Without question, full-time RV living has become a lifestyle dream for a growing number of people who are seeking greater freedom, more financial flexibility, and a simpler way of life.

When you are searching for motorhomes for sale in Utah, and thinking about this impactful change to your way of life, you will also want to know how feasible it might be to live this way in Utah.

With its sweeping red rock landscapes, dense forests, abundance of stunning national parks, and low cost of living compared to other coastal states, it all seems like an ideal place to embrace life on the road. But how feasible is it to actually live full-time in an RV in Utah?

Let’s take a look at all the things you need to know in order to properly answer that question.

It starts with the legal landscape

Fundamental to your plans will be the legal challenges posed by permits, zoning, and where you can actually be allowed to park your RV on a residential basis.

The issue you face is that although Utah is known for its wide-open spaces, most of that land is either federally owned or privately owned. While boondocking is popular and legal in many places, there is typically a 14-day stay limit. After that period, you’re required to move at least 25 miles away, which makes staying in one place long-term tough.

The practical reality is that if you’re looking to settle in one spot or use the RV as a permanent residence, you’ll run into zoning laws. Many counties and municipalities in Utah have strict rules that classify RVs as temporary dwellings, not permanent housing.

This means that even parking an RV full-time on your own land might not be allowed unless it’s in a properly zoned RV park or a property that permits accessory dwelling units with hookups and sanitation.

Be warned, trying to skirt zoning laws can lead to fines or even eviction notices, so it’s important to check with local planning departments before setting up camp.

The good news is that some RV parks in Utah offer long-term stays and even monthly rates, especially near popular towns like St. George, Moab, and Salt Lake City. However, competition for those spots can be fierce, and not all parks allow year-round residence.

Winter closures are common in higher elevations due to snow and freezing temperatures. This severely limits your options for full-time RV living in the northern and central parts of the state.

Access to utilities

Without a doubt, a critical component of full-time RV living is having access to water, electricity, and sewage disposal. In Utah, if you’re staying at an RV park, these utilities are usually provided. But if you plan to live off-grid or on rural land, you’ll need to be prepared to manage your own power, water, and waste.

Solar energy is a practical solution in Utah thanks to its high number of sunny days per year. It is plausible to rig your RV with solar panels, batteries, and inverters to run everything from lights to refrigerators.

Water access can also be a challenge. You’ll need a fresh water source or a regular refill plan. Dumping waste legally is another concern. Utah has many dump stations, but access can be limited in rural or remote areas. Some towns have restrictions on where you can empty tanks.

You need to think about weather

Utah’s climate is another major factor in the feasibility of full-time RV living. While the southern part of the state enjoys mild winters and warm, dry conditions year-round, northern Utah is not so forgiving in the colder months.

Salt Lake City, Logan, and other central and northern areas, you will have to contend with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and icy roads from November through March. RV living in cold conditions can be very challenging as most models are not specifically built for four-season use. This means you might struggle to maintain heat and prevent freezing pipes.

Maintaining a sense of community and connectivity

Living full-time in an RV doesn’t mean disconnecting from society, especially if you work remotely, homeschool, or need regular access to supplies and services. Utah has a growing community of digital nomads and you will find like-minded friends via social media groups, meetups, and networks offering support and advice.

Larger towns and cities offer good internet options, health care, groceries, and mail services for receiving parcels and supplies.

More remote or rural areas can experience limited cell coverage, poor internet access, and fewer emergency services. If you rely on high-speed internet for work, it would be a smart move to invest in a mobile hotspot, booster, or satellite internet plan.

Financial considerations

One of the most obvious draws of RV living is the potential for lower living costs. However, that only holds true if you manage your budget carefully.

In Utah, monthly rates at RV parks range from anywhere between $500 and $1,200, on average, depending on location, amenities, and time of year. Boondocking or staying on private land can reduce those costs.

Insurance is another financial consideration. A full-timer’s policy is different from standard RV insurance and typically costs more, as it is covering your rig as a primary residence.

Work out all of your costs beforehand so that you have an accurate budget to base your lifestyle aspirations around.

As you can see, full-time RV living in Utah is feasible, but it’s an idea that is not without its complications. Legal restrictions, weather extremes, and good access to reliable utilities are all things that can pose real challenges.

If you are attracted to the prospect of living a more independent lifestyle surrounded by stunning natural scenery, Utah offers a unique and rewarding environment.

A good approach would be to thoroughly research all the relevant local laws, as well as the opportunities for finding where to site your RV for the best climate.

If you’re willing to be adaptable, full-time RV living in Utah can be more than a pipedream.