Residing in an RV full time is a life-style selection that permits you to discover the state of West Virginia with its historic cities and luxurious Appalachian Mountains. This information gives info and recommendations on how you can handle full-time RV residing in West Virginia, together with guidelines and rules.
Please word that this isn’t an official supply of data, and guidelines and rules could have modified because the writing of this text. Please all the time test along with your native authorities earlier than making any long-term selections and if you’re uncertain of your native legal guidelines.
Can You Dwell 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 amenities have important providers for full-time RVers, resembling 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’ll spotlight some key concerns to remember whereas having fun with your time or residing within the state in your RV.
RV Parking Legal guidelines
On the whole, West Virginia isn’t very strict about RV parking on non-public and public roadways. You’re permitted to park your RV in a residential driveway in most areas. Nevertheless, some locations within the state have stricter guidelines, resembling town of Wheeling. On this metropolis, you the legislation states you could solely park your rig on any of the streets whereas unloading or loading your RV. When touring, it is best to all the time analysis native rules concerning the place and the way lengthy you may park your RV.
Trailer Towing Legal guidelines
West Virginia has stricter trailer legal guidelines than most states on the subject of 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 alerts.
Trailer dimension limits are additionally strictly regulated. The utmost width allowed is 8.5 ft, whereas the utmost peak restrict is 13.5 ft. Trailers might be as much as 40 ft lengthy, with a mixed whole size (tow car plus trailer) to not exceed 65 ft. Moreover, when towing a trailer, you cannot exceed 55 mph, even on highways.
Boondocking Laws
There are many locations in West Virginia the place you may boondock in your RV. The Alleghany Highlands and the Potomac area are lovely areas for dispersed tenting. Be certain you adjust to rules in every space. It is usually necessary to stick to Go away No Hint Ideas, resembling respecting wildlife, packing out your trash, and organising camp away from waterways.
RV Insurance coverage Necessities
Should you drive an RV in West Virginia, you might be required to hold legal responsibility protection below state motorized vehicle legal guidelines. The insurance coverage in your tow car will cowl a journey trailer, which doesn’t want a separate coverage. Nevertheless, chances are you’ll wish to take into account upgrading your coverage to cowl issues like theft and hearth if you’re 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. Nevertheless, New River Gorge Nationwide Park gives 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 aware 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 outdoors town limits.
RVing in Charleston FAQs
Are you able to park an RV anyplace in Charleston?
Your RV is finest parked at a campground, RV park, or non-public property for long-term stays. Some retailers like Walmart permit RVs to park of their tons in a single day. Alternatively, the close by St. Albans Roadside Park gives free spots for as much as two nights with electrical hookups on the Kanawha River.
Can I stay in my RV on my property in Charleston?
Residing full-time in an RV in your property in Charleston might be complicated as a result of zoning legal guidelines and metropolis rules. Whereas West Virginia as a state doesn’t ban RV residing, Charleston’s zoning ordinances typically prohibit utilizing an RV as a everlasting residence throughout the metropolis limits. If you wish to stay within the metropolis, you will have to discover various choices, resembling discovering a long-term RV park.
Full-time RVing in Lewisburg
Lewisburg is a small, charming metropolis with a unbelievable artwork scene and upscale eating choices. It is usually steeped in Civil Conflict 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 heart.
RVing in Lewisburg FAQs
Are you able to park an RV anyplace in Lewisburg?
Unoccupied RVs might be parked on the road for as much as 72 hours. For long-term stays, your finest 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 gives RV parking with hookups for occasions.
Can I stay in my RV on my property in Lewisburg?
Residing in an RV by yourself property in Lewisburg is mostly topic to necessities for long-term residence. As an illustration, your land have to be zoned for residential use, and you could 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.
The best way to Dwell 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 gives extra freedom to discover new locations. This works effectively should you can work remotely or are retired. Whenever you determine to take to the highway in an RV, you should do some planning so the transition to this life-style is seamless.
As an illustration, you will have a everlasting handle for issues like receiving necessary paperwork by mail and voting normally elections. Many RVers use the handle of a detailed 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 resembling campsite charges, car upkeep, and medical insurance.
Varieties of Properties You Can Dwell on Full Time in an RV
• Non-public property: Many West Virginia municipalities and rural areas can help you park your RV on non-public property and stay in it so long as it’s registered and complies with native zoning legal guidelines.
• Cellular Dwelling Parks: There are everlasting cellular house 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 by means of most states, pulling over and sleeping in relaxation areas is authorized. In West Virginia, you should utilize the areas designated for giant autos within the journey plazas alongside the highways.
What’s the New RV Legislation in West Virginia?
Fayette County in West Virginia has adopted an RV Park Ordinance that regulates all issues associated to RV parks, together with avenue 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 houses.
Is it authorized to stay in an RV full time in West Virginia?
You may stay 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. Test with the governing company for rules and allow functions.
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. Nevertheless, cities and a few municipalities have particular guidelines for the way lengthy and the place you may retailer your RV.
Can I purchase land and stay 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. Most 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?
Most of the state’s RV parks are solely accessible seasonally and shut down for the winter. Nevertheless, year-round cellular house communities are an possibility for prolonged stays.
For individuals who love exploring, RV residing full time in West Virginia is a good possibility. If you’re within the RV life-style, it is best to take into account renting an RV within the state first to strive it out. Whereas planning your journey, embody time to speak to native RVers for recommendations on residing within the state.