South Dakota is known for its open spaces and relaxed atmosphere. This relaxation extends to its RV regulations, which are some of the most accommodating in America. If you want to learn the answers to some of your most pressing questions about RV living full time in South Dakota, then you can find them in this informative article.
Please note that this is not an official source of information, and rules and regulations may have changed since the writing of this article. Please always check with your local authorities before making any long-term decisions and if you are unsure of your local laws.
Can You Live in an RV Full Time in South Dakota?
Yes, there are no laws that prohibit full-time RV living in South Dakota. In fact, setting up a residency in South Dakota is so easy that many people who want to live full time in an RV establish a domicile in the state.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in South Dakota
Just because South Dakota’s rules for RVing are fairly lax doesn’t mean that they don’t exist at all. South Dakota has rules about where you can park your trailer, how you can tow your camper from one place to another, and what type of insurance you need to purchase for your RV. They also have regulations about where you can camp on public lands.
RV Parking Laws
South Dakota’s RV parking laws vary by city and county. For instance, in South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux City, you need to park your RV on a paved space in your backyard.
Trailer Towing Laws
According to South Dakota’s trailer laws, your trailer and towing vehicle’s combined length can be no more than 45 feet. If your trailer weighs more than 3,000 lbs, then it needs to have trailer brakes that are capable of stopping it. Your trailer will need to display a valid license plate and be secured to the towing vehicle with strong safety chains. It will also require taillights and brake lights that need to be visible from at least 500 feet away.
Boondocking Regulations
Outside of public lands, some of the best places to go boondocking in South Dakota are in state parks. One of these parks is Hieb Park, which allows campers to park their RVs there for seven days. Another place to go is the Dude Ranch Lakeside Use Area, which also allows up to seven days of camping. Other great boondocking locations include Buffalo Gap National Grassland, Little White River Recreation Area, and the Arlington City Campgrounds.
RV Insurance Requirements
South Dakota requires you to purchase RV insurance for your camper. You’re obligated to procure liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. You also need to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in case you’re in an accident with another driver who doesn’t have insurance. If you’re still paying off your RV, then your lender might require you to get comprehensive camper collision coverage.
If you want to obtain coverage that will take care of injuries and damage that may occur when your camper is parked, then you may want to consider full-time RV insurance. With full-time RV coverage, you won’t need to worry about paying medical bills for those injured in or near your camper; you also won’t have to pay shared expenses due to general RV park damage.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
When engaging in dispersed camping on public lands, make sure that you don’t camp near an established campground or trailhead or within 200 feet of a water source. If possible, use a site and fire pit that others have already used. Be advised that if you’re camping in Black Hills National Forest or Fort Pierre National Grassland, you can’t have a fire at all.
Full-Time RVing in Fort Pierre
Fort Pierre is the sister city of Pierre, which is South Dakota’s capital. The best way to manage RV living full time in Fort Pierre is by staying at nearby RV campgrounds. Multiple campgrounds in the area offer long-term arrangements to campers.
RVing in Fort Pierre FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Fort Pierre?
Between March 15 and November 15, you can park your camper on a right of way for as many as 48 hours. Exceptions to this parking rule are campers that are more than 32 feet long and 8 feet wide; they’re not allowed to park on a right of way at all.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Fort Pierre?
You can only live in an RV on-site for 180 consecutive days. The only exception is if the RV can meet the requirements for elevation and anchoring as they’re applied to mobile homes.
Full-Time RVing in Sioux Falls
Sioux City is the largest city in South Dakota, so it’s home to fantastic attractions like the Great Plains Zoo and the Butterfly House & Aquarium. One excellent option for full-time RV living in Sioux Falls is to stay in one of the multiple RV campgrounds in the area that has long-term options.
RVing in Sioux Falls FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Sioux Falls?
You can park any RV on your property if you’re the vehicle’s title holder.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Sioux Falls?
According to Sioux Falls’ laws, no RV or trailer shall be hooked up to services or used for human occupation.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
If you’re going to be living full time in an RV, then you’ll need to think about topics like earning a living, budgeting for expenses, and establishing a residency. Those who RV all the time often have flexible mobile jobs that they can do online. Earning this income will enable you to pay for insurance, fees, and hobbies.
Another important part of how to live in an RV full time is to figure out how to receive your mail. Some RV parks and campgrounds offer mail services, so you could try to find one that does so. You could also set up a mail forwarding service.
You’ll also need to establish residency in the state as a long-term RVer. South Dakota’s RV laws are lenient, so it is a popular choice for full-time RVing. To establish a domicile, you’ll need to acquire an address, a driver’s license, and insurance. You should also register to vote.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Your own property: You can live in an RV on your property in the state of South Dakota. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local recreational vehicle rules and regulations before buying any property for the purpose of full time RVing.
• Long-term campgrounds: There are plenty of great long-term campgrounds in South Dakota. Many of these campgrounds offer discounts to those willing to commit to living in the same place for at least a year.
RVing in South Dakota FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the U.S.?
If you’re going to be driving across America, then you’ll need to find safe places to sleep in your RV. Big Box retailers and other businesses with large parking lots often let campers park their trailers in their parking lots. Casinos, restaurants, rest areas, and truck stops are other viable possibilities. Most of these sites allow you to stay for just one night and require you not to set up a campsite while you’re parked.
What is the new RV law in South Dakota?
South Dakota has been focusing on the impact of full-time RVers in the state, so they’ve passed multiple laws relating to those who are registered in the state but who don’t live there full time. Lawmakers passed an RV law that would’ve increased necessary residency for voter registration from one day to 30 days, but it got repealed. Another similar law has been submitted as of January 1, 2024, so you need to check the current South Dakota voter law for full-time RVers if voting is important to you.
Can you live in an RV full time in South Dakota?
In order to be considered a resident of South Dakota, you only need to spend one single night in the state. This and other lenient RV laws make South Dakota a desirable place for RV living full time.
Can I park my RV on my property in South Dakota?
Since South Dakota’s RV parking policies often differ by city, you’ll have to look into local laws to find specific parking regulations.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in South Dakota?
There are multiple properties in South Dakota you can buy that are zoned for living in an RV. If you buy one of these properties, you won’t have to worry about your land not being compliant with local RV rules.
How long can you stay at an RV park in South Dakota?
Plenty of lovely long-term RV parks in South Dakota are available for campers. They offer monthly rates for convenience, but many of them allow campers to stay indefinitely.
South Dakota is a gorgeous state full of wonderful places that RVers can call home. If you want to get a feel for how to live in an RV full time without having to purchase your own camper, then you should consider renting an RV instead. In order to learn more about RV camping in South Dakota, you can check out our blog.