With stunning mountain landscapes and vast deserts, Nevada is a unique experience for RV travelers. However, prior to embarking on your extended Silver State RV adventure, it’s important to get to know the local regulations. You need to be familiar with the particular rules about trailer towing, parking, insurance, and camping on public or private lands. Whether you’re exploring the broad natural areas or enjoying urban entertainment and amenities, our guide has all the essential information you should know about RV living full time in Nevada.
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 Nevada?
Living in your RV on an ongoing basis can be possible if you keep moving your vehicle from place to place and stay under the legally permitted stays at each site. However, living as a permanent resident in your RV is more complicated. State laws generally prohibit using an RV as your permanent living quarters on any piece of property without having a conditional use permit authorizing this. Living in an RV for an extended but not permanent period of time can be permitted for properties outside the boundaries of any cities or towns. However, the RV must have properly equipped and functional shower and bathroom facilities and pass necessary safety inspections.
Exceptions and variations on these rules happen at the municipal level. For instance, the city of Las Vegas permits RV living only if you park in designated RV parking zones. Pahrump lets you use an RV up to 120 days per year, permit-free; however, staying longer than seven consecutive days requires approved water supplies and a suitable wastewater disposal system.
At the county level, Humboldt County permits RV dwellings in specified land zones, but you need to get a permit after the first 30 days of continuous use. On the other hand, Washoe County restricts recreational vehicles for sleeping or dwellings.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Nevada
You need to know the Nevada RV regulations covering specific activities, including boondocking, trailer towing, and parking. Being able to comply with these rules helps you avoid violation fines and other penalties. Rules can and do change over time, so keep current with updates that official sources provide.
RV Parking Laws
RV parking laws vary by county and city. You can usually park an RV on private property but can’t use it as a permanent address. Local ordinances dictate whether you can park on public streets and for how long. For instance, Las Vegas limits many RV parking options to 48 to 72 hours. Local restrictions on RV placement and size also matter. Follow state motor vehicle regulations, verify proper registration, and keep your vehicle in good condition when it’s parked in public.
Trailer Towing Laws
Nevada trailer towing rules exist for compliance and safety. The top towing speed permitted is 55 mph. Trailers must have reflectors, turn signals, brake lights, and safety chains equipped. Trailers in excess of 3,000 pounds must have brakes on every wheel. No combination of towing vehicle and its trailer can surpass 70 feet in total length.
Boondocking Regulations
Camping without hookups is known as boondocking, and it’s permitted on most BLM lands in Nevada. Over half the state’s total acres are government land. You can generally camp for up to two weeks in one location per 28-day period. Once you hit 14 days, you need to move to another site a minimum of 25 miles away from your previous spot. Don’t camp within 200 feet of water sources so wildlife has room, and honor local fire restrictions. Pack out all of your waste, and be respectful of the natural environment around you. Check local regulations prior to camping for additional restrictions.
RV Insurance Requirements
Nevada requirements for RV insurance are very similar to those of passenger vehicles. Class A, B, and C motorhomes need liability insurance. Aim for a $25,000 minimum for one individual injured or killed in an accident, $50,000 for two or more people hurt or killed, and $20,000 for accident property damage. If your RV is still under financing, your lender might require collision and comprehensive coverage above the state minimums.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers 6.3 million acres across Nevada and California, and dispersed camping following the aforementioned boondocking rules is permitted through most of it. Camp away from recreational sites and developed campgrounds, and dig a hole at a minimum of 6 inches deep for human waste disposal. Not all types of vehicles are allowed in all areas.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area includes 1.5 million acres of wilderness and Lake Mohave. Dispersed camping is free along the hundreds of backcountry roads, but you’ll have to pay the park fee to get through the entrance. Practice Leave No Trace camping here.
Full-Time RVing in Las Vegas
Full-time RVing in Las Vegas gives you a place to stay while enjoying everything Sin City has to offer. Gambling is the highlight for many who visit here, but even nongamblers can enjoy the great eating and copious entertainment options in the city and the natural highlights around the area. Las Vegas does offer short-term permits for street parking that is good for 48 hours. You can get six permits maximum every three months.
RVing in Las Vegas FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Las Vegas?
Casino camping is hit or miss. The conveniences include physical access to the casinos and restaurants in a safe and clean environment. However, not all casinos permit RV parking in their lots, and they can change their rules at any point in time. Contact the casino you want to visit for more information, and confirm again just before arrival for updates.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Las Vegas?
Living in an RV on your own property is typically a Clark County zoning violation and subject to code enforcement.
Full-Time RVing in Reno
Knowing how to live in an RV full time involves knowing and following the rules of the place you are in. Reno is an alluring destination because of access to natural wilderness, gambling, and Lake Tahoe. However, RVs can only be used for temporary camping in the Biggest Little City in the World. These are restricted to 14 days for each visit, and you can only do four visits each year.
RVing in Reno FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Reno?
Reno has many RV parks, including near the Truckee River and the casinos. Parking overnight on a residential street is illegal, and potential citations start at $100 and go up to $1,000. RV parking on your own property is sometimes permissible, but you can’t live in it or connect utilities.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Reno?
You generally can’t live in an RV permanently on your Reno property, per Washoe County. RVs are typically considered travel vehicles for temporary accommodations. With proper permitting, you might be able to stay in an RV on your property during the construction of a permanent structure, but only for that time.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
Living in an RV full time involves careful planning. You can get your mail through a forwarding service that handles important documents and packages. Your healthcare plan should include telemedicine services and a nationwide plan. Find providers while on the road if you want to RV full time so you can always get checkups. Register in your home state for absentee ballots so you can vote on the road. Satellite internet and mobile Wi-Fi make it possible to do online banking and remote work.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Private facilities: On a case-by-case basis, clubs, lodges, and casinos might offer RV parking for overnight visitors. Consult each location for permission, rules, and time limits.
• RV parks and developed campgrounds: You’ll find the most amenities and the fellowship of other RVers here, but spaces fill up fast and carry fees. Resorts and parks that welcome RVs are more developed than public lands, but they also cost money per day.
• Public lands: BLM and other federal agencies manage public land across the Silver State, and those acres account for over half the state. Dispersed camping is widely available for free, but dump stations, paved roads, bathrooms, and other amenities are extremely limited.
• Your own property: Living permanently on your own property in an RV is strictly prohibited in most towns and cities of Nevada. Exceptions are made in some local municipalities with a permit if you need a temporary residence while building a permanent home on your lot.
RVing in Nevada FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the U.S.?
While you travel across the United States in your RV, you can sleep in it when it’s parked safely in permitted spots. You can stay in campgrounds and resorts or go boondocking on public lands.
What is the new RV law in Nevada?
New legislation regarding RVs in Nevada hasn’t been passed in recent years that applies to the entire state, but rules change depending on town, city, and county.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Nevada?
No, it is not legal to live all the time in your Nevada RV at the same permanent address.
Can I park my RV on my property in Nevada?
Specific rules vary by area, but you can usually park an RV on asphalt or pavement in your driveway, a side yard, or backyard.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Nevada?
You can’t buy land and then permanently live in an RV on it. In some local areas, a temporary permit might let you live in an RV while you build a permanent home.
How long can you stay at an RV park in Nevada?
A few parks offer indefinite stays, and some let residents stay up to 10 years. Others let RVs stay for two to six months. Many restrict visits to 28 days or less to avoid legal entanglements of visitors establishing legal residence.
RV living full time in Nevada is generally prohibited. However, extending your full-time trip here is possible if you stick to approved RV parks and campsites or do boondocking and dispersed camping outside towns and cities. Over half the state is public lands, many of them BLM. Zoning laws and other regulations prohibit living in an RV permanently, even on private property. Check out the local ordinances for any destinations you want to visit to know what the camping and parking regulations are. Prior to deciding if RV living in Nevada is the right lifestyle for you, we suggest you rent an RV and give the Silver State a try.