.
RV Parking Laws
In Utah, parking laws dictate several important regulations for RVs. You must park at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant and maintain a distance of 20 feet from a crosswalk, 30 feet from a traffic sign or signal, and 50 feet from a railroad crossing. Additionally, you should not park your RV more than a foot away from the curb. It’s also important to note that parking is only allowed on streets with sufficient space for angled parking on both sides. Additionally, RV parking is prohibited on streets in commercial zones.
Trailer Towing Laws
According to Utah State Law, the maximum length for towed RVs, including the towing vehicle and any connecting equipment, is 65 feet. RVs may measure up to 45 feet in length, but if you tow an additional vehicle, like a car on a trailer, the combined length must also adhere to the 65-foot limit. Additionally, RVs must not exceed a height of 14 feet or a width of 8.5 feet.
When it comes to safety regulations, trailers must be equipped with functional lights, brakes, and turn signals. Specifically, all trailers with a gross weight of over 3,000 pounds must have brakes that can be activated from the towing vehicle. Furthermore, the trailer must have working brake lights and turn signals that are visible from at least 500 feet away. It’s crucial to ensure that all lights are operational before hitting the road to comply with safety standards and avoid potential penalties.
Boondocking Regulations
Boondocking is allowed in Utah. As with any boondocking site across the country, it’s essential to follow Leave No Trace Principles. These principles include packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impact, respecting wildlife, and camping at least 200 feet away from water sources to protect fragile ecosystems.
RV Insurance Requirements
The State of Utah requires liability insurance on all vehicles with motors. You also have to have personal injury insurance in case you are at fault for an accident. If you have an RV trailer, then that trailer will be covered under your towing vehicle policy. If you want coverage against theft of or damage to your RV trailer, then you’ll have to upgrade your policy.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
The federal public land in Utah is under the administration of either the Bureau of Land Management or the United States Forest Service. There are five national forests in Utah. The rules for BLM or USFS lands are the same: a 14-day limit for camping on these lands out of every 28-day period. Also, after camping for those 14 days, you have to move at least 30 miles to your next campsite.
Full-Time RVing in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City gives you a great base from which to explore the city. They include being near nature areas on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. Also, you can visit the Utah Museum of Natural History or explore Big Cottonwood Canyon, which is nearby. Fans of astronomy can enjoy a show at the Clark Planetarium.
RVing in Salt Lake City FAQs
Other than in commercial zones, you can park anywhere in Salt Lake City that is covered by a parking pay station unless a specific space is bagged as “No Parking.” If you have a smartphone, then you can pay using the Salt Lake City Parking App.
Salt Lake City only allows full-time RV living within an RV park, campground, or resort within the city limits. Living in an RV might be allowed temporarily, such as during home construction. However, this typically requires a permit from the city.
Full-Time RVing in Ogden
Ogden provides access to some excellent RV campgrounds, some offering long-term stays. You will also find an abundance of educational activities. You can visit the Hill Aerospace Museum and the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park. Alternatively, Ogden Nature Center and the Treehouse Children’s Museum are high-quality, family-friendly destinations.
RVing in Ogden FAQs
Ogden has specific zoning regulations that dictate where RVs can be parked. Generally, you can park your RV on public streets for up to 72 hours.
No, you may not. Ogden’s zoning ordinances prohibit living in your RV permanently.
How to Live in an RV Full time
Full-time RV living is a popular lifestyle choice, but it requires careful planning and full knowledge of all applicable laws before beginning. Those laws will change as you move from place to place, so be sure to research all applicable federal, state, and municipal regulations before setting out.
The first thing you’ll have to do is set Utah as your “domicile.” You’ll need an address in Utah where you will both receive direct mail and mail forwarded from any previous location. There are several popular mail forwarding services from which to choose. The State of Utah will have to issue you a driver’s license. Remember to ask about what kind of license you’ll need to drive your RV. Vehicles of certain weights and dimensions will require you to have a particular class of license.
As a citizen of the State of Utah, you’ll also need to register to vote there. If you like to travel and your travels happen during an election, then you’ll have to apply for an absentee ballot to be able to vote.
If you have children, they will have to attend school. A lot of the time, because they’re on the road a lot, RVers prefer to homeschool their children. Alternatively, your children may be able to attend school virtually while you travel if such attendance is allowed by the school district.
Another thing you should do before arriving is to find a general practitioner who’s accepting new patients. You should also make sure that your health insurance meets your family’s needs.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
Here are the types of properties you can live on full time in an RV:
- Long-term campgrounds: Private RV campgrounds, resorts, and parks offer an excellent option for a permanent stay in Utah.
- Private Property: Cities in Utah often have restrictive zoning laws prohibiting living in your RV. However, many places in the state have more flexible regulations, especially in rural areas.
RVing in Utah FAQs
While traveling through most states, it is legal to pull over and sleep for safety reasons. In Utah, the law says that you’re not allowed to camp overnight in a rest area. However, you are able to sleep in your vehicle overnight.
The newest law applicable to RVs in Utah was updated on October 1, 2024. It’s a list of definitions regarding all vehicles and areas in Utah, and this includes recreational vehicles.
In Utah, you can live full time in designated RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds. Living in your RV on your own property outside of cities in some areas of the state is also legal.
Yes, you may park your RV on your property in Utah, but you have to follow all applicable municipal zoning regulations.
Before purchasing land in Utah, make sure you check local regulations. Cities and some municipalities in the state have restrictive zoning laws.
The State of Utah doesn’t regulate how long you can stay in an RV campground, resort, or park. The owners of the campgrounds set their own rules, so it’s wise to check with them before arriving.
Living in an RV in Utah can be a rewarding experience. Renting an RV is an excellent way to see if this lifestyle is right for you. When planning your trip, be sure to build in time to talk to local RVers about their experiences living in the state. You might make some new friends that way, too!
