In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can I park my RV in my driveway? We will discuss the law behind parking an RV and give you a few suggestions for places where you can park your RV in the busiest cities around the US.
Can I park my RV in my driveway?
Yes, you can park your RV in your driveway, but there is a catch. Although it seems normal and that you have the right to do it – it is ultimately your house – parking and blocking the driveway for more than 72 hours is against the law in most states.
Here are other places where you cannot park an RV:
- In front of a hydrant, or in any way that makes access to the hydrant difficult in the event of a fire. Generally, the gutter is painted red in these areas, but that is not always the case.
- In alleys, unless it is to unload passengers or cargo.
- On a corner or crosswalk.
- Next to a parked car (double parking).
- In front of a bus stopped in a tunnel.
- On a bridge.
- In one place for more than 72 hours.
The Traffic Law in the US establishes that it is prohibited to park your car in your driveway since it is actually owned by the city. You also can’t park and block a sidewalk. This is because it violates the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. That is, it does not allow the passage of a wheelchair or walkers.
You could even be sued under this federal regulation.
You can only park in front of a driveway to drop passengers or unload something momentarily, but you cannot leave the vehicle unattended. It doesn’t matter that it’s 9:00 a.m., 9:00 p.m. or the early morning.
Of course, the policeman who sees you doing it may only give you a warning, especially if you indicate that it is your home, but it is better not to risk it!
They have the authority to tow your RV and take it to a municipal lot, where it will cost you a good few dollars to get it out. And of course, this carries a parking ticket, which usually costs $68.
And you can’t park within 15 feet of a fire station driveway, either. This is because the trucks are so large that they must manoeuvre widely to get them out or into the building.
What if someone else parked their RV in front of your driveway?
If it only partially obstructs it, and you can get your car out, you may just want to leave a note on the windshield asking it to move and reminding it that cars are leaving. But if the blockage is total, you have the right to call the police and they will surely send a tow truck promptly.
If you live in a congested area or the problem is consistent, it might also help if you put up a sign telling them not to park there.
Where to park your RV in the United States?
Suppose you go for an RV road trip in the United States but you know that it is not always easy to visit the big cities, due to the lack of parking for your large vehicle. The cities of New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco are very good examples.
In general, the best way to visit a city is to park your RV in the parking lot of a shopping centre served by the city’s public transportation system. However, you will have to get back to the vehicle before closing and get back on the road (unless it is in the parking lot of a Walmart that allows you to spend the night there).
In addition to this general tip, here are our parking/camping suggestions for major cities in the United States:
Where to park your RV in New York
In New York, it is better not to drive around town with your RV. Either way, you won’t find RV parking. The best is to spend the night in one of these 2 “RV Park” (camping) located near the city and offering a shuttle service:
- Liberty Harbor: Located not far from the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Harbor RV Park is the closest to downtown. It also offers a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty.
However, you should not expect a 5-star campsite. It looks more like a parking lot but it is the most convenient for visiting the city. Shuttle service to the city centre is offered from the campsite.
- Cheesequake State Park: More natural and more beautiful than Liberty Harbor but further away (1-hour drive), the Cheesequake State Park campground is not very far from train and bus services to downtown New York.
Where to park your RV in Boston
In Boston, there is no official parking lot where RVs are allowed. You can certainly find a mall that is serviced by the city’s public transportation system.
The best way to visit Boston, however, would be to spend the night at the Minuteman Campgrounds. The train station is not far from the campsite and will take you directly to downtown Boston.
Where to park your RV in Miami
South Beach, there is parking on Collins Avenue (between 21st and 22nd). The price is +/- $ 15 per 24 hour period and it is possible to sleep on-site (without opening the “slide-out”). This parking lot is well located, near Lincoln Road and its activities. The beach is directly across the street. The place is quiet at night.
Where to park your RV in Los Angeles
Dockweiler Beach RV Park is definitely the best place to sleep RV in Los Angeles and see the city. The campsite is located directly on the beach. Being located right next to the airport, you should know however that the place is very noisy. There is no plane only between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
You can get to Venice Beach and Santa Monica by bike via the bike path that passes right in front of you, between the campsite and the beach.
You can visit Hollywood, Universal Studios and Beverly Hill. However, downtown Los Angeles is difficult to access by RV.
Further afield, in Long Beach, there is also the Golden Shore RV Resort.
Where to park your RV in San Francisco
The San Francisco Candlestick RV Park is an overnight campground that offers an efficient on-site shuttle system ($) between the campground and downtown San Francisco. The place is good but nothing more.
There is also the San Francisco RV Resort which offers a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean and its sunsets. Transport to the city centre is a little worse than in Candlestick, but the place is much nicer.
Conclusions
Make sure you read the law regarding parking an RV, depending on the state you reside in. After all, you don’t want your RV towed and a “nice” fine wrote in your name.
Do you have any suggestions or questions regarding parking lots for RVs? Don’t hesitate to share them with our other readers!
FAQ on Can I park my RV in my driveway?
Where can I park an RV?
An RV is perfectly entitled to park in the parking spaces along the roadway. However, its size must allow it, it must not interfere with road traffic or pedestrians. However, due to its size, the motorhome cannot park everywhere.
Where to stop with a motorhome?
A motorhome can stop in town in a parking space and spend the night there. It does not matter whether the motorhome operators are on board or not, as long as they comply with the regulations.
How to live year-round in a caravan?
To live year-round in a caravan and benefit from an address, registering with your local office is an idea. However, you must have a link with the municipality where you are making the request such as a place of stay on the date of the request, professional activity in the municipality, family ties.
