Living Full-Time in an RV Park

When you think of RVs, the first thing that probably comes to mind is traveling. But many people own RVs that do not move. They stay parked in one spot for an entire season or even all year if the weather allows. Today, I am sharing some helpful tips for living full time in a stationary RV.

Being in an RV in one spot actually gives you some flexibility in what you can do.

As I mentioned in some of my posts earlier this month, we are currently living in an RV in one place. We are between houses, and while we search for a new home, we decided to stay in our RV at a campground. So basically, we are living full time in an RV in a park.

Other posts you might like:

• RV Decorating Ideas for Outside
• Best tips for RV camping with a Dog
• RV Camping Tips for Beginners

We have not been here long, but so far I am really enjoying it. It helps that we are at a nice campground with great owners. Living small is also a welcome break from managing our house and homestead over the past four years. We truly enjoyed it, but we missed the flexibility to go out and explore that we had before we had such a big place to take care of.

Today, I am going to share some tips for living full time in a stationary RV.

Living in an RV full-time in a park

This post contains affiliate links.  Please see our full disclosure policy HERE.

1. Park where there’s hookups

I am all for short-term boondocking, and the truth is, some people enjoy boondocking long term. However, it can be very challenging to live without hook ups for an extended period of time. Save boondocking for trips, and choose an RV park with water, sewer, and electricity to make your long-term stay easier and more enjoyable.

2. Check into how you will access Internet

Some people can go without Internet, but these days most cannot. When we moved into our RV, we knew we would need Internet for my work and for our kids’ schooling. We looked at different options and decided the best solution for us right now is to drive four minutes up the road to the local library and use the Internet there.

That approach is not ideal for everyone, and I understand that. There are mobile options if you need Internet access at all times. Even though you are not technically on the move, these options can work well for RV living. Some parks also offer free WIFI, but you will want to check whether the signal is strong enough to get your work done—most parks do not. Either way, it is important to choose the option that best fits your needs while living in an RV.

3. Set up a screen tent for added room.

For some, RV living can start to feel cramped after a while, especially with a whole family on board. Setting up a screen tent adds extra space on warmer days. If you include a picnic table or some camping chairs, it can become a great spot to work, play games, or just relax.

4. Find some things to do locally

If you spend too much time in your trailer, you will likely get stir crazy after a while. It helps to find local attractions, activities, or places to explore. Check the Internet, ask the locals, and go on an adventure. We are in an area with many bodies of water, so we are taking advantage of fishing and plan to go swimming, canoeing, and paddle boarding once it warms up.

If those activities are not your thing, look for what does interest you. Most places, even small towns, have libraries, museums, and parks to enjoy.

 

5. Get outside everyday

This ties in with the last point: get outside every day to avoid cabin fever. Even a 15-minute walk each day can make a big difference.

6. Do your research on RV campgrounds before deciding which one to stay at

If you are going to be stationary for a while, you will want to choose a campground where you know you will be happy. If you are like us, you may pay for an entire season, so you do not want to end up somewhere that does not work out. Read reviews of the campground, take a walk around the park, and check out the nearby amenities so you know exactly what to expect.

7. Pick your campsite carefully as well

Since you will be at your site long term, it is important to choose it carefully. When we arrived at our RV park, we found a spot with no neighbors on one side and a large grassy area for our kids to run around and our dog to be walked.

Your priorities might be different. Maybe you want a shady spot, or perhaps you prefer plenty of sun. Whatever matters to you, take the time to choose wisely since you will be parked there for a long time.

8. Make sure you have a plan for ant control

We discovered quickly that ants can find their way into your RV in no time. And if it is not ants, chances are you will run into some other bug problem at some point, whether you are prepared or not. Fortunately, there are a few ways to deal with it. Here are some solutions for getting rid of ants in an RV:

• Diffusing peppermint essential oil
• Spraying any entrance points with a mix of equal parts vinegar and water
• Mixing borax and sugar with water in a spray bottle and spraying it around your RV legs
• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your rig (will need to be replaced when it rains.)
• Keep your garbage in a sealed bucket
• Make sure all food is in airtight packages

9. Bring your kitchen gadgets that make cooking easier

It is pretty impressive how much you can cook in an RV kitchen, but there is no denying that space is limited. Cooking inside will also heat up the RV much faster than it would in a house. There are a few kitchen gadgets that can make cooking easier. For outdoor cooking, bring a BBQ or even a smoker. For indoor meals, consider a slow cooker or an Instant Pot.

10. Get some potted plants for outside

Since you are staying in one place, you can easily add potted plants outside your front door for a charming, decorative touch. Taking the time to add some life to the outside of your RV will make it feel more like home. Small succulents for indoors are also a great idea. They do not take up much space but can brighten up your space beautifully.

11. Set up a “deck” for your RV

Whether you are living in an RV full time in a park year after year or are stationary for just a season, you can create a deck area. If your RV will not be moving for the time you own it, you might consider building a permanent deck if it is allowed by your RV park.

If you are only stationary temporarily, you can use an outdoor RV mat and add some camping or deck chairs. Outdoor solar lights can add a cozy touch. For more outdoor RV decor ideas, check out this post.

12. Pick a rig that will meet your needs

There are so many different RVs. If you plan to mostly keep yours parked in an RV campground and do not plan on traveling, your RV needs may be very different from someone who wants to travel with theirs. You also need to decide how much space you want.

Do you want slide outs? If you are like me and have kids, you will probably want a rig with bunks so everyone has their own space.

If you are parking somewhere very hot, you will likely want to make sure your RV has air conditioning.

These days, you can find rigs with TVs, fake fireplaces, and even washing machines. Your budget will also affect what you choose. Ours is an older model with no slide outs, and it works just fine for us.

Use these full-time stationary living tips

If you need tips for living in an RV, try the ideas listed above. The tiny house movement is pretty popular these days, and an RV is a tiny house on wheels. For us, we are realizing that less is more. While there are some conveniences we are learning to live without, like a washing machine and dryer—the laundromat has become my new best friend—we have also discovered many perks of living small.

One of the great things about RV living is that it helps you re-evaluate what you want in a house if you plan to buy one in the future. We often get caught up trying to keep up with the Joneses and their bigger, better houses, but living in an RV shows you just how little you actually need. It helps you focus on what is truly important for you and your family.

If you are wondering whether stationary RV living is right for you, consider the ideas in this post as you make your decision. It could turn out to be a fun adventure.