For many people, the beauty of having a recreational vehicle (RV) is the ability to move from place to place without losing the comfort of home. Having an RV enables people to travel around while not having the hassle of hotels or other accommodations. But for other people, living in an RV permanently is the goal.
Can you live in an RV park? Yes, there are many long-term RV parks that you can live in full time. Many RV parks are specifically intended for long stays, with rates offered for monthly leases or even longer. If living out of your RV as your sole residency is your goal, know that it is a feasible choice.
While you can approach RV living the same way that you approach RV traveling, there are some distinct changes that you should consider. It can be scary to embark upon the journey of living in an RV park, but being informed about what to expect is helpful.
Table of Contents
Living in an RV Park
The RV lifestyle seems to be increasingly appealing to people of all demographics. It is no longer a lifestyle associated only with retired people and traveling families. The Washington Post reports that there are one million people living in RVs full time.
I recently wrote an article about the Average RV Park Rates: Nationwide Campgrounds Prices per Night, have a look at it.
Living in an RV is quite different from your typical residence. Still, it can be a fulfilling way to live that eliminates so many material objects that are not important.
Related reading: The 4 Best RV Insurance for Full-Timers: A Dollar-Saving Guide
Finding a Long-Term RV Park
Owning an RV is one thing, but you have to have a place to park it, even if it is just for a short time. Unfortunately, you cannot just park your RV wherever you would like. This is where RV parks come in. RV parks and campgrounds cover the country, providing a place for travelers and residents alike.
Once you have decided that you want to live in an RV park full time, you have to find the right campground. You may already be familiar with one or more RV parks that offer rental spaces; however, they may not offer long-term leases.
When you look for an RV park to live in, it is most helpful to specifically look for parks that cater to long-term residents. You may find that RV parks that offer longer leases are closer to suburban areas than typical destination spots.
Related reading: Do RV Parks Allow Travel Trailers? – Read This Before You Go
Picking the Right RV Park to Live In
One of the best parts of deciding to live in an RV park is that you do not have to live in the same area that you have been. If you want to live near water so you can take your kayaks out on a regular basis, you do not have to stay in your arid location.
Take time to find an RV park that has what you want. Of course, no location will be perfect, but you have the freedom to take your RV to a park in any number of locations, so do not limit yourself.
It is also important to find an RV park that fits in your budget. Some parks offer a discounted rate for campers that stay in the park for a long time. Not all RV parks advertise their availabilities for long-term stays, so be sure to ask if you find a place you like.
Scope out your potential RV park. After all, this is where you are going to be living. Make sure you are happy there.
What to Expect When Living in an RV Park
Regardless of how experienced you with staying in an RV, doing it full time involves a lot of factors that are important to remember. Going from a traditional house to an RV is quite a change, even if that is what you are hoping for.
Smaller Living Space
Living in an RV is likely going to be a considerably smaller space than what you may be used to. Naturally, RVs do not have as much square footage as many apartments and houses. That downsizing might be what is motivating you to choose RV living, but it is different.
Living in an RV with small square footage will require you to have less things and be smarter about the way you store what you do have. There is little room to have random objects strewn across the vehicle.
Given that there is less space in an RV, families with several kids may find that living in an RV is not the most feasible option, at least when the kids are at certain ages. Many families do make it work, though, so do not count it out completely.
Utilities in an RV Park
Having your RV as your sole residence requires you to have at least some standard utilities connected to your vehicle. Many parks offer internet services, but they may be slow when the park has lots of campers.
You also might have to cover electricity costs. While some parks include these costs in their rental fees, you might have to cover the costs as a long-term resident. Naturally, you also have to consider your water utility needs.
Not all RV parks have sewer connections at each rental space. Those that lack individual connection spots usually have a common dump site somewhere in the park that you can use, but this can be inconvenient when you live at the park all the time.
Related reading: How to Use a Generator with a Travel Trailer: Complete Guide
Why Live in an RV Park?
It can seem strange to want to keep your RV in one place. Some might think that defeats the purpose of even having the vehicle. In reality, there are plenty of benefits to living in an RV park that you may not have thought of.
RV Park Communities
Most RV parks will have at least some residents who live in the park full time. This means that there is usually a sense of camaraderie between residents.
Of course, not all residents want to be friends with everyone, and you might want your own personal space, but the option for a great community is there.
Some RV parks, especially those that have many long-term campers, have amenities that also create a sense of community. Some parks will have clubhouses, gyms, pools, or even laundry rooms. Plus, common open areas make great barbeque spots for you and your neighbors.
Living in an RV park also means that you will be neighbors with people who love the RV lifestyle like you do. You can meet people from all over the world and share travel stories and experiences.
Ability to Still Travel
Another major bonus of living in an RV park is that you still have the freedom to travel. Since you do not have another residence like a house or apartment, you do not have to pack every single time you want to travel.
You already have all of (or at least most) your belongings in your RV, so traveling is much easier. This makes spontaneous or short trips more possible. Sometimes it can be a huge hassle to pack a bunch of stuff for a weekend trip, but an RV solves that.
You also do not have to worry about finding someone to take care of your house while you travel. You can easily travel without having someone check on your house because your living area is going with you. All in all, living in an RV park is doable. It is not for everyone, but it can be an enriching experience that might be just what you did not know you were looking
Staying at an RV park for the first time >> Check out the video below:
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