What's In This Article

Campervan living has become very popular lately. In fact, it has become a trend now. People are buying vans and converting them into their dream homes.

They are even selling these vans at a premium price. This is because they are considered luxury vehicles.

The term “campervan” refers to a van that has been converted into a home.

These vans are usually purchased from car dealerships or rental companies. They come with basic amenities such as beds, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.

Campervans are becoming a popular choice for those who want to travel around the country without having to worry about finding accommodation.

Because campervans are basically homes on wheels, they give a certain level of travel freedom.

There are various benefits associated with campervan living. For instance, you don’t have to pay high rent prices. Also, you get to save a lot of time since you don’t need to look for accommodation every night.

You can also enjoy the convenience of being able to stay anywhere you like.

There are many different types of campervans available on the market today. Some are designed for two people while others are meant for families.

The most common type of campervan is the pop-up campervan. It is a van that has been modified so that it can be opened up when needed.

The campervan can then be used as an extension of the owner’s house.

Campervans are not limited only to just the United States. They are also gaining popularity in Europe. Many European countries are offering tax breaks to encourage people to buy campervans.

The point is, more and more people are living in campervans.

And while they’re great for traveling, what about when you get home? Are you allowed to still live in a camper if it’s in your backyard? It’s got to be yes, right? It’s your own backyard. But the answer might surprise you…

A camper, also known as a camper van, is a type of recreational vehicle. This means that the vehicle is used for leisure.

Typically, a campervan will have a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping space. They’re designed to be mini homes that you can travel around in.

There are three main types of campers:

Each type comes with different features and specifications. So, let’s take a look at each one.

These are typically smaller than classes 2-5. They are often referred to as “mini-RVs.” They tend to be cheaper than other models. However, they do lack some of the luxuries found in larger RVs.

This type of camper is similar to class 3. They have a bigger interior than class 1. They are also more expensive than class 1 RVs.

These are the largest of all the camper vans. They also tend to be the most expensive. They offer the biggest amount of space inside.

These are very large vehicles that fold down to form a tent. They are usually built for extended family vacations.

Motorhomes are the smallest of all the campervans. They are usually built with a small engine. They are perfect for those who want something compact.

So there you go! That should give you a good idea of what a camper is. Now, let’s talk about how to make sure you can legally live in a camper.

When people think of camping, they usually imagine spending their nights under the stars. However, some people also choose to stay in a campervan instead.

There are many reasons why this might happen. Here are some of them:

Living in your camper can have its benefits. For example, you may find yourself spending less money than you would if you were staying in hotels.

That’s because you won’t have to spend money on food, transportation, and other things. You’ll also be saving money by not paying for electricity, water, and gas.

Another benefit of living in a camper is that you can easily move it whenever you feel like it. This means that you won’t have to worry about getting stuck somewhere.

However, there are certain rules that apply when you decide to live in your camper.

For one thing, you must make sure that it is properly registered. You should also check whether it complies with local laws.

You will also need to make sure that it is safe. Make sure that it meets all safety standards. Check if it has any leaks, cracks, or broken parts.

You should also ensure that it has proper ventilation. When it comes to heating, you should make sure that it has enough space for air circulation.

As mentioned earlier, you shouldn’t forget to register your camper. Doing this will help you avoid fines and penalties.

If you decide to live in a campervan, you should always keep it clean. Cleaning it regularly helps to prevent mold growth. Also, you should take care of its exterior. Keep it free of scratches, dents, and rust.

This all applies to living in a campervan when you’re on the road, but can you live in your campervan if it’s parked up in your backyard?

The short answer is, no.

The longer answer is no, not permanently.

While you might think that you can live in your camper van if it’s parked up at home, this isn’t really possible.

That’s because in most states a campervan is not classed as a permanent dwelling. Instead, it’s considered a trailer.

As such, it needs to meet specific requirements. These include:

Even though these restrictions aren’t too difficult to follow, some states do allow you to park your camper in your backyard temporarily. However, you cannot typically use it as a primary residence.

So where exactly can you park and live in your camper, if not in your backyard?

Well, you cannot park it where children play. This includes parks, playgrounds, schoolyards, and recreational areas.

You also cannot park it within 50 feet of a house or apartment building.

In many states, you can only park your camper in an RV park.

So, if you plan on parking your camper van in your backyard, make sure that you comply with all the above regulations. Otherwise, you could face serious consequences.

Also, you should remember that if you park your camper in a residential area, then you may be breaking local zoning laws. This means that you could be fined or even arrested.

If you decide that you’d prefer to park your camper van in a commercial area, then you should check what permits you’ll need. In some cases, you might need permission from the city or town hall.

Finally, you should note that you cannot park your camper in front of someone else’s home. That would constitute trespassing.

You can however park your camper in certain places. These include:

However, you should still abide by any other rules that apply to those locations. For example, you may not be able to park up overnight in certain places.

Before you start living in your camper van, you should first register it. If you fail to do so, you could face hefty fines and penalties.

To register your camper, you’ll need to fill out an application form. The process usually takes around 15 minutes. It involves providing details about the vehicle, including its registration number.

After filling out the form, you’ll have to pay a fee. Depending on which state you’re in, this can range between $10 and $50.

Once you’ve paid for the application, you’ll receive a certificate. You’ll also get a copy of the official document.

The next step will involve getting insurance. Most camper vans are covered under private passenger auto policies. So, you won’t need to buy a separate cover.

Then comes the final stage. This is when you’ll need to obtain a permit. To do so, you’ll need to contact your local government office. They’ll issue you with a temporary license.

This allows you to park your camper in a designated spot until you go through the whole procedure again.

It’s important to know that driving a camper van isn’t illegal. However, there are several conditions that must be met before you can drive one.

First, you’ll need to hold a valid driver’s license. Some states require that you have at least 6 months of experience behind the wheel.

Second, you’ll need to ensure that your camper meets certain safety standards. This includes having working brakes, seatbelts, and lights.

Third, you’ll need to carry proof of insurance. This includes liability coverage.

Fourth, you’ll need to provide evidence of your camper’s emissions certification. This is required in every state.

Fifth, you’ll need to pass a road test. This ensures that you’re able to handle all situations that come up while driving.

Sixth, you’ll need to make sure that your camper has been inspected. This is done by the manufacturer.

Finally, you’ll need to keep your camper clean. Otherwise, you run the risk of being charged with violating health codes.

Living in a camper van is not only fun but it’s also safe. There are many advantages to doing so. Here are just a few of them:

However, if you decide to live in a campervan, you should always follow some basic guidelines. These include:

There are plenty of reasons why living in a camper van makes sense. Here are just a couple of them:

While there are a great many advantages to living in a camper, there are also numerous disadvantages too. These include:

You can legally live in any kind of RV anywhere you like provided that you follow all local laws and regulations.

However, some states do restrict where you can park your RV and the length of time you can live in it for. For example, California has restrictions on parking RVs within 25 feet of a residence.

There are plenty of people who choose to travel the country in their RV because the restrictions on remaining in a permanent place aren’t really worth it. Especially when you can pack up and go anywhere you like.

They usually start off at one location and then move on to another. As long as they remain within the United States, they should be fine.

Sometimes, all you really want is to live in your camper full time, laws be damned. Well, there are three states that have the most lenient and best laws for permanent camper living.

They are Florida, Texas, and South Dakota. These states are great to live in a camper full time. These states will accept mail forwarding addresses. This is especially important if you’re going to be living in your camper.

So there you have it. Though you can’t legally live in a camper in your backyard permanently, you can do so for a short period of time, say a few months max. But it’s important to remember that while campers are great, they’re not designed to be permanent residences.

They are susceptible to the same faults as a car, and in some cases suffer from a lifespan just as short.

Compared to a house, they aren’t as sturdy structurally, which is part of the reason they’re not considered permanent dwellings. But they make for great travel transportation and staycations in the states.

Dara Brant is the Managing Editor at Green Building Elements. Prior to joining us she covered alternative energy news and local developments at Your Energy Blog. Dara has a passion for sustainable living and wants to do more than her fair share to help build a better tomorrow for future generations. You can connect with Dara on LinkedIn.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

We’ve helped 1000’s of people just like you get a better deal!

Green Building Elements, LLC 935 Main Street B3-B, Manchester, CT 06040 (860) 255-4207

© 2022 All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

Green Building Elements LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Do you require financing for a residential or commercial property?* Residential Commercial What type of residential building is your project?* Metal House Barndominium Traditional House Garage/Shed/Carport/Barn Where is your project located?* AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific State

Username or email address *