An RV trailer will need a place to stay when it isn’t in use. And you might have a good idea of where to put it. Can it be parked in your backyard?
The answer is yes and no. The ‘yes’ aspect of it is that if it is on your own property, you can certainly park it in your backyard. The ‘no’ part will be based on any rules and regulations that may be in place by the HOA or even local ordinances. So it may require some research of your local laws or HOA regulations in your neighborhood.
We will be sharing tips on parking your RV trailer while it isn’t in use. If you are not sure about whether or not your RV trailer should be parked in your backyard or not, keep reading.
When Is It Considered Legal To Park An RV In Your Backyard?
The best legal option to park an RV in your backyard is if the property is privately owned by you. It’s your property, you can do what you want with it. This includes parking your RV in the backyard.
You won’t be subject to any penalties that are considered violations of any local ordinances in place. If you live in a rural area, you won’t have to deal with any restrictions regarding RV parking. If you live in an urban area, that’s where things can get a little complex.
When Is It Considered Illegal?
If you live in a subdivision or a neighborhood that has an HOA, there may be rules and regulations that apply to parking an RV in your backyard. Some subdivisions may outright ban it and others will have restrictions in place. For example, some restrictions can include RV trailers being hidden from the view of neighbors or the street itself.
If RV parking is allowed in subdivisions or neighborhoods, they may be parked temporarily as opposed to long-term. The length will depend on the rules and regulations in place. If necessary, you may need to contact local authorities or the HOA in your neighborhood.

If it is allowed in your neighborhood, you may be subject to pay a monthly fee for its storage. This may be a financial burden for you and can lead to alternative options.
Where Can You Find Laws On RV Parking?
If you are unsure if there are laws that exist on RV parking, you have options on where you can go to ask questions. This includes your county courthouse, city or town hall, or your neighborhood’s HOA.
From there, you will be able to determine whether or not you will be able to park your RV in your backyard or not. If allowed, you will also receive information about any applicable fees. If it isn’t allowed, you may be suggested alternative areas where you can store your RV.
This will not apply to you if you reside on private property that you own. If you live in a rural area, you can be able to park your RV in your backyard since you are away from the urban area of your city or town.
Where Can It Be Stored If I Cannot Park It In My Backyard?
In the event that your RV cannot be parked in your backyard, there are some other options. For example, you can park it in a storage facility that may allow large items such as RVs or pop-up campers. You may want to contact storage facilities or even lots that will accept such trailers.
Remember, you will likely need to pay a fee just for letting an RV trailer sit there in a storage facility or lot. Also, there is no guarantee in regards to the security of the facility itself. So there is the risk of possible burglary or vandalism that can occur with your RV trailer.
For those reasons, you may want to consider insuring your RV trailer. Furthermore, your RV trailer should be securely locked if left unattended. Be sure to remove all personal property from the trailer when it is stored away from your home.
Why Is Parking Your RV In Your Backyard Illegal In Some Cases?
One of the chief reasons why it may be illegal is that RVs are not considered permanent dwellings. Plus, there are regulations implemented by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Specifically, HUD states that RVs must be used for recreational, travel, or camping purposes only.
Thus, an RV trailer is technically considered a vehicle as opposed to a permanent residence. So if you are considering the idea of living in an RV full-time, you may want to reconsider it since it is actually illegal to do so period. Yes, it is illegal even if you do have the necessities in places such as electricity and plumbing.

Can Your RV Be Considered A Guest House?
Even though an RV cannot be used as a permanent dwelling, it can be used for a guest house. That’s because it does not constitute a long-term housing option. They can stay for days or even weeks.
There are no laws or rules that will disallow an RV from being used as a guest house since it falls under ‘occasional use’. It may be considered an extension of your house.
Can I Park My RV Trailer On The Street?
This will depend on certain laws and rules in your neighborhood, city, or state. If it is allowed, you may have to pay a parking fee just for the privilege. Keep in mind that parking an RV trailer on the street does not guarantee you any kind of security. Thieves can break into an RV trailer at any given time. And it may be a target for vandals as well.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering the idea of parking an RV trailer in your backyard, it is important to make sure that you are allowed to first. If you live on the privately owned property that belongs to you, you can be able to park it in the backyard. However, it can apply to some laws and rules depending on where you live.