RV living full time in South Carolina means access to breathtaking beaches and warm temperatures all year, which is conducive to an active lifestyle. Our guide covers insights about how to live in an RV full time in South Carolina, including local laws and regulations explaining land use restrictions, towing, and parking. Read on to get the answers you need about living full time in an RV in South Carolina.
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 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 Carolina?
Full-time RV living is an option if you live in the RV on private property. You must have the property owner’s consent. Some cities allow you to live in an RV; however, city ordinances in Goose Creek state that RVs don’t meet the city’s specifications for a residential dwelling. Review the zoning for the city or rural area where you wish to live. Subdivisions managed by an HOA may prohibit RV living within their communities.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in South Carolina
Read the local laws and regulations before renting or buying an RV and committing to living in an RV in South Carolina. You should know important factors such as how to tow your RV or travel trailer and where to park and camp. You may also want to know where boondocking is allowed. Our guide addresses each concept to help you make well-informed decisions and learn how to live in an RV in South Carolina.
RV Parking Laws
Roadside RV parking is prohibited, so you should only park in designated RV parking spaces. You can’t park an RV on unoccupied campsites, and doing so will get your RV towed and possibly impounded. Always reserve a camping spot if you want to park an RV at a state park.
Trailer Towing Laws
South Carolina laws require you to ensure your trailer has reflectors and working brakes and taillights. You must install a trailer hitch on your vehicle to secure the trailer and reduce accident risks.
Boondocking Regulations
You can boondock on public land if dispersed camping is permitted on the property. You can boondock in South Carolina for free.
RV Insurance Requirements
South Carolina RV insurance requirements state that you must have a minimum of $25,000 for bodily injuries and a maximum of $50,000. You must also have $25,000 in property damage coverage.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
You can camp on public land designated as a campsite by the South Carolina Department of National Resources. Campers are limited to four-night stays in each location unless they have a permit to camp longer. National forests in South Carolina with public campsites include Francis Marion and Sumter.
Full-Time RVing in Myrtle Beach
Review the RV rental options in Myrtle Beach and explore the Myrtle Beach boardwalk and promenade or the water park. Popular attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show. In Myrtle Beach, you can enjoy a carefree lifestyle and find RV-zoned property within close proximity to the beach.
RVing in Myrtle Beach FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in the city?
You can only park your RV in designated RV parking areas or at a campground. You cannot park an RV on the beach or the roadside.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, you can buy land and live in your RV in Myrtle Beach.
Full-Time RVing in Charleston
If you don’t own an RV yet, you can explore RV rental options and visit local attractions, including South Carolina Aquarium, Waterfront Park, and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Charleston has a rich history dating back to the Civil War, and if you aren’t sure about buying RV-zoned property in the city, you can take a guided tour to learn more about what the city offers.
RVing in Charleston FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in the city?
RV parking is available at the Charleston Visitor Center Garage. However, spaces are limited. You cannot park an RV in any area that isn’t designated as RV parking.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Charleston?
Yes, you can purchase RV-zoned land and live in your RV in Charleston.
Full-Time RVing in Greenville
You can visit attractions in Greenville, including Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville Zoo, or the Liberty Bridge. If you don’t own an RV, you can find RV rental options to explore the city referred to as a national model for a pedestrian-friendly city by the New York Times. The city has many outdoor plazas, restaurants, and farmer’s markets.
RVing in Greenville FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in the city?
You must park your RV in designated RV parking areas off the roadside or at an RV-appropriate campground. Some RV parks prohibit parking any RV over 10 years old, so check restrictions for campgrounds and local state parks regarding RVs.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Greenville?
You can purchase RV-zoned land and live in your RV in Greenville.
Full-Time RVing in Columbia
Columbia is South Carolina’s state capital, offering many historical attractions and a unique history. You’ll find many RV rental options so you can visit attractions, including South Carolina State Museum, EdVenture, Columbia Museum of Art, and Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. The city has a large population and a warm climate, and it hosts annual festivals, concerts, and outdoor market events.
RVing in Columbia FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in the city?
You can only park an RV in designated RV parking spaces or at campgrounds. Homeowners who own an RV must park their RVs in their backyards or an RV-approved storage unit.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Columbia?
You can live in an RV on land zoned specifically for an RV only.
Full-Time RVing in Hilton Head Island
Explore RV rental options in Hilton Head Island to visit or live in the area full time. You enjoy many attractions, including the white sand beaches and winding paths. Major Hilton Head Island attractions are Coligny Beach Park, Harbour Town Lighthouse, and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.
RVing in Hilton Head Island FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in the city?
You must park an RV in designated RV parking spaces or at a campground. RV parking on the beach or roadside is prohibited.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Hilton Head?
Yes, you can purchase RV-zoned land and live in your RV. Most RV lots for sale are located at RV resorts.
How to Live in an RV Full-Time
Living in an RV full time can be an exciting adventure, but you must know how to manage important concepts like how to get your mail, register to vote, and set up healthcare. You should also review how to connect to utilities and internet services on your land and find out where to purchase fuel for your RV.
You can set up a post office box for receiving mail if you are traveling around instead of setting up a permanent residence. If you buy land for your RV, the post office delivers mail to your physical address.
Registering to vote requires a physical address to know in what district you can vote. You also need a physical address to establish health insurance. A solution is to get a physical address with a suite number via the UPS store.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
● Long-term campgrounds: The maximum stay at state park campgrounds is 14 days. You can stay at RV parks between two weeks and six months.
● Certain land: The maximum stay on private property owned by someone else is at the property owner’s discretion.
● Your own property: You can live on your own property in an RV if the property is zoned for RVs. Temporary RV permits are allowed for property owners constructing a home on the property who want to live in an RV during construction. The permits are valid for up to six months; you can renew them as needed.
RVing in South Carolina
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the U.S.?
You can sleep while the RV is mobile if you are in the passenger seat and wearing a seatbelt. However, you cannot sleep in the bed or other spaces while the RV is moving.
What is the new RV law in South Carolina?
South Carolina Code, Article 33, Chapter 5, Title 56 states that fifth-wheel assembly drivers can tow only one additional vehicle if they have a valid driver’s license, if the vehicle is used for recreational purposes, and if it doesn’t exceed 65 feet or weighs no more than 3,000 pounds. The truck used to tow it must have a functional video system to monitor the vehicle.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in South Carolina?
Yes, you can legally live in an RV full time in South Carolina.
Can I park my RV on my property in South Carolina?
You can park your RV on your property if it is zoned for an RV. If you aren’t living in your RV, you can park it in your driveway if it doesn’t exceed your property lines and isn’t in the roadway.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in South Carolina?
Yes, you can buy land zoned for an RV and live in an RV on your own property.
How long can you stay at an RV park in South Carolina?
Most RV parks let you live in your RV on the property for up to six months. Extended stays require a reservation; the parks may require you to sign a lease.
Living in an RV in South Carolina is cost effective and gives you a home that is mobile so you can stay on your own land or at state parks or RV parks. If you aren’t ready to commit to an RV purchase, you can get an RV rental. In South Carolina, you’ll find a great place to start a new life living in an RV.