RV living full time in Tennessee offers a carefree and exciting lifestyle with immediate access to natural beauty, attractions, and community. Our guide covers how to live in an RV full time in Tennessee, including rules, regulations, and laws for towing, parking, and land use. We offer tips for getting the most from your experiences and how to live well in cities throughout the Volunteer State. Here are all the answers to common questions in our handy guide to living full time in an RV in Tennessee.
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 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 Tennessee?
Full-time RV living is allowed in Tennessee if you follow the local ordinances. For example, in Rutherford County, full-time RV living is allowed for up to one year. The permit is valid for six months; you must renew it before it expires. These permits are allowed for temporary shelter after a natural disaster, visits for out-of-state family members, and property owners constructing a permanent home on the property. However, some counties, including Sevier County, allow you to purchase private land zoned specifically for RVs where you can live in an RV full time. Check the local zoning laws and regulations for your preferred county and the property’s zoning with local authorities before purchasing land.
Rules and Regulations for RVing in Tennessee
Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations before you attempt to live in an RV in Tennessee long-term. Review common concepts like where to camp, park, or tow an RV and where boondocking is allowed.
RV Parking Laws
Parking an RV in public spaces or on roadsides is legal if the vehicle doesn’t obstruct traffic. Laws prohibit RV parking overnight on roadsides and in public spaces. Before parking, review RV size restrictions for the specific city or town you visit.
Trailer Towing Laws
When towing a trailer, a trailer hitch must be secured to your vehicle and rated for your specific trailer weight. Safety claims are required to provide added support. Trailers must be registered, have a visible tag, and have working brake lights.
Boondocking Regulations
Boondocking is allowed in areas such as national forests unless signs designate otherwise. You cannot boondock on private property without the owner’s permission.
RV Insurance Requirements
When it comes to RV insurance in Tennessee, you must have at least $25,000 in coverage for bodily injuries, with a maximum of $50,000 per accident. The property damage coverage must be at least $15,000.
Rules for Camping on Public Land
If you camp on public land, you must stay at least 100 feet from all water sources and within 150 feet of roadways. You must set up camp on existing sites without disturbing surrounding areas. National forests, like Cherokee National Forest, allow RV owners to camp for free without water or electric hookups.
Full-Time RVing in Nashville
Nashville lives up to its nickname, the Music City. It has many entertainment venues, including the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry. Staying in an RV gives you access to these attractions, providing an exciting and fast-paced lifestyle.
RVing in Nashville FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in the city?
You cannot park your RV anywhere in Nashville overnight; however, you can park on roadsides for a short time if your rig doesn’t block traffic. Remain mindful of weight restrictions posted throughout the city for roadways and bridges.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Nashville?
RV-related ordinances are strict in Nashville, so you cannot purchase land and live in an RV in the city. However, you can find long-term camping options at RV parks like Piney River Resort.
Full-Time RVing in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are unique cities connected by the main strip on Hwy 321. You’ll find many fun attractions, including the Great Smoky Mountains, Titanic Museum, Dollywood, Ober Mountain, and Gatlinburg Skylift. Sevier County has RV-zoned land where you can live full-time in an RV.
RVing in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in the city?
No, you must park your RV at designated RV parking areas. If you want to explore the cities, you can park at Margaritaville Island Resort for free and use their shuttle to visit all local attractions.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
Sevier County offers many lots zoned specifically for RVs. When shopping for land, check the zoning requirements and review the city’s RV ordinance for foundation specifications.
Full-Time RVing in Chattanooga
Chattanooga, or Chattown as the locals call it, is a terrific city for an epic journey. RVing in Chattanooga places you nearby attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium, Coolidge Park, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and Creative Discovery Museum.
RVing in Chattanooga FAQa
Can you park an RV anywhere in the city?
Downtown Chattanooga offers many RV parking options, including the Tennessee Aquarium. Although you cannot park an RV on the roadside, there are many parking spaces near these attractions for oversized vehicles.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Chattanooga?
Yes, if you purchase land zoned for an RV, you can live in your RV on your property.
Full-Time RVing in Memphis
If you live in an RV in Memphis, you will be close to Graceland, the Memphis Zoo, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the National Civil Rights Museum. The city has beautiful landscapes and incredible nightlife.
RVing in Memphis FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in the city?
You cannot park your RV on the roadside, blocking traffic, but you can park it near Beale Street. If you want to stay out till dawn, you can find several nearby campgrounds.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Memphis?
It’s legal to park your RV in your driveway if your property isn’t zoned for RV living. However, there are many properties for sale in Memphis with proper zoning where you can live in an RV full-time.
Full-Time RVing in Knoxville
The Marble City, Knoxville, is a unique place to live and offers many attractions and fun options for day trips. The city’s attractions include the Zoo Knoxville, Sunsphere, Ijams Nature Center, and the World’s Fair Park. It’s a wonderful city for full-time RV living and perfect for new family adventures.
RVing in Knoxville FAQs
Can you park an RV anywhere in the city?
No, you must park RVs in designated RV camping spots at parks or resorts.
Can I live in my RV on my property in Knoxville?
No. You cannot live within the city limits in an RV. You’d have to move around to different campgrounds to live in an RV full-time in Knoxville.
How to Live in an RV Full Time
If you’re living in an RV full-time, you must establish an option for receiving mail, voting, and providing a physical address for healthcare. In Tennessee, you could use a mail forwarding service to get your mail at different campgrounds as you move around the state. You can also get a physical address with a suite number via a local UPS store. However, if you stay on your own property or rent a lot at an RV park long-term, you’ll use the physical address assigned to the property.
Types of Properties You Can Live on Full Time in an RV
• Long-term campgrounds: Typically, long-term campgrounds allow you to stay up to a month. Check each campground for rules and regulations pertaining to the maximum amount of time you can stay.
• Certain land: You can stay in national forests for a few days, but you won’t have utilities. Long-term RV parks in more rural areas offer leases for up to one year.
• Your own property: In areas like Sevier County, you can buy land zoned for RVs and live in your RV.
RVing in Tennessee FAQs
Can you sleep in an RV while driving through the US?
Passengers can sleep in the RV if seated and wearing a seat belt, but they cannot sleep in other areas of the RV. Rest stops are a good option for sleeping for a safety break.
What is the new RV law in Tennessee?
Tennessee HB1918 requires campground owners to post policies for curfews, alcohol or tobacco use, and pet policies. It also gives owners the right to eject violators from the property and allow criminal trespass charges to apply to violators who return to the campground.
Is it legal to live in an RV full time in Tennessee?
Yes, it is legal to live in an RV on properties zoned specifically for RVs.
Can I park my RV on my property in Tennessee?
Yes, you can park your RV on any property zoned for RVs. If you are living in a house instead of your RV, you can park your RV in your driveway since street parking is not allowed.
Can I buy land and live in an RV in Tennessee?
Yes, but you must check with local authorities and verify that the land is zoned for RV use.
How long can you stay at an RV park in Tennessee?
It depends on the park’s restrictions, but most RV parks and resorts allow month-long stays. RV parks zoned for permanent residency offer up to one-year leases.
Full time RV living in Tennessee offers many adventures, whether you like a laid-back or fast-paced lifestyle. If you’re unsure of permanent RV residency, you can rent an RV and try it out. RVing in Tennessee offers money-saving opportunities, giving you extra money to spend on fine dining, entertainment venues, and special excursions. If you decide to make it a permanent move or just a new adventure, you’ll find wonderful places and experiences living full time in an RV in Tennessee.