Whether you spend time hiking through its forests, walking along the seacoasts, or exploring its quaint towns, New Hampshire is a lovely place for RVers to settle down. If you want to relocate to the state to live in your RV full-time, it’s important to understand the rules and laws that apply so you can rest easy. You’ll need to get the insurance and permits you need to park, camp, drive, and tow legally on public and private and public property to enjoy RV living full time in New Hampshire. Our guide will help you navigate state and local laws and ordinances so that you can plan to make your home in a place where RVs are welcome.
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 New Hampshire?
If you abide by certain rules and restrictions, New Hampshire permits you to live in your RV full-time. Your RV will need to pass all safety inspections and be equipped with a shower, bathroom, and sewage disposal system if you’re using it as a residence. You’ll also need to abide by the zoning laws in your area. RVs are classified as recreational vehicles and equipment, so living in one full-time on private property is usually prohibited. However, some places may allow you to live in your RV on your property if you’re working on building a house there. To be sure you understand the rules in your destination, contact the zoning officials in your county or township.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in New Hampshire
If you’re going all-in with RV living on a full-time basis in New Hampshire, understanding the legalities of parking, camping, and towing can help ensure you won’t get fined and keep you from violating any rules. Official county and city websites and sources like NH.gov are good places to find information about the towing laws, parking ordinances, and permitting rules in your area.
RV Parking Laws
New Hampshire does not explicitly prohibit RVers from parking overnight at state-run rest areas and welcome centers, but it’s important to check posted signage to ensure there are no restrictions. Free overnight parking may also be available on some private and commercial parking lots, but you must have a letter of permission from the owner.
Individual municipalities are likely to restrict where and how long you can park in a given area. Most cities stipulate that overnight RV stays are only allowed at RV campsites or in designated areas. Some cities may allow you to get a permit to park by the street in a designated area overnight. Other towns may require you to get a permit to legally park your RV on public streets or on your property for an extended period of time. For instance, the town of Sanbornton allows you to apply for a permit to use your RV as temporary housing on your property for 120 days.
To live in your RV full time in New Hampshire, you’ll need to register your vehicle or trailer with the state. In most areas, you can park your RV in the driveway of your property, but some cities may require you to hide your RV from view.
Trailer Towing Laws
There are a few New Hampshire trailer towing laws you should be aware of. For example, the State of New Hampshire limits the size of drivable motorhomes to 45 feet long, 8 feet 6 inches wide, and 13 feet 6 inches high. Trailers have the same height and width requirements, and they can be no more than 48 feet long. RVs and trailers must have brakes, a safety chain, and a fire extinguisher onboard.
Boondocking Regulations
If you want to boondock in New Hampshire, you can find dispersed camping areas on land managed by the USDA Forest Service. Several dispersed camping sites can be found in White Mountain National Forest. Some New Hampshire state parks, like Bear Brook State Park, allow RV camping and primitive camping. RVers are usually allowed to boondock for up to 14 days on public land, depending on the season and the campsite’s regulations.
RV Insurance Requirements
New Hampshire does not require RV owners or drivers to purchase RV liability insurance, but if you are at fault in an accident, you could be held financially liable. RV insurance can protect drivers from having to pay for bodily injury or property damage in the event of a crash, and some policies may also cover towing and loss of or damage to personal property.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
New Hampshire has several rules that apply to camping on public land. RV camping is only allowed in specified campgrounds and designated areas in the White Mountain National Forest and some state parks. Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles, including disposing of trash properly and keeping their food out of reach of wildlife. Cooking fires and campfires are prohibited in New Hampshire state forests, and fires are prohibited in the White Mountain National Forest backcountry. Some state park campgrounds allow pets if they are supervised and leashed and supervised at all times.
Full-Time RVing in Manchester
If full-time RV living in Manchester is in your future, you may enjoy perks like saving money on property taxes or rent. Plus, you’ll have the chance to make new friends who enjoy the RV lifestyle. Manchester has plenty of fun things to see and do, like visiting the Palace Theatre or the Currier Museum of Art. You can also enjoy candle pouring at Green Envy or visit the See Science Center.
RVing in Manchester FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Manchester?
No. Manchester Building Regulation 151.41 does not allow drivers to park a trailer on any street, public place, or private tract of land with a few exceptions. Some Manchester streets may allow emergency or temporary parking for up to 24 hours, but this condition is subject to traffic and parking ordinances for particular streets, which may prohibit or limit RV parking.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Manchester?
Manchester Building Regulation 151.41 limits RV parking on personal property to one trailer in an accessory garage or a rear yard if the RV belongs to the property owner or an approved visitor. The trailer cannot have its wheels removed or stay onsite for more than 30 days. Manchester prohibits you from living in your RV on the lot of an occupied dwelling.
Full-Time RVing in Nashua
Nashua, New Hampshire, provides RVers with plenty of benefits, like an affordable cost of living and plenty of job opportunities. RVers can enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities like wine tasting at Fulchino Vineyard, indoor skydiving at SkyVenture NH, or spending a morning at the Nashua National Fish Hatchery. Full-time RVers will like Nashua’s culture and close proximity to nature.
RVing in Nashua FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Nashua?
Nashua allows you to park RVs at RV parks and campgrounds. Ch 320 Article XIII stipulates that overnight RV parking is only allowed on designated streets with a permit, and the city does not issue permits to RVs for overnight parking. Article VI Supplemental Use Regulations 190-35 does allow a property owner to park their camper on their property or give a guest permission to park there. Owners whose guests stay for more than 72 hours must notify an administrative officer of the guest’s presence and get a permit to legitimize their stay.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Nashua?
No. City of Nashua’s Article VI Supplemental Use Regulations 190-35 forbids you from living in an RV full-time on your property and does not recognize RVs as accessory dwelling units.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
When you decide to live full time in your RV, you’ll need to make a plan for the future and be ready for what comes next. Full-time RV living is exciting, but it can take a lot of effort to prepare your RV for the road and make sure it stays comfortable year-round. It’s a good idea to insulate your RV for the cold winter months. You’ll need to account for expenses like health insurance, vehicle payments, fuel, utilities, campground fees, food, and discretionary spending. You’ll also need to establish residency in New Hampshire and get a voting address and a mailing address. Before you commit, be sure that you have an income from savings, retirement income, or a job that will cover your bills.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Developed campgrounds and RV parks: When you want to pursue full-time RV living in New Hampshire, RV parks and campgrounds that accommodate long-term guests can be an accessible choice.
• Your own property: Some New Hampshire towns will allow you to live in an RV on your property while you’re building a permanent home, but they usually set a time limit on your stay. Towns and counties in northern New Hampshire may have less stringent zoning restrictions and allow you to live on your own land with a permit. Reach out to local authorities to educate yourself about the relevant laws in your area.
RVing in New Hampshire FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the US?
As you’re journeying through the United States in your RV, you may be able to sleep overnight in some state rest areas. You can stop overnight and sleep at campsites on state or national lands, in RV resorts or campgrounds, and in some commercial or private parking lots. It is typically not legal to pull over on the side of the highway or road and sleep in your RV.
What is the new RV law in New Hampshire?
In recent history, New Hampshire has not passed any laws that have changed how the state treats RVs.
Is it legal to live in an RV full-time in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, if the county or city you want to live in allows it, you can legally live in your RV full-time. Alternatively, you can live at an RV park or campground indefinitely by paying a monthly or seasonal rate.
Can I park my RV on my property in New Hampshire?
Many New Hampshire cities will allow you to legally park your RV in your driveway or garage for a limited period of time, but some cities may require a permit to do so. In Manchester, you can park your RV in an accessory garage or rear yard on your property. Contact your local officials to educate yourself about parking an RV on your property in your town or county.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in New Hampshire?
Some New Hampshire towns and counties have permissive zoning laws that make it possible to buy land and use it for full-time RV living, but most cities do not allow you to use a motorhome or trailer as a permanent residence.
How long can you stay at an RV park in New Hampshire?
Since many extended-stay RV parks in New Hampshire charge monthly or seasonal rates, it may be possible to stay at one of these locations indefinitely.
Exploring New England in your motorhome can be a great way to transition to RV living full time in New Hampshire. You’ll be able to explore the forests, swim in the lakes, and enjoy small-town culture and food. Before you commit to this lifestyle, find out all you can about the New Hampshire location you want to call home. Reach out to local authorities to learn more about zoning, parking, and camping ordinances, and think about renting an RV and hitting the road to try out this lifestyle for yourself.