RV living full time in Nebraska allows you to live life more freely while also being able to enjoy the various beautiful landscapes that Nebraska has to offer. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about full-time RV living in the Cornhusker State, such as how to do it and if you can, what permits you need, where you can stay, and more.
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 Nebraska?
Yes, you can live full time in an RV in Nebraska as long as you get a Camper Unit Permit. Camper Unit Permits are non-transferable and expire on January 1 — regardless of when you get them. So, if you get your Camper Unit Permit on January 1, then it will last for a full year, but if you get it on July 1st, then you will only be able to use it for half a year.
Rules and Regulation for RVing in Nebraska
Before you decide to live full time in an RV in Nebraska, there are a few rules and regulations you should learn about and consider first. What are the parking laws? Are there any towing regulations? What about insurance requirements? The following subsections of this guide will cover these important details.
RV Parking Laws
Nebraska’s RV parking laws vary by city. In Kearney, for example, you cannot park an RV on a public street for longer than 24 hours.
Trailer Towing Laws
In Nebraska, the vehicle that is towing the trailer must be registered, and the trailer registration certificate must be either on the trailer or in the vehicle that is towing it. The type of trailer you can tow depends on the vehicle you are using to tow it. The Nebraska DMV has a helpful chart you can use to know which type(s) of trailer(s) your vehicle can tow. You can learn about other trailer towing laws in the Nebraska Legislature.
Boondocking Regulations
There are some legal boondocking sites available in Nebraska. The national forests in Nebraska also offer legal dispersed camping areas.
When boondocking in Nebraska, it is imperative that you Leave No Trace and follow campground rules.
RV Insurance Requirements
Proof of financial responsibility is required for all vehicles in Nebraska, including RVs. Trailers do not have this requirement, but the vehicle that you use to tow it does. The following are all acceptable proof of responsibility in Nebraska:
• Certificates of insurance
• Bonds/Property bonds
• Certificates of deposit
• Certificates of self-insurance
Rules for Camping on Public Land
There are several rules you need to follow when camping on public land in Nebraska. They are largely governed by the Nebraska Legislature, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Some rules that you must follow when camping on public land in Nebraska include the following:
• You cannot stay for more than 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period at a single public camping area.
• Your camping equipment cannot be larger than 8.5 feet wide and 40 feet long.
• You must adhere to the area’s quiet hours. Quiet hours are typically from 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
• It is necessary that you follow the Leave No Trace guidelines.
• Where pets are allowed, they need to be leashed on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet.
Full-Time RVing in Omaha
Omaha is the most populous city in Nebraska, so it’s full of things to see and do, which makes it a great place for living full time in an RV. Omaha has many RV parks and campgrounds that you can stay at, including some state parks. Some of the perks to RVing full time in Omaha include access to local attractions like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, The Durham Museum, The Old Market, and Lauritzen Gardens. Omaha also hosts the NCAA College World Series men’s baseball tournament annually.
RVing in Omaha FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Omaha?
No, you cannot park an RV just anywhere in Omaha, but you can park your RV on your driveway if it is 20 feet long or less. You can also park your RV on a paved side or rear yard, in an RV park, or at an RV storage facility.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Omaha?
It is not legal to stay in your RV on your property in Omaha for more than 14 days out of a calendar yea, with a maximum of three consecutive days.
Full-Time RVing in Lincoln
Lincoln is the capital city of Nebraska with great restaurants and a lot of things to do, so it’s understandable why you may want to live there full time in your RV. RVing full time in Lincoln is legal, but you will need a Camper Unit Permit and to follow some rules — such as no overnight parking in rest areas. You will also need to adhere to the city’s quiet hours. Some of Lincoln’s attractions include Pioneers Park Nature Center, Sunken Gardens, and the Museum of American Speed. Since it is home to the main campus of the University of Nebraska, there are numerous NCAA Division 1 sports events that you can go to throughout the year. Lincoln’s many RV parks and campgrounds help to make the city RV friendly, including Camp A Way RV Park, which has easy freeway access.
RVing in Lincoln FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Lincoln?
There are stringent restrictions on where you can park your RV in Lincoln. As a result, if you need to store your RV, Lincoln has multiple places where you can do so.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Lincoln?
You can live in your RV on your property in Lincoln but not for more than 14 days in a calendar year. If you want or need to live in your RV for longer, then there are campgrounds in Lincoln where you can stay.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
Living in an RV full time can be fun, but there are some things that come with RV living that you’ll need to think about and do prior to committing yourself to it.
First, you should choose your RV wisely. You will need one that is large enough for you and anyone else you’ll be living with to sleep and move around in comfortably. That said, it also cannot be too large, as it needs to adhere to the size requirements of the area where you will be staying. Next, You’ll also have to think about your income. If you’ll need to work, then think about the type of work you can do or how you’ll transport yourself to your job. If your RV is or will be your only vehicle, then you may want to consider doing remote work. Some RV parks and campgrounds have Wi-Fi that you may be able to use for this purpose.
Some other things you need to do or consider to live full time in your RV are its costs and feasibility for your lifestyle, how you’ll get your mail, and how you’ll vote.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• RV parks and campgrounds – RV parks and campgrounds are areas where you can live full time in an RV. These places usually have a fee and require reservation. RV parks typically have many features and amenities available, such as washer and dryer hookups, Wi-Fi, or bathrooms with available hot showers, which generally make them a pricier option than campgrounds, which tend to not have many or any of these things.
• Dispersed camping areas – Dispersed camping areas are places where you can camp that aren’t developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping areas are typically public land and have little to no costs or fees to use them.
• Public land – Some agencies like the U.S. Forest Service offer public land for RV full-time living. These places may be developed campgrounds or recreation areas, or they may be undeveloped land that is available for dispersed camping.
• Your own property – Some areas in Nebraska allow you to live in your RV on your own property — typically, you can only live in your RV on your own property for a short period of time.
RVing in Nebraska FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the US?
If you are not the one driving, then you can sleep in an RV. You just need to make sure that you are wearing your seatbelt. You cannot, however, sleep in a bed in the back of the RV while it is on the road because this is a safety hazard should the RV suddenly stop or have an accident.
What is the new RV law in Nebraska?
In April 2022, Gov. Pete Ricketts removed restrictions on the sale of larger fifth-wheel trailers in Nebraska. Now, Nebraska RV dealers are able to sell them.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Nebraska?
Yes, it is legal to live in an RV full time in Nebraska as long as you follow the appropriate rules, guidelines, and regulations for the area in which you are living.
Can I park my RV on my property in Nebraska?
Whether you can park your RV on your property in Nebraska depends on the size of your RV and in which city your property is located.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Nebraska?
Yes, you can buy land and live in an RV in Nebraska, but you need to know the local zoning laws of where you buy your property and plan to live.
How long can you stay at an RV park in Nebraska?
How long you can stay at an RV park in Nebraska varies depending on which park you stay at.
In conclusion, you can live in an RV full time in Nebraska as long as you follow the appropriate laws and regulations. Before choosing to live full time in an RV in Nebraska, consider renting an RV first. You might want to go on a road trip around Nebraska to help you make your decision.