How To Permanently Live In A Caravan Park: 10-Step Guide

When you’re looking for ways to downsize and live a more free life, you probably have considered living in a caravan park. Living in a caravan park on a permanent basis can be an affordable and adventurous way of life, and that is why you might wonder, can I permanently live in a caravan park?

It is possible to live in a caravan park. However, it depends on the laws and regulations of the country you reside in and the specific policies of the caravan park. You can get a permanent residential license at residential parks, while others have an 8-10 months policy because the local council doesn’t allow full residency in that area.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about living in a caravan park and so much more. So continue reading.

Can I Permanently Live In A Caravan Park?

As I mentioned earlier, it is possible to live in a caravan park permanently, but it depends on the laws and regulations of the country you reside in and the specific policies of the caravan park in question. So let’s dive a little deeper into that before I share the step-by-step guide on how to live in a caravan park permanently.

In some countries, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, caravan parks are designated as temporary or holiday accommodations, and residents may be restricted in the length of their stay. However, in other countries, such as New Zealand, residents may permanently reside in a caravan park if they choose to do so.

In Australia, residents are generally restricted to a maximum stay of three months in one caravan park, after which they must move to a different park. This restriction is intended to ensure that caravan parks remain primarily for a holiday or temporary accommodation. However, some parks may offer long-term stays for residents, either with a limit on the length of the stay or with no restrictions.

In the United Kingdom, caravan parks are also primarily intended for a holiday or short-term stays, and residents may be limited to a maximum stay of 12 months. However, some parks may offer long-term stays for residents, either with a limit on the length of the stay or with no restrictions.

It is important to note that living in a caravan park permanently may come with certain restrictions and limitations, such as restrictions on the type of caravan that can be used, limitations on the use of park facilities, and rules on the maintenance and upkeep of the caravan and its surroundings. Residents may also be subject to park rules and regulations, such as quiet hours, and may be required to pay park fees, including site fees and utility charges.

In addition, it is essential to consider the practicalities of living in a caravan park permanently, such as access to essential services, such as healthcare and education, and the quality of the local infrastructure, including transportation and shopping.

In conclusion, while it is possible to live in a caravan park permanently, it is essential to carefully consider the laws and regulations of the country you reside in, the specific policies of the caravan park, and the practicalities of living in a caravan park permanently before making a decision. It may also be beneficial to seek the advice of a legal professional or government agency for specific information and guidance on the matter.

Also, keep in mind that, with a permanent residential license, you can use the caravan park as your main residence address. When you can’t live at a caravan park permanently, you need to have another residence to use as your main permanent address. This can be your parents, family member, or friend’s address.

How Long Can You Live On A Caravan Park?

The length of time you can live in a caravan park depends on several factors, including your personal circumstances, park rules and regulations, and local laws. Some people choose to live in a caravan park for just a few months or for the summer, while others choose to make it their permanent home if the park allows it.

Caravan parks typically have a set of rules and regulations that residents must follow. These may include restrictions on the length of time a caravan can stay in the park, the types of caravans that are allowed, and rules regarding the maintenance and upkeep of the caravan and its surroundings.

These holiday parks also have rules surrounding how long you can stay in your caravan. This could include the number of consecutive days you can stay or which months of the year you visit. Many caravan parks have an 8-10 months policy because the local council doesn’t allow full residency in that area. Or they are only open 8-10 months of the year due to extreme weather in winter or construction plans. This means you need to be away from your caravan for 4-2 months of the year. Some people use this time to travel around with a camper or stay at a rented house.

In many countries, laws regulate the length of time a person can live in a caravan park. For example, in the United Kingdom, there is no specific law regulating the length of time a person can live in a caravan, but some caravan parks have a rule that caravans must be moved every 28 days. In Australia, the length of time a person can live in a caravan park varies from state to state, with some states allowing permanent residency and others limiting it to a maximum of six months.

How To Permanently Live In A Caravan Park: Step-by-Step Guide

Living in a caravan park permanently can be a fulfilling and adventurous way of life. By following these steps, you can ensure that your experience is positive.

1) Choose A Suitable Caravan Park

The most obvious step is to look for caravan parks that allow long-term or permanent residency. But make sure to check with the officials if there is any limit on how long you can stay. You definitely want to avoid an uncomfortable situation where the officials ask you to leave when you are unprepared.  

And you also need to consider other things when choosing the most suitable caravan park.

Look for a caravan park with all the necessary facilities, such as toilets, showers, laundry, and electricity. Make sure the park has a good reputation, with friendly staff and clean facilities. Consider the location, as it is important to have access to necessities such as grocery stores, medical facilities, and public transportation.

2) Research The Costs Involved

Permanently living in a caravan park can be cheaper than renting or owning a traditional home, but it is important to understand the costs involved. Find out what the weekly or monthly rent will be and what other costs, such as electricity and gas, will be added on top of that.

Read more: Is It Cheaper To Live In A Caravan Than A House? Full Guide

3) Buy Or Rent A Caravan

Decide whether you want to buy or rent a caravan. If you plan on living in a caravan park permanently, buying a caravan may be a good idea, as this will allow you to customize it to your needs and preferences. Make sure to choose a caravan that is suitable for permanent living, with adequate space and storage, as well as a comfortable bed and kitchen.

4) Set Up Your Caravan

Once you have your caravan, set it up in a way that makes it feel like a home. Install a comfortable bed, furniture, and curtains. Decorate the space with items that make you feel comfortable and at home.

5) Connect To Utilities

Make sure you have access to electricity, water, and gas. Some caravan parks may have these utilities included in the rent, while others may require you to set up your own connections.

6) Establish A Routine

Living in a caravan park permanently requires discipline and organization. Establish a routine that works for you, such as doing laundry on certain days, cooking meals at regular times, and setting aside time for activities like reading or exercise.

7) Meet Your Neighbors

Living in a caravan park can offer a sense of community and a strong social network. Many caravan parks host events and activities that residents can participate in, and the caravans’ proximity makes it easy to get to know your neighbors and make new friends.

Caravan parks can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Take advantage of the community atmosphere and join in on activities, such as barbecues, games nights, and social events.

8) Keep Your Caravan And Surroundings Clean

Permanently living in a caravan park requires keeping your caravan and surrounding area clean and tidy. This will make your living space more comfortable and keep the park looking good for everyone.

Some parks have rules on maintenance and cleaning that is obligated with a full residency license.

9) Maintain Your Caravan

Regular maintenance is important for keeping your caravan in good condition. This includes checking and cleaning the plumbing, checking the tires and brakes, and checking for any leaks or damage.

Generally, a well-built and well-maintained caravan can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years or more. However, some caravans may need to be replaced sooner if they are subjected to harsh conditions, such as extreme weather, rough terrain, or heavy use.

The lifespan of a caravan can vary greatly based on several factors, including the quality of the materials used in construction, the frequency and nature of use, and proper maintenance and storage.

Proper maintenance is crucial in extending the lifespan of a caravan. This can include regular cleaning, protecting the caravan from the elements, and making repairs as needed. And it’s also important to store a caravan properly when not in use to prevent damage from exposure to the elements and to prevent excessive wear and tear.

10) Plan For The Future

Living in a caravan park permanently may not be for everyone, so it is important to have a plan for the future. Consider what you would do if you wanted to move on, whether it be to another caravan park or a different type of living arrangement.

Keep in mind that, in most cases, you’re not the owner of the land. This means you have no rights if the caravan park owner has different plans with the caravan park. For example, the park can be sold, and the new owner doesn’t allow permanent residency. That means you need to move and find another caravan park. Or the park has different construction plans with the area you reside.

Ways To Find The Best Residential Parks For Long-term Stay

Most residential parks allow their residents to live there on a long-term basis; therefore, you wouldn’t face much trouble finding one that fits your needs. However, there are thousands of residential parks, and determining which one of them will allow you to stay for an extended period can be a hassle. 

Therefore, to help narrow down your research, we have listed some options for finding a residential park that allows you to stay long-term.

Note: Although most sites list their rates online, you will need to call them if you are looking for rates beyond monthly stays, as they are not always listed.

Kampground of America (KOA)– With over 500 campgrounds across America, KOA offers an extended stay option in many of their residential parks. Some KOAs even have designated sites for people who want to live there on a long-term basis, and they tend to be less crowded as these sites are separate from where daily and weekly guests go.

Look For Private Parks – As the name implies, Private Parks are owned by private individuals, and they allow people to live on these sites on a long-term basis. These parks usually have sites separate for long-term residency. 

RV Life – RV LIFE is a user platform that allows its users to look for campgrounds and RV parks. Through its search option, you can easily filter out and find the parks that will allow you to live there permanently in your RV or Caravan. If that isn’t enough, this platform even features honest reviews from people who’ve stayed there, a list of amenities, photos, and much more to help you make your decision easier. 

Social Media – Another way to find residential or RV parks that will allow you to live permanently is to consult social media websites. There are many active groups on Facebook, as well as forums on other websites for caravan and RV owners that you can consult to find a permanent site.  

Best Residential Parks In USA, UK & Australia

USA:

1. Mission Bay RV Resort, San Diego, California
2. Lake Garda RV Resort, Davenport, Florida
3. The Great Outdoors RV Resort, Titusville, Florida
4. Jellystone Park at Daddy Joe’s, Robert, Louisiana
5. Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

UK:

1. Park Resorts, multiple locations across the UK
2. Haven Holidays, multiple locations across the UK
3. Butlins, multiple locations across the UK
4. Thorpe Park, Cleethorpes, England
5. Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Devon, England

Australia:

1. BIG4 Holiday Parks, multiple locations across Australia
2. Discovery Parks, multiple locations across Australia
3. NRMA Parks & Resorts, multiple locations across Australia
4. Top Tourist Parks, multiple locations across Australia
5. BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park, New South Wales

Please note that this list is not ranked in any particular order and is intended to provide a starting point for your research. It is always a good idea to do your own research and read reviews from previous guests to find the best caravan park for your needs.

How To Live In A Caravan Full-time?

Don’t be disheartened if you can’t reside in a caravan park all year round! Here we’ve got some tips and tricks you can use to live in a Caravan for an extended period of time: 

1) Reside In A Residential Park

The simplest and most popular way to reside year-round in a caravan is to reside in a residential park. Most individuals live at these parks as they are affordable in this era of inflation. Furthermore, living in a residential park is legal.

However, you should research and check out the rents before selling your stuff and moving to a residential park. This will help you avoid any difficult and unwanted situation. You can also gather information about the people living there to determine whether the park is safe or not.

2) Private Campsites

Private campgrounds are an additional choice; in exchange for an annual fee that covers taxes and other costs, members can use the facilities. Gas and electricity providers charge customers in accordance with meter use at the same time. This is a better option as it is cheaper than living in a house (also legal, unlike a caravan park!)

3) Buy A Land

Are you waiting for the right moment to spend your savings? Well, you can consider buying a property or piece of land. This property can be utilized by parking a caravan on it. However, we should tell you that it’s not a simple process.

You will need to go through a tiring process and will even need to spend a fortune on buying the right kind of land. Hence, before you sell your house and run off to purchase a piece of land, sit down and carefully analyze your situation.

4) Lead A Nomadic Life

Everyone enjoys a little excitement and adventure in their lives. Hence, you are free to roam between caravan parks and lead a nomadic lifestyle. Moreover, there is less likelihood of running into issues with the law in these situations.

You can travel around any state you like while enriching yourself with their culture. However, we must warn you that going from Caravan park to Caravan park can be pretty expensive, so bear the costs in mind. And a nomadic life can be exhausting.

A great option is to have two caravan parks to switch between. For example, we have our caravan in the spring and summer in the Netherlands and move to the south of Portugal for the autumn and winter, where the climate it warm and beautiful. We love these two places, and this way, we are able to live full-time in our caravan and enjoy the sun as much as possible.

Tips On Living In A Caravan

Perhaps you can use some insider tips and tricks to help you live comfortably in a caravan.

• Invest in a water filter: A cold glass of water is the best way to stay fresh on a warm summer day. Unfortunately, finding water sources can be challenging if you live in a caravan. Therefore, purchasing a water filter will assure you that your daily H2O is pure and always has a constant flavor, regardless of the source. The best on the market is the Brita Water filter.
  
  You can also purchase filters that purify water before reaching your camper and filters that connect to your kitchen faucet for an extra filtering step. Check the water filters for caravans and RVs here >>.

• Purchase a freezer: Consider adding an extra freezer to your caravan. By doing this, you’ll be able to preserve some of the comforts of home while traveling. This will ensure that you can prepare and cook meals in advance and then save them for later consumption. Not only will this assist in reducing the expense of many dining options, but it will also provide you with a slight home flavor, even if you are in the middle of nowhere. 

• Don’t forget to insure your caravan: Caravan life is uncertain. And whether you’re traveling to the beach or taking the mountainous route, it’s not always possible to know what will happen to you. Hence having the proper insurance is an important step in protecting your family, traveling companions, and yourself safe on your journey. Be cautious when deciding upon an insurance policy, as there are differences among the numerous policies and the length of stay you’re permitted in the caravan. Make sure to pick the appropriate insurance for you and your anticipated activity.

• Keep a vacuum with you: You’ll feel more at ease if your caravan is kept clean. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is to always keep a vacuum on hand. Even a tiny handheld device will assist in concealing regular errands. Frequent vacuuming can help prevent dust, leaves, and other waste from being carried into other areas of the caravan.

• Cover your caravan: The outside of a caravan also needs to be taken care of and cleaned. The exterior may suffer from constant use in all types of weather. Cleaning the outside regularly from molt, etc., helps prevent unnecessary leaks and other costly repairs.

Read more: 12 Essential Tips To Keep Your Caravan Warm

Best Caravan & Camping Equipment

There is always a need for new products when it comes to camping. Either to maintain your caravan or to make your camping setup more comfortable. As digital nomads, we are on the road a lot. We tried out many different online camping stores.

However, we feel that Amazon still offers the best value for money, quick and easy delivery, and easy returns when necessary. We really like that we can use Amazon at almost every location in the world! You can find the best caravan & camping equipment on this page (links you to Amazon).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long can I live in a caravan park?

The maximum number of days a caravan park allows visitors to stay varies depending on the management. Hence, it’s wise to talk with the management of your caravan park if you’re considering residing in your vacation home for an extended period. Generally, most caravan parks give you a limit of around 6-11 months until you’re requested to leave.

Can I go on trips in my permanent caravan?

Living in a caravan doesn’t mean you have to stay stationary in one place. You can live your life wherever you choose in the country, but you will be restricted to the storage and amenities that come with your vehicle. You can consider taking a summertime safari through Florida’s wilderness or experiencing New York’s nightlife if that is what you wish!

Read more: What Are The Disadvantages Of A Caravan? In-Depth Guide

Can I keep a caravan in my home?

You can park your caravan in your garden without permission if you are not using it as a dwelling or an addition to your home. However, the caravan must always have access to its means of transportation, wheels, and a drawbar, so it can depart its current location if necessary. They must never lose their ability to move around; otherwise, the government will see it as a fixed installation and give you a fine.