Is It Legal To Live In An RV In California? (Full Explanation!)

Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Leepu Da Maxim

Well, it is legal to live in an RV in California but you have to follow some rules and regulations. Some cities and counties in California have specific laws and regulations regarding the use of RVs as permanent dwellings. So, you have to follow all the rules and regulations if you want to live in an RV.

Key Takeaways

• In California, some areas have zoning laws that prohibit RVs from being used as permanent homes
• According to California law, you can park your RV on private property with the owner’s permission, but you cannot park it on the street or in a public parking lot
• If you are planning to live in an RV in California then you should check with your local city or county government and find out the laws and regulations regarding living in an RV

Living In An RV: Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Requires lower costs because it is a way of life that does not require a fixed home You get greater contact with nature in different places It is very easy to change places and move to other more pleasant places This provides great life experience and personal growth Meeting new people is very simple	Reduced spaces compared to a traditional home Poor ventilation encourages the growth of fungus and mold inside the vehicle Some objects may break during the trip Climatic factors penetrate the vehicle more easily Driving these vehicles is more stressful compared to other vehicles

Is It Legal To Live In An RV With A Child In California?

Within California, there are no restrictions if a person decides to live in an RV with a child. However, this is not very convenient due to all the additional requirements that need to be considered. On the one hand, doctor’s visits and education are two important aspects that should not be neglected when raising a child in an RV.

On the other hand, in several parts of the state of California, it is not possible to park an RV for long periods. Therefore, California state authorities require any vehicle owner to drive it away.

Thus, when a person decides to live in an RV, the state of California seeks to discourage this type of decision. Here, it is advisable to live in the same place if the person has the possibility of doing so.

Can You Park Your RV Anywhere In California?

There are a few places in California where it is possible to park an RV for a long time. RV parks are located in California and they offer some benefits. People with RVs will get the chance to know a large part of California.

The most popular natural sites in the whole country can be found in this state. So, there are abundant national parks and state parks with a lot of attractions. Those who have this type of vehicle can also enjoy going to national forests, state forests, public lands, and other interesting destinations. 

Can You Carry A Gun In Your RV?

In many parts of the United States, an RV is considered not to be a residence, but only a vehicle. That is why, just like any other vehicle, it is possible to carry a gun. Of course, some requirements must be met to avoid violations and fines in this situation. Everyone who has a weapon is aware of these restrictions. 

Here, the weapon must be completely unloaded and stored in a container in the vehicle. The container must also be secure and locked. Therefore, it might not be possible to store a weapon in the glove compartment or center console of your vehicle. Of course, many people choose the latter places to store their weapons for safety reasons.

Can You Park An RV In A Walmart Parking Lot?

According to Walmart, people with RVs will be able to park for some time in the parking lots of these locations. Of course, owners of these vehicles do not have certain amenities, such as lodging or electric service, here. However, it is a good place where they will not be disturbed by state authorities.

Additionally, a large number of people choose Walmart parking lots to spend the night in a recreational vehicle. This way, people have the perfect place to park for an overnight stay at no cost.

Therefore, Walmart has a policy of allowing free parking for people with these vehicles. It’s even an excellent marketing strategy because it allows positive results from it.

How Hard Is It To Drive An RV?

Contrary to what many people believe, driving an RV is not that hard. The size that is always larger than a car is not an obstacle when driving. This type of modern vehicle has different devices that improve the driving of any person. 

One of the examples, in this case, is a set of cameras located on the outside of the entire motorhome. This provides a higher level of safety and confidence while driving.

Inside the vehicle, the driver will have an optimal view of everything that is happening around him. In case of difficult maneuvers in places with little space, it is possible to avoid this kind of inconvenience. So, if you are thinking of acquiring a recreational vehicle, it is highly recommended to be able to visit several parts of the United States.

Can A Family Of 4 Live In An RV?

Today, a large number of people choose to live in an RV because of the excellent benefits they get. Of course, it is necessary to take into account some additional aspects to be able to live pleasantly and comfortably in a mobile home.

Also, the family must have a fully legalized postal address. Besides, any family that decides to live in a mobile home will have to pay taxes according to the state they choose.

On the other hand, it is necessary to think about the education and welfare of the children. If all these aspects are taken care of, then living in a mobile home can be something very special and fun.

Learn more about How Thick Should An RV Pad Be? (All You Need To Know!)

Is Living In An RV Homeless?

These days, a lot of people think that living in an RV is something similar to the situation of people who are homeless. Of course, homeless advocates do think these situations are similar. Beyond that, a lot of people decide to live in a mobile home to get better life experiences.

Those people who live in mobile home in very bad conditions and old vehicles have probably not chosen that way of life. So, when people who live in a movable home do not have a regular home, then they are considered homeless. Generally, people who choose to live in a mobile home also have a traditional home somewhere in the United States. 

Is An RV Tax Deductible?

Here, it is necessary to take into account the different factors of a mobile home and of course its overall size. If these vehicles have the right functions and features, then they can be labeled as a second home. In this way, the owners of these vehicles get an excellent benefit, since a large part of the taxes they have to pay are reduced.

This is why many people choose to use a motor home as a second vehicle or a second home. There are several advantages that people can take advantage of when they have a mobile home. 

Besides, in some states such as California, there are many national and state parks available. Therefore, it is a perfect destination for those who wish to be in contact with nature.

How Long Can You Park An RV On The Street In California?

In many California territories, a vehicle is not allowed to be parked in a single location for more than 72 hours at a time. Of course, here recreational vehicles are also included and cannot remain in one place indefinitely. To avoid this, owners of these vehicles decide to park on another street for a few hours or a day.

After that, they can return to the places they have chosen as their preferred location. Even some people who don’t want to live on the streets choose some of California’s national and state parks.

In fact, in these places, people can be in a place closer to nature. Also, the total costs are usually not too high for the people who decide to make these choices.

Where Can You Camp For Free In California?

Those who have bought a mobile home want to know where camping is allowed for free. Fortunately, there are some places that these people can take advantage of from the first day. Even here, contact with nature is another advantage obtained by making this decision. Some of the best-known sites are:

1. Rocky Point West

2. No Mans Trailhead

3. Pinnacle Rock

4. Mariners Point Shoreline Campground

5. Lacks Creek

6. Modoc National Forest

7. Cherry Lake

8. Mud Lake Trailhead

9. Steiner Flat Primitive Campground

10. Doe Flat Trailhead

So, without a doubt buying a new RV to enjoy all these experiences is worth it.

References:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/recreational-vehicles-trailers-handbook-pdf/

https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/rv_park_occupancy_law.pdf