The Ultimate Guide to RV Living in Texas

Texas is a Lone Star State popular for its iconic barbecue, zero income tax, and ideal places for RVing. RV living in Texas is legal, but you must seek the property owner’s consent if you are RVing on private property. You must also ensure that your RV is registered and compliant with the city's local laws and ordinances.

You can also reside in a campground or a boondocking location for full-time RV living in Texas. Carry all the necessary supplies in your RV, including a solar generator, to ensure convenience. The Jackery Solar Generator can power your RV's appliances and gadgets at no electrical cost at any boondocking location. Read ahead to learn how to live in an RV full-time.

Key Takeaways

• RV living in Texas is legal if you have registered your RV, have the property owner’s consent, and follow the local ordinances.
• Living in an RV in Texas can cost $3,000 to $6,000. However, you can save on RV living costs by using electrical appliances and a solar generator.
• When camping at a boondocking location in Texas, be sure to carry all the necessary supplies, including perishable food, drinking water, emergency gear, and a solar generator.
• The Jackery Solar Generator is an ideal power solution that can run your RV appliances at no electrical cost.

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

Yes, it is legal to live in an RV full-time in the state of Texas. If you stay on private property, you must seek the owner’s consent or buy the land. You must also register your RV in the county and follow local ordinances and HOA rules. Not all states in Texas allow you to live full-time in an RV.

Best Places to Live in an RV in Texas Year-Round

Several ideal places for year-round RV living in Texas include RV parks, resorts, campgrounds, and your private property.

• Private Property: If you buy land in Texas, you can live in an RV parked there. Just make sure you register the RV with the local authorities and follow all local ordinances.
• RV Parks and Campgrounds: If you want to travel while living in an RV in Texas, you can live at RV parks and campgrounds. There are several sites for the best camping in Texas, including Treeside RV Resort, Blue Sky RV Park, Wind Point Park, and Canopy RV Resort. These parks provide the necessary amenities, including pools, spas, restrooms, electrical hookups, and fire pits. If you are an adult over 55, you can enjoy full-time RV living in Texas for adults 55 and older. One of the best locations for adults over 55 is the VIP - La Feria RV Park.
• Boondocking Sites: These locations are also ideal for year-round RV living in Texas. You can boondock at various locations across Texas for free, such as Magnolia Beach, Padre Island National Seashore, Amistad National Recreation Area, etc.

Boondocking locations typically do not have the same amenities as dedicated RV parks and campgrounds. You have to prepare for living at these locations by keeping all the necessary supplies ready, including a solar generator.

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

Several factors affect the overall cost of full-time RV living in Texas. These factors include, but are not limited to, necessary RV supplies, the number of people, power costs, campsite fees, fuel costs, and more. You need to track all these factors to estimate the living cost.

The monthly cost of RV living in Texas is $3,000 to $6,000. You’ll need a solar generator if you prefer cheap RV living in Texas. You can replace some propane-powered appliances, such as ovens, water heaters, and grills, with electricity-powered appliances. Power these electric devices with the solar generator to save propane and power costs.

Note: These costs are estimates and may change depending on the location, the utilities provided by the park, the type of RV, the duration of your stay, your requirements, and other factors.

For RV living in Texas, you must also have insurance coverage, including $30,000 in bodily injury per person and $60,000 per incident. Your property damage coverage must be at least $25,000.

Can You Camp for Free in Texas with an RV?

Yes, you can camp for free in Texas with an RV. There are multiple camping locations for RV living in Texas with kids where you can stay for a set duration. Some locations where RV living is free are:

• Stinnett City Park
• Magnolia Beach
• Schreiner City Park
• Padre Island National Seashore
• Sam Rose Collins Recreation Park

Some National Forest areas in Texas allow free boondocking for up to 14 days. You need to keep all the necessary supplies in the RV for boondocking at these locations, as there will be no or limited amenities available. If you are an adult over 55, try to avoid boondocking locations. Several parks in Texas offer a quiet and safe environment, making them ideal for full-time RV living in Texas for adults 55 and older.

Essential RV Living Checklist for Texas

Whether you're in a park or a boondocking site, certain things are necessary for your RV, especially if you're living in an RV in Texas with kids.

• Power: A solar generator can be a lifesaver in a boondocking location. It can power your RV appliances without any hassle and at zero electricity cost. Jackery Solar Generator is an ideal choice if you aim for cheap RV living in Texas.
• Water and Waste: You can dispose of RV waste in the designated area of an RV park or campground. Make sure you have a list of RV parks in Texas where you plan to live. Keep ample drinking water for boondocking and have a freshwater hookup in your RV to refill it.
• Food Storage, Cooking, and Safety: Pack all the necessary cooking utensils, cooktops, grills, propane, and food storage containers for cooking in your RV. To ensure safety, invest in fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, first aid kits, and spare batteries, among other essentials.
• Internet and Work-From-RV Setups: If you want to work in an RV while exploring Texas, consider investing in a foldable table, a wireless internet router, and any other necessary gadgets. When staying at an RV park, you can use the WiFi services provided by the park.
• Emergency Gear: In case anything goes wrong while RV living in Texas, having emergency gear can save the day. Keep a satellite communication device, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, flashlights, and fire extinguishers for convenience during a wildfire or storm.

Jackery Solar Generators for RV Living in Texas

If you want to experience comfortable RV living in Texas, you'll need to invest in a solar generator. It is a renewable source of power that can run your RV appliances at zero electrical cost. These generators are portable, require low maintenance, and are environmentally friendly.

Jackery is a reliable manufacturer of powerful solar products, including high-capacity solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. These are portable devices that you can easily store in your RV for your trip. Jackery Solar Generators are emission-free, making them environmentally friendly.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus Roam Kit

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus Roam Kit is a compact solar generator that easily fits in your RV. Its power capacity can run most of your RV appliances, and if you use the Jackery SolarSaga 100 Prime Solar Panels, it can be installed on the rooftop of the RV to offer uninterrupted power. The device has a 30dB operational sound, making it almost whisper-quiet.

Appliance Running Time

• Outdoor Fan (300W) = 3.3H
• Laptop (150W) = 6.2H
• Coffee Maker (700W) = 1.4H
• Mini Fridge (400W) = 2.5H
• LED TV (100W) = 8.8H

Customer Review

“The solar generator coupled with two 100W panels is a game changer for us as we can charge all our stuff and recharge when we are driving or solar panels if needed at camp.” - Robert Whytal.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus can run most of your RV appliances, including an electric grill, coffee maker, ice maker, and laptop. The device has a top handle and roller wheels that make its movement easier. If you require power for an extended period during RVing, you can attach additional battery packs to expand the capacity from 2kWh to 24kWh.

Appliance Running Time

• Electric Grill (1800W) = 1.0H
• Induction Cooktop (1500W) = 1.1H
• Microwave Oven (1200W) = 1.4H
• Electric Kettle (900W) = 1.9H
• Refrigerator (900W) = 1.9H

Customer Review

“I purchased this for my camping needs when power is not available at campsites for use with my Class A, Pop-up, and truck camping. To date, I have only used it with my Class A, which has an onboard gas generator (which is not usable during quiet hours at parks).” - Chris Kochmann.

RV Living in Texas FAQs

How much does it cost to live in an RV near Austin, TX?

If you plan to live in an RV near Austin, Texas, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $200 per night, including all the amenities provided by the RV park or campground.

Is it legal to live in an RV in Texas?

Yes, it is legal to live in an RV in Texas. Make sure to register your RV with the local authorities and follow local ordinances and HOA rules.

Is it cheaper to live in an RV or rent an apartment?

An RV campsite may charge you $450 to $650 per month. Renting an apartment in Texas can cost between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on the location.

Are RVs cheaper in Texas?

The cost of an RV is relatively lower in states like Arizona, Texas, and Florida. However, the price depends on the season. For example, buy an RV in the South in summer and the North in winter for maximum savings.

Conclusion

RV living in Texas can be an exciting endeavor. If you plan to explore the Lone Star State in an RV, you must prepare for your trip while keeping every single detail in mind.  Make sure you have all the necessary supplies for convenience. A solar generator like the Jackery Solar Generator is a must-have for your RV. If you have to boondock in Texas, it can power your RV's appliances at no electrical cost.