Dwelling in an RV full time is a way of life alternative that means that you can discover the state of West Virginia with its historic cities and luxurious Appalachian Mountains. This information affords data and recommendations on the right way to handle full-time RV residing in West Virginia, together with guidelines and rules.
Please notice that this isn’t an official supply of data, and guidelines and rules might have modified for the reason that writing of this text. Please at all times test along with your native authorities earlier than making any long-term selections and in case you are uncertain of your native legal guidelines.
Can You Stay in an RV Full Time in West Virginia?
West Virginia permits full-time RV residency, supplied you register your car with the county and observe native ordinances. This lovely state is within the coronary heart of the Appalachian Mountains, with loads of campgrounds within the hills and close to fashionable city facilities. Many of those services have important providers for full-time RVers, equivalent to electrical hookups, water provide, and trash assortment.
Guidelines and Laws for RVing in West Virginia
When considering a full-time RV life-style in West Virginia, it’s important to familiarize your self with the native guidelines and rules. On this part, we are going to spotlight some key issues to bear in mind whereas having fun with your time or residing within the state in your RV.
RV Parking Legal guidelines
Normally, West Virginia isn’t very strict about RV parking on non-public and public roadways. You might be permitted to park your RV in a residential driveway in most areas. Nonetheless, some locations within the state have stricter guidelines, equivalent to town of Wheeling. On this metropolis, you the legislation states which you could solely park your rig on any of the streets whereas unloading or loading your RV. When touring, it is best to at all times analysis native rules relating to the place and the way lengthy you possibly can park your RV.
Trailer Towing Legal guidelines
West Virginia has stricter trailer legal guidelines than most states with regards to brakes. They have to be computerized within the occasion of a breakaway. As well as, in case your trailer weighs greater than 3,000 kilos, its brakes should be capable of cease it with out help from the towing car. The trailer additionally has to have tail and brake lights, in addition to flip indicators.
Trailer measurement limits are additionally strictly regulated. The utmost width allowed is 8.5 toes, whereas the utmost top restrict is 13.5 toes. Trailers may be as much as 40 toes lengthy, with a mixed complete size (tow car plus trailer) to not exceed 65 toes. Moreover, when towing a trailer, you can’t exceed 55 mph, even on highways.
Boondocking Laws
There are many locations in West Virginia the place you possibly can boondock in your RV. The Alleghany Highlands and the Potomac area are lovely areas for dispersed tenting. Ensure you adjust to rules in every space. Additionally it is necessary to stick to Go away No Hint Rules, equivalent to respecting wildlife, packing out your trash, and establishing camp away from waterways.
RV Insurance coverage Necessities
For those who drive an RV in West Virginia, you’re required to hold legal responsibility protection beneath state motorized vehicle legal guidelines. The insurance coverage in your tow car will cowl a journey trailer, which doesn’t want a separate coverage. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll need to contemplate upgrading your coverage to cowl issues like theft and hearth in case you are residing in your RV completely.
Guidelines for Tenting on Public Land
West Virginia has a number of nationwide forests and state parks with campsites. A few of these are restricted to tent tenting. Nonetheless, New River Gorge Nationwide Park affords eight primitive RV campgrounds with no charges. Primitive campsites don’t supply facilities or utility hookups and are sometimes in additional rural areas. Additionally, be conscious that some roads in nationwide parks aren’t appropriate for RV driving or towing a camper.
Full-time RVing in Charleston
Charleston is the capital metropolis of West Virginia and an amazing space to spend a while in an RV. There are many cultural points of interest to discover and quick access to the Kanawha River. You can see a number of campground choices simply exterior town limits.
RVing in Charleston FAQs
Are you able to park an RV anyplace in Charleston?
Your RV is greatest parked at a campground, RV park, or non-public property for long-term stays. Some retailers like Walmart permit RVs to park of their heaps in a single day. Alternatively, the close by St. Albans Roadside Park supplies free spots for as much as two nights with electrical hookups on the Kanawha River.
Can I dwell in my RV on my property in Charleston?
Dwelling full-time in an RV in your property in Charleston may be advanced resulting from zoning legal guidelines and metropolis rules. Whereas West Virginia as a state doesn’t ban RV residing, Charleston’s zoning ordinances usually prohibit utilizing an RV as a everlasting residence throughout the metropolis limits. If you wish to dwell within the metropolis, you have to to discover different choices, equivalent to discovering a long-term RV park.
Full-time RVing in Lewisburg
Lewisburg is a small, charming metropolis with a implausible artwork scene and upscale eating choices. Additionally it is steeped in Civil Struggle period historical past and close to Misplaced World Caverns, which makes for an amazing day journey of exploration. Whereas its inhabitants is smaller than different cities within the state, it’s thought-about a cultural hub with distinctive points of interest like Carnegie Corridor and Greenbrier Valley Theatre. There are campgrounds round Lewisburg which are a brief distance from the city middle.
RVing in Lewisburg FAQs
Are you able to park an RV anyplace in Lewisburg?
Unoccupied RVs may be parked on the road for as much as 72 hours. For long-term stays, your greatest wager is to camp at an RV park or on non-public property. The West Virginia State Fairgrounds close to town is an possibility, notably when it affords RV parking with hookups for occasions.
Can I dwell in my RV on my property in Lewisburg?
Dwelling in an RV by yourself property in Lewisburg is usually topic to necessities for long-term residence. As an example, your land have to be zoned for residential use, and you’ll have to acquire a allow. Earlier than making any long-term preparations for residing in your RV within the metropolis, seek the advice of with native officers.
Tips on how to Stay in an RV Full Time
The complete-time RV nomadic life-style is one thing many individuals discover pleasure in as a result of it affords extra freedom to discover new locations. This works properly when you can work remotely or are retired. If you resolve to take to the highway in an RV, you should do some planning so the transition to this life-style is seamless.
As an example, you have to a everlasting deal with for issues like receiving necessary paperwork by mail and voting on the whole elections. Many RVers use the deal with of an in depth relative. Signing up for paperless invoice pay is a useful technique to keep away from lacking mail. Earlier than you hit the highway, make an in depth price range that features bills equivalent to campsite charges, car upkeep, and medical health insurance.
Forms of Properties You Can Stay on Full Time in an RV
• Non-public property: Many West Virginia municipalities and rural areas let you park your RV on non-public property and dwell in it so long as it’s registered and complies with native zoning legal guidelines.
• Cell House Parks: There are everlasting cellular residence communities within the state which have areas designated for RVs that permit for full-time residing. You’ll have to test the principles for every.
RVing in West Virginia FAQs
Are you able to sleep in an RV whereas touring the US?
When touring via most states, pulling over and sleeping in relaxation areas is authorized. In West Virginia, you should utilize the areas designated for big autos within the journey plazas alongside the highways.
What’s the New RV Regulation in West Virginia?
Fayette County in West Virginia has adopted an RV Park Ordinance that regulates all issues associated to RV parks, together with road widths, parcel sizes, open areas, and visitor parking. Moreover, in 2024, the car inspection requirement was prolonged from one to 2 years. That is for any drivable car, together with motor properties.
Is it authorized to dwell in an RV full time in West Virginia?
You may dwell in your RV full time so long as the car is parked in a delegated RV park or on non-public property that meets native zoning codes. Examine with the governing company for rules and allow purposes.
Can I park my RV on my property in West Virginia?
You may park your RV in your driveway in most locations within the state. Nonetheless, cities and a few municipalities have particular guidelines for a way lengthy and the place you possibly can retailer your RV.
Can I purchase land and dwell in an RV in West Virginia?
No state rules ban residing in your RV completely by yourself land, however it is best to test native ordinances. Lots of the state’s cities have strict zoning necessities. Some counties in West Virginia have much less restrictive rules for RV residency, notably in rural areas.
How lengthy are you able to keep at an RV park in West Virginia?
Lots of the state’s RV parks are solely obtainable seasonally and shut down for the winter. Nonetheless, year-round cellular residence communities are an possibility for prolonged stays.
For individuals who love exploring, RV residing full time in West Virginia is a superb possibility. If you’re within the RV life-style, it is best to contemplate renting an RV within the state first to attempt it out. Whereas planning your journey, embrace time to speak to native RVers for recommendations on residing within the state.