Can you live in an RV in Pennsylvania? (9+ cool places to park)

In this blog post, we will explain: Can you live in an RV in Pennsylvania? We will recommend the best spots for parking your RV in Pennsylvania and give you a few additional tips on living in an RV full-time. 

Can you live in an RV in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can live in an RV in Pennsylvania. There is no law prohibiting it, but still, you must consider the downsides of living in an RV in Pennsylvania, where it will not be easy to find free parking, especially in winter. 

Finding the perfect place to camp in Pennsylvania can be difficult even if you are a visitor or a local. Rustic camping grounds and parks are ideal for the perfect experience for you and your family. Luckily for you, I have compiled the perfect list of some amazing places where you can park your RV in Pennsylvania.

Best places to park your RV in Pennsylvania

Can you live in an RV park in Pennsylvania all year round?

No, in most situations, you cannot live in an RV park in Pennsylvania all year round. Most RV parks only allow living 11 months/year. However, there is a way to live in an RV  park all year round. The simplest and most used method is changing the name of the contracts. 

Many people live the whole year in the same campsite changing the name of the rental contract of the plot every six months (or the maximum that the law allows), as long as they are registered in a house, which of course is only possible outside from the campsite.

The second option is to live on a private campsite.

Another option is offered by private campsites, where members can enjoy the facilities for the payment of an annual fee that includes taxes and general expenses. At the same time, electricity and gas are charged according to meter consumption by distributors.

The third option is to live in various campsites throughout the year.

Another option valued by those who have vehicles that allow them to move with all their possessions or who live permanently in a habitable recreational vehicle (home vehicle) or camper vehicle.

Fourth option: Buy your piece of land. On it, you could install a caravan, but I warn you that it is not so easy because, for example, each terrain has its specific use.

If your plot is not buildable, you cannot put up a house whatever the modality is: conventional, wooden, prefabricated, mobile, with wheels, without wheels. 

The building or using some type of house on non-buildable land permanently can lead to coercive fines with high amounts and, even, in the most extreme cases, jail sentences. 

The Rustic Land Law determines that except in the areas expressly enabled to do so (prior license) by the general planning instrument, the management of rural land “will prohibit the provision on the lands thus classified of caravans or other mobile elements that may be habitable”.

If it is out of necessity, we have the last alternative. It proves that you live permanently in a motorhome, which can be any of the recreational vehicles; camper, RV, caravan or van. However, for this to happen, this vehicle cannot be your primary means of transportation.

Thus, the sixth option is to live a nomadic life.

Living a nomadic life means living without settling in a particular place. In these cases, the chances of having a problem with the authorities are reduced. You can live moving around your province or the country. 

The authorities will treat you like any other traveller, and you will not have coexistence problems. You can even order food “at home”.

Tips: change overnight areas every three or four days or be discreet and find a secluded place where you are not annoying to anyone. Remember that you must always have a “home address”, usually the home of your parents, relatives or friends.

Conclusions

Living in an RV full time is not a decision that must be taken lightly. If you plan on living in an RV in Pennsylvania, you must make sure you have a plan in mind, especially where you are going to store your RV. 

Also, take into consideration the weather factor, and make sure you read our other articles on how to keep warm in a motorhome during winter, but also our tips on where to park your RV overnight legally. 

If you have any more questions or comments on the content, please let us know. 

FAQ on Can you live in an RV in Pennsylvania?

Can you live in an RV for 12 months?

Legally you cannot live in an RV for 12 months, as most RV parks only allow between six and 11 months, intended for holiday use only. 

Can I live in a caravan on my land?

You can live in a caravan on your land, but there are a few rules to follow. Caravans and motorhomes can remain on the grounds of a primary residence, but only between uses. They must in no case lose their mobile nature. Otherwise, they will be considered as a fixed installation by the municipality.

Can I put an RV in my garden?

You can install your RV in your garden without authorisation if you are not using it as a home or as an annexe to your home. The RV must permanently retain its means of mobility (wheels, drawbar, etc.) to leave its location at any time.

References

• Where does Pennsylvania rank for full-time RV living? – pennlive.com
• Full Time living in PA, No camper experience – iRV2 Forums
• Campgrounds and Camping Reservations – Pennsylvania State Parks