RV living full time in Mississippi can be rewarding, but it can be challenging as well. You likely have questions about the rules, regulations, and relevant options for living in a camper all year long. All of your questions about RVing full time in Mississippi will be answered in this helpful guide.
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 Mississippi?
You can live permanently in your RV in Mississippi as long as the owner of the property on which you wish to put your camper gives you permission to do so. You also need to make sure that you abide by the rules of the local government.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Mississippi
Mississippi has its own state laws regarding RVing; many cities and counties have their own rules as well. Where can you go camping with your RV? Where can you park your camper? Are there any towing regulations in Mississippi? You need to know the answers to these questions before you commit to RV living full time in Mississippi.
RV Parking Laws
Most cities in Mississippi allow you to park your RV in the front of your home for 72 hours at a time. After 72 hours has passed, you’ll need to park your camper behind or beside your house.
Trailer Towing Laws
When towing your trailer in Mississippi, you’ll need to make sure that your towing vehicle and trailer are connected with the proper safety chains and cables. You’ll also need to display a white cloth that’s at least a square foot large for visibility.
Boondocking Regulations
There are some nice public lands in national forests and Army Corp of Engineers campgrounds that allow campers to go boondocking in Mississippi. When you’re boondocking, be sure to remain aware of any changes in the weather and to have emergency first aid kits on hand. Some of Mississippi’s boondocking areas may require permits or reservations, so make sure to handle those details before you head to the camping area.
RV Insurance Requirements
If you own a motor home in Mississippi, then you need to purchase RV insurance for it. At minimum, you’ll need to procure bodily injury coverage and property damage liability coverage for your RV. The state of Mississippi doesn’t require RV owners to have comprehensive and collision coverage, but many financial agreements do; as a result, you may need to have this additional insurance if you’re still paying off your camper. Travel trailers and pop-up campers are covered under the towing vehicle’s liability insurance, so they don’t need additional coverage.
Full-time RV insurance is a smart investment for those who plan to embrace full-time RV living in Mississippi. Many policies will cover accidents that occur while your RV is in motion, but they might not pay for problems that arise while your camper is parked. Full-time RV coverage can pay for damages that occur around your parked camper or to a common campground area, so you should consider buying such a policy for your camper.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
Mississippi is home to a variety of lovely public lands that are perfect for camping. National forests and state parks have a 14-day limit, so you can only camp in one place for two weeks at a time. If you’re camping at an established campground, you might need to reserve your place and pay a fee. Rules and regulations often vary by location, so be sure to check the specifics of whichever campsite you choose.
Mississippi contains multiple gorgeous national forests in which you can camp. In the northern part of the state, you can visit Holly Springs National Forest and Tombigbee National Forest. If you visit the middle part of Mississippi, you can explore Delta National Forest and Bienville National Forest. The southern part of Mississippi is home to De Soto National Forest and Homochitto National Forest.
Full Time RVing in Jackson
Jackson is Mississippi’s capital, so it’s home to attractions like the Jackson Zoo and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. There are several beautiful RV campgrounds close to Jackson that allow long-term RV camping.
RVing in Jackson FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Jackson?
Per the rules of Hinds County, you can only park an RV on a piece of property if you get a permit first.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Jackson?
According to Hinds County’s laws, travel trailers are considered temporary residences only. As such, you can only live in them on a short-term basis.
Full Time RVing in Biloxi
Biloxi is on the Gulf Coast and near some excellent beaches. The best way to live full time in an RV in Biloxi is to take advantage of some of the area’s RV campgrounds that offer long-term options.
RVing in Biloxi FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in Biloxi?
You can’t park your trailer on Biloxi’s streets for more than 12 hours. You also can’t store your camper in front or to the side of your building for more than four days.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Biloxi?
According to Biloxi’s rules, you can’t live in a travel trailer if it’s parked on any street or alley in Biloxi.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
Whether or not money makes the world go round, it’s necessary for successful full-time RV living. You’ll likely need some form of employment in order to live in your camper, so you should try to get a flexible mobile job or a campsite job. You’ll also need to keep track of your funds so you’ll be able to pay campground fees, insurance premiums, RV payments, and more.
You need to make sure that you can receive your mail when you need it. One option is to have a family member or a friend receive mail on your behalf and forward it to you. You could also set up an account with a forwarding service that could handle your mail for you. If you’re planning to live in an RV park, you might be able to receive mail there. The post office offers the service of general delivery, which allows you to pick up mail at a specific post office.
Another important part of RVing full-time is to establish residency in a state. In order to do this, you’ll need to obtain an official address, get a driver’s license from the state, and file some legal paperwork. You should also register to vote. Once you’ve done so, you should be able to cast your vote via absentee ballot.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Your own property: It’s possible to live in an RV on your property in Mississippi as long as you obey all state and local rules and regulations. These often vary by city and county, so don’t forget to check the local laws before parking your camper.
• Long-term campgrounds: The state of Mississippi contains multiple excellent long-term campgrounds. Many of these offer annual rates for permanent residency.
RVing in Mississippi FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the U.S.?
If you plan your route right, you’ll have no trouble finding plenty of safe places to sleep on your road trip through the U.S. Public lands run by the National Parks Service and the Bureau of Land Management have plenty of places to park your camper.
What is the new RV law in Mississippi?
No new laws pertaining to RVs have been passed in the state of Mississippi within the last several years.
Can you live in an RV full time in Mississippi?
Yes, it’s legal to live in an RV full time as long as you abide by all of the appropriate regulations and laws of the area. If you’re living on another person’s property, you’ll need to obtain that person’s permission before you can live there in your camper.
Can I park my RV on my property in Mississippi?
You can park your RV in your backyard or side yards in most parts of Mississippi. Parking in front of a home in Mississippi for longer than 72 hours at a time is prohibited.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Mississippi?
If you want to buy land in Mississippi that’s specifically designated for RVs, then you can easily do so. A variety of different RV lots are available, so you’ll be able to select the right RV property for you.
How long can you stay at an RV park in Mississippi?
A decent number of RV parks in Mississippi will allow you to stay all year long at their campgrounds. Others will allow you to stay for up to six months and charge you by the month.
Living in an RV full time in Mississippi is a viable and rewarding lifestyle choice, offering unique opportunities for adventure and simplicity. However, to navigate this lifestyle successfully, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and legal procedures that apply. Understanding these regulations will help you avoid any potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition into full-time RV living. In the process of learning how to live in an RV full time, you can find resourceful ways of staying clean and fit. Relying on recreation centers and other similar resources can help you save money.
Another fabulous way to save money as you consider full-time RV living is to try it out first by renting an RV instead of buying one. This approach allows you to experience the joys and challenges of RV living without the immediate financial commitment of buying your own camper. Renting an RV in Mississippi is a great way to immerse yourself in this lifestyle while gaining firsthand insight into what works best for you.