Can You Live in an RV Park All Year Long?

Living in an RV (recreational vehicle) seems like a cheaper and much more adventurous option than living in a classic house. This is why more and more people abandon the standard way of living and move into an RV or similar vehicle. Even though this decision seems great, you should weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of replacing your house with an RV.

This article will give you all the info you need if you want to try this, so be sure to read through it. Despite the more popular belief that moving into an RV is all fun and games, living in an RV year-long can also be very frustrating and challenging. So be sure to read the article and think about your options one more time.

Can You Live in an RV Park All Year Long? 

So Can You Live in an RV Park All Year Long? Yes, it is possible to live in RV (recreational vehicle) during the year. Even though some states prohibit living in RV (even if you are doing this on your property), RV parks are typically exempt. However, there are people who live in an RV only during a vacation and some live all year long.

If you want to learn more, keep reading this article.

What Is a Long-Term RV Park? 

Living long-term in RV Park

A long-term RV Park is a park where you can either buy a spot for your RV, rent a spot for long-term use, or simply rent it for a shorter period of time. Parks like these are a great option for people who decide to live in their RVs since there are usually many spots dedicated to year-long usage.

How to Find Long-Term RV Parks Near You

Finding a good long-term RV park is easy, and you need to visit Campendium or a similar website in your vicinity. When you decide which park best suits your needs, give them a call to find out if they offer long-term use. Alternatively, you could visit the website of the RV Park and try to find the information there.

The Disadvantages of Living In an RV Year-Round

The disadvantage of living in an RV

1. Small living space

Even if you own a Class A motorhome or a similar large RV (recreational vehicle) which can offer up to 400 square feet of living area, you will never feel as if you have enough space. Even the aforementioned 45-feet-long vehicles will seem cramped and insufficient at times.

2. Limited towing capacity

When talking about limited space, it is also important to mention that the number of recreational devices and overall living supplies will be limited. A great example is a family I got the chance to talk to who were towing their fifth wheel camper with their truck, and the fifth wheel was also connected to a boat.

Not only is this illegal in some states, which means that they cannot go wherever they want to, but it is also very impractical when it comes to parking in RV Parks, and dangerous since people try to overtake you due to your reduced speed will almost never expect a triple vehicle combination.

3. You need to have an RV parking space 365 nights a year

Unlike those who use RVs during their vacations or holidays and can simply park their RV in their own backyard, you need to find a spot where you can park your RV every single night. This means that you will have to take the time to find a suitable RV Park every day of your trip. Even if you decide on boondocking, choosing a peaceful place to stay will definitely not be easy.

4. Weather conditions

Living in an RV can be not only exhausting and uncomfortable but also dangerous. A permanent brick structure, such as a house or an apartment, can offer much better protection against all kinds of weather conditions, such as snow, ice, tornadoes, hail, strong winds, or heavy rain. So keep that in mind while camping.

5. Safety (Fire danger)

Due to the prolonged droughts, which have lasted for a few years now, states west of the Rocky Mountains are not the safest for RVers. Since there is a constant danger of wildfires, people living in RVs should definitely avoid states located west of the Rocky Mountains since wildfires are unpredictable and as dangerous for people living in RVs as they are for people living in brick houses.

Related Article: 10 Best RV Backup Cameras

The Advantages of Living In An RV Year-Round

The Advantage of Living in an RV

1. RVs are Mobile and adaptable

Many of us have had to deal with obnoxious neighbors at some point in our lives. When living in an RV, you can simply drive away and leave the problematic neighbors behind. Not only this, but if the area is dangerous due to frequent floods, wildfires, tornadoes, or any other mishap, you could simply start your engine and look for a better place to stay as opposed to living in a fixed structure such as a house.

2. Having More Personal Time

If you simply don’t have the time to read an interesting book or watch that new flick that just came out because you have to mow the lawn, scrub the entire bathroom and clean the house from top to bottom, then full-time living in an RV might just be the best option for you. The small living space will give you much more time to focus on yourself since cleaning is faster and easier.

3. Spend money on experiences

Every day is a new adventure! Instead of spending money on that vacuum machine or fixing the dripping wall of your house, you can invest in new experiences! Experiences that will create everlasting memories, new friendships, knowledge of new places, and amazing food.

Save Money Buy Paying Upfront

Just like with Netflix subscriptions, the longer you stay, the less you will pay. If you pay upfront, of course. This is why paying per month or year can save you money since it is much cheaper than paying per night.

If you are traveling alone, be sure to read Why People Put Bags Over Car Mirrors When Traveling Alone?

Other Costs

You can also save money by using the facilities and activities offered by your RV Park. Instead of paying separately for a gym membership, laundry washing, or swimming in a pool, you can pay for a stay at an RV Park and have all these included and even more (for example, boat trips, a game room, or mini-golf).

Living In RV Is Cheaper than Renting or Owning a House

A mortgage or rent will cost you a lot of money, whereas a spot in an RV Park can save you a ton of money. Not only will you save money on not having to deal with different housework such as spending money on a new roof or simply keeping your yard nice and tidy, but you also might not even have to pay for utilities if they are already included in the price of your spot.

Move to a New Location or Park if You Want

Another great option is to try out an RV Park for a few days before deciding whether you want to stay there long-term. This is especially great if you aren’t in love with the park’s location or find out that your neighbors are not your cup of tea. Even if you have already committed to a long-term stay, you could simply ask for a spot change. That is if you haven’t already signed a rental agreement. Either way, changing spots or parks is much easier than changing a neighborhood if you’re living in a house.

Related article: RV Parks Under $500 a Month In Florida: Cheap Options.

How to Make the Most out of Living an RV Life

If you decide to live in your RV permanently, you should know how to use that stay as best as possible. We’ve compiled some tips which could greatly improve your long-term stay.

Add Outdoor Living Space

Be sure to first check with the park staff if you are allowed to build something outside of your RV. If they approve, then building a deck or garden-like area can make your RV seem bigger and cozier since no matter how large an RV is, it will sometimes feel cramped and uncomfortable. This is why building an outdoor area and decorating it the way you like could improve your stay and help you experience RV life in a new way.

Maximize Storage in Your RV

If you have already decided to stay at an RV park for longer, then make your RV feel more like a home by adding containers or similar storage items. These can help you clear out space and maximize the living are by moving items you don’t often use out of the way.

Get More Experience and Memories

RV life is already crammed as it is, so collecting memorabilia will definitely not help you solve that problem. On the contrary, collecting more items will force you to clean more and will shrink your living area.

How To Know Is Living in an RV Full-Time Right For You?

How to know if living in an RV is right for you

Living in an RV full time comes with a lot of challenges. Instead of hanging out with friends or family or pursuing your daily routine, you will be planning where you will spend the following night. Your living area is restricted, and at times you might feel confined and disconnected. This is why this way of life is not for everyone.

A great example is a couple I met. Both of them were unhappy and disappointed by the constant challenges and issues created by living in an RV full-time. They missed their family, friends, and the house they had sold to buy a fifth-wheel trailer. They hadn’t thought it through, and now they have stuck far away from the daily routines they were used to.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is moving directly from a house/apartment to an RV. You will have no experience and no knowledge. This is why we recommend you spend some time simply using an RV as a vacation vehicle.

If you want to buy a camping trailer, be sure to read 10 Best Small Camping Trailers With Bathrooms.

FAQ: People Also Ask

Is it possible to live in a camper over the winter?

You can, but it will not be easy. RVs don’t offer proper insulation and what is worse your pipes could freeze leaving you with no water and causing all sorts of problems. This is why you should follow the seasons and try to stay in milder climates.

How cold is too cold for an RV?

Cold is a real danger when it comes to RVing since you could get frostbite and find yourself in a whole lot of trouble. To prevent this from happening, you should avoid areas where the temperature goes below -19ºF (-28 Celsius).

Can RV pipes freeze in one night?

By maintaining a warm temperature inside your RV you could avoid the frozen pipes issue. Moreover, certain RVs can endure even one-night single-digit temperatures and not get their pipes frozen. However, this is not the case for most RVs, which can usually endure double-digit temperatures such as the low 20s.

Final Thoughts

Full-time living in an RV is no easy task. There is a lot of planning involved and once you finally arrive at your spot in an RV Park you will most likely want to rest and stay there for a while. Be careful when planning since certain campsites could be booked months in advance, for example, national parks, especially during the summer months and holidays. I hope that this article has helped you and for any additional questions feel free to ask.

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