RV Living in California: Best Places, Cost, & Checklist [2025]

RV living in California is undoubtedly one of the best ways to live a simple life and spend more leisure time with loved ones. It's the third-largest state by area in the US, with nine national parks and dozens of state parks. If you are planning to live in an RV full-time, it is essential to understand the legalities in the state, gather the necessary supplies, and choose the best spot. 

Jackery Solar Generators are robust and powerful solar-powered generators that can supply electricity to essential RV appliances. Whether you want to power an RV AC to beat the heat or keep the fridge running and ensure food doesn't get spoiled, these solar generators for RVs have got your back. This comprehensive guide focuses on everything about the legality of full-time RV living in California, places to live, and the essentials you must carry.

Key Takeaways

• While it is legal to live in an RV in California, it is prohibited to live permanently in an RV as per the California Recreation Activities rulebook.
• Some of the best RV resorts in California include Grass Valley RV Resort,  Yanks RV Resort, and Paradise Beach RV Resort.
• When living in an RV in California, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 - $4,000, depending on several factors.
• Jackery Solar Generators are portable enough to be carried on RV adventures and powerful enough to keep most outdoor appliances running.

Is It Legal to Live in an RV Full-Time in California?

Yes, it is legal to live in an RV in California. However, as per the California Recreation Activities rulebook, the Recreation Bureau of Land Management, permanent RV living in California is prohibited. You can stay up to 14 days in one location before you have to move on. However, rules and restrictions regarding permanent stay vary for each city and county. Some of the popular ones include: 

Note:  The legal laws and regulations may change. It is essential to check the official websites to get the latest information.

5 Best Places to Live in an RV in California Year-Round

If you are planning to visit the diverse landscapes of California during the camping season, you might be looking for the best RV resorts in California where you can park, relax, and enjoy what the Golden State has to offer. 

• Grass Valley RV Resort: It is one of the best family-friendly RV resorts in California. It has a spacious swimming pool and a beautiful lodge. A long-term stay costs $1,099, and guests have access to high-speed WiFi, full hookups, paved paths, and more.
• Yanks RV Resort: Located on California's Central Coast, the RV resort offers full hookups and wide RV sites. A monthly stay in the RV park costs between $1,730 and $1,950. Each site has a BBQ, picnic table, WiFi, and propane filling stations.
• Paradise Beach RV Resort: If you love beach camping in Oceanside, California, it is one of the popular beach RV resorts with a heated pool and WiFi. You can set up the grill and enjoy an outdoor dinner on the redwood picnic table at every RV site. You can expect to pay around $1,750 - $2,300 per month.
• Flag City RV Resort: If you have a big rig RV, the Flag City RV Resort offers sites with full hookups, concrete pads, and wide paved roads. You can book RV sites at $525 weekly or $990 bi-weekly.
• Coyote Valley RV Resort: This California RV resort offers 127 deluxe RV sites, a pet park, a golf course, and a fitness center for those planning for full-time RV living in California. Guests can also enjoy outdoor games such as badminton and ping-pong.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in an RV in California?

The cost of living in an RV in California may vary depending on the location you plan to stay, the duration of RVing, and the essentials you need. For example, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 - $4,000 per month, depending on RV type, travel style, location, and lifestyle. Here is the breakdown of full-time RV living costs in California: 

Note: These values are just estimates and may vary depending on several factors. 

If you live in California and want to reduce the recurring cost of power for your RV appliances, consider investing in solar-powered generators. Jackery Solar Generators are robust and portable power solutions for RV AC, Starlink Internet, fridges, etc. 

Can You Camp for Free in California with an RV?

In California, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Forest Service (NFS) manage many free RV parking areas. 

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM): While the BLM land is generally free to camp on, you must follow the "Leave No Trace" policy to minimize the impact on the environment.
• National Forest Service (NFS): The National Forest Service (NFS) generally allows you to camp for 14 days for free. Most national forests in California offer dispersed camping, with principles similar to those of BLM land.
• State Parks: Some California state parks provide overnight parking in designated areas. You can consider areas that allow boondocking or dispersed camping within state parks. However, it is advised to check for specific rules and regulations.

Essential RV Living Checklist for California

Whether you are planning a short RV trip or a full-time RV living in California, it is essential to have RV accessories handy. 

RV Essentials

• RV-Friendly Toilet Paper
• Toilet Chemicals
• Cooler
• Sewer Kit
• Food Storage Containers
• Water Pressure Regulator
• Jackery Solar Generator

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• First Aid Kit
• Emergency Road Kit
• Fire Extinguisher
• Bear Spray
• Weather Radio/NOAA Radio

Personal & Comfort Items

• Clothing
• Medications
• Personal Toiletries
• Books & Games
• Footwear

Kitchen Supplies

• Cookware
• Eating Utensils
• Can Opener
• Bowls
• Cups
• Cutting Board
• Food Storage Containers
• Grill Brush
• Trash Bags

Jackery Solar Generators for RV Living in California

Jackery is a global leader in manufacturing solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations for RVs. The Jackery Solar Generators can power multiple appliances, such as RV AC/heater, fridges, outdoor grills, etc. The portable power stations have an ergonomic design with foldable handles, so you can move them out of the RV to enjoy camping and other outdoor adventures. Here are two of the solar generators for RVs that are suitable for outdoor enthusiasts in California:

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus Roam Kit

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus Roam Kit offers more power in a small size and helps you power most RV appliances for hours. The bundle includes the Jackery SolarSaga 100 Prime Solar Panels, which can be easily installed on the RV's rooftop to ensure continuous power generation. You can also move the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station out of the RV to power appliances outside the RV. 

Appliances Running Time

• Coffee Machine (800W) = 1.3H
• Microwave (500W) = 2.0H
• RV AC (500W) = 2.0H
• Fridge (100W) = 8.8H
• Electric Grill (1000W) = 1.0H

Customer Review

"I charged up the jackery in a little more than an hour to 100%. I plugged in my new 12-volt fridge to see how much energy it would take. After 12 hours, the Jackery was still at 95%. I am very pleased and believe this will make travel and camping so much easier and more enjoyable." — Lea Curtis.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is another reliable solar generator for RVs that can power appliances during full-time RV living in California. You can easily run appliances for lighting and entertainment systems on the road. Whether you want to run an outdoor electric grill to cook food or an RV AC to keep the space cool, the solar-powered generator has you covered. It is also expandable from 2kWh to 24kWh with the help of add-on battery packs. 

Appliances Running Time

• Coffee Machine (800W) = 2.1H
• Microwave (500W) = 3.3H
• RV AC (500W) = 3.3H
• Fridge (100W) = 13.9H
• Electric Grill (1000W) = 1.7H

Customer Review

"Easy to set up and use, thoughtful design to have a battery mounted on wheels. Since this is a modular system, we will be adding more components in the future." — Denise Shepherd.

RV Living in California FAQs

Can you live full-time in an RV in California?

Yes. Under certain conditions, you can live full-time in an RV in California, but you cannot register the RV as a domicile with a permanent address under California's state laws. In other words, you can legally stay in some RV parks for the long term (usually a month).

Can I buy land and live in an RV in California?

Yes. In California, it is usually legal to buy private land and live in an RV. However, you will need proper zoning, utilities set up, and sometimes a permit to live on private land.

Can you sleep anywhere in an RV in California?

No, you cannot sleep in an RV just anywhere in California. Depending on where you plan to live, there are restrictions on where you can park and stay overnight. For example, you cannot stay in one location on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for more than 14 days.

Final Thoughts

RV living in California involves planning the trip, choosing the RV resort, and packing the essentials. While you can always choose a premium RV resort, it can increase the bill. Thankfully, California also offers several free parking areas throughout the state that follow a first-come, first-served policy. Regardless of where you plan to live, you will need a reliable solar-powered generator to power the outdoor appliances. Jackery Solar Generators are powerful solar-powered generators that ensure essential appliances remain powered on the road.