Living In A Camper: Using Your Bah Wisely

Living in a camper or RV is an attractive option for those who want to save money or enjoy the freedom of mobile living. While it may be possible to live in a camper with BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it depends on your location as certain states like Delaware and Hawaii have outlawed it entirely. Secondly, there may be restrictions based on your profession, especially if you are in the military, as some people have reported getting away with it while others have been told it is not allowed. Finally, it is essential to think about the practicalities of camper living, such as repairs, internet access, and personal space, especially if you have a family.

People in the military who have lived in campers

Living in a camper or RV (Recreational Vehicle) is a popular choice for some people in the military. There are several reasons for this, including the potential to save money, the ease of moving between duty stations, and the appeal of a simpler, more mobile lifestyle. Here are some first-hand accounts from service members who have lived in campers:

The Benefits of Camper Living

One service member, an O-3 in the Navy, recounts their experience of living in an RV with their wife. They highlight the financial benefits, noting that RV parks are generally cheaper than hotels, and they were able to save a significant amount of money each month. They also mention the convenience of turning PCS (Permanent Change of Station) into a road trip and the ability to stay in their own bed and cook their own meals every day.

Another individual, a freelance writer, and army spouse, Bethaney Phillips, shares her family's experience of downsizing from a 2,667-square-foot home to a 39-foot travel trailer. She emphasizes the increased family time they now enjoy, as well as the simplicity of camper living. She also mentions the excitement of their new adventure and the sense of community they found among their camper neighbours.

Practical Considerations

While camper living offers many benefits, there are also some practical considerations to keep in mind. Some service members have expressed concerns about space limitations, the need for storage, and the potential for higher costs if renting a truck to pull the RV. Additionally, some states and bases have "homesteading" rules that require RVs to move every so often, which can be inconvenient.

One service member shares their experience of living in a camper with their wife and two young children. While they enjoyed the savings, they also encountered challenges, such as a lack of personal space and frequent trips over each other. They also had to adjust to using coin-operated laundry facilities and dealing with a propane detector that was sensitive to their dog's gas.

Rules and Regulations

It is important to note that there may be rules and regulations regarding living in a camper full-time, especially for those with families. Some service members have reported being told that they are not allowed to live in a camper with their family and must reside in a house. However, others have shared that they know of senior officers and enlisted personnel who have successfully lived in campers or RVs, sometimes for multiple duty stations.

In conclusion, living in a camper or RV while serving in the military can be a viable option for some individuals and families. It offers financial benefits, ease of mobility, and a simpler lifestyle. However, it is important to carefully consider the practical aspects, potential challenges, and any applicable rules and regulations before making the decision to embrace camper living.

Pros and cons of camper living

Living in a camper can be a dream come true, but it's not for everyone. It can be a great way to save money, explore new places, and spend more time in nature. However, there are also challenges, from limited space to maintenance issues and proximity to neighbours. Here is a detailed look at the pros and cons of camper living.

Pros:

• Cost savings: Depending on your personal choices, the average RV lifestyle can be significantly cheaper than renting or owning a house. You can save on "rent", utilities, and other expenses.
• Nature and travel: Camper living allows you to be closer to nature and explore different places. You can stay in beautiful locations and visit national parks, beaches, and other attractions.
• Quality time with friends and family: With a camper, you can easily travel to visit friends and family, and spend more quality time with them.
• Flexibility: If you don't like your surroundings, you can simply pack up and move. This flexibility extends to your daily routine as well; you can work outside, enjoy meals at picnic tables, and spend more time in nature.
• Pet-friendly: You can bring your pets along on your travels, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors with you.
• Low maintenance: RVs are typically low maintenance compared to traditional homes. A deep clean can take less than an hour, and you don't have to worry about yard work.
• Community: The RV community is generally friendly and supportive. You will meet like-minded people who share your passion for travel and nature.

Cons:

• Limited space: RVs have limited space, especially for cooking and storage. This can be a challenge if you have a large family or enjoy cooking elaborate meals.
• Maintenance: RVs tend to have a lot of little issues, from blown tires to defective gas alarms. Repairs can be expensive, and finding a mobile repair service can be difficult.
• Climate control: It can be challenging to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the RV, especially in extreme weather conditions. Insulation may not be adequate, leading to hot and muggy summers and cold winters.
• Laundry: Doing laundry in an RV can be inconvenient. While some RV parks have laundry rooms, you may have to spend time at a laundromat or hand wash your clothes.
• Proximity to neighbours: In RV parks, you will often have neighbours only a few feet away. This can lead to a lack of privacy and inconvenient social interactions.
• Bugs and pests: Keeping pests out of the RV can be difficult. Spiders, ants, and mosquitoes can find their way inside, especially when camping in nature.
• Waste disposal: Dumping black water tanks is a necessary but unpleasant task. It can be smelly and uncomfortable, especially if you have close neighbours.
• Limited amenities: RVs typically don't have bathtubs, and shower length may be limited by the size of your hot water tank.

Camper living in different states

Camper living laws vary across different states in the US. While there are no federal or state laws prohibiting full-time camper living, local regulations and ordinances can restrict this practice. Here is an overview of camper living regulations in different states:

Alabama:

Camper living is legal in Alabama. Remember to register your camper with the local county office.

Alaska:

Alaska only allows limited camper camping of up to 14 days in one location. Full-time camper residency is not permitted.

Arizona:

Arizona has no specific laws prohibiting full-time camper living. However, certain cities may have ordinances restricting it, so it's important to check local regulations before settling down.

Arkansas:

Camper living is permitted in Arkansas as long as you're on private property.

California:

California has relaxed laws for camper residency. You can stay indefinitely in one location as long as you don't create nuisances or health hazards. Public lands allow camper parking for up to 14 days without a permit.

Colorado:

Colorado permits full-time camper living, but you must adhere to local ordinances and any applicable laws.

Connecticut:

Camper living is allowed in Connecticut with some restrictions. You need to register your camper with the Department of Motor Vehicles and have a valid license plate.

Delaware:

Living in a camper full-time is strictly prohibited in Delaware. Residents cannot use campers or sheds as dwellings and face a $100 fine if they do so. Parking a camper on public property for over 24 hours without permission is also illegal.

Florida:

Florida allows full-time camper living, but your camper must comply with county regulations and be connected to utilities.

Georgia:

Georgia has no specific laws prohibiting camper living, but some counties may have ordinances against it. It is important to check local regulations before settling down.

Hawaii:

Sleeping in a camper is generally prohibited in Hawaii. While camping is allowed on some beaches, extensive research on local ordinances is crucial. Parking restrictions for campers can be strict, so thorough research is recommended before considering full-time camper living.

Idaho:

In Idaho, a camper can only be a permanent residence on private property if it has proper wastewater hookups and isn't inside an enclosed building. Occupancy is limited to six months and is prohibited between November 30 and March 15. The occupant must be an Idaho resident with local employment, a caregiver, or a family member residing in the household.

Illinois:

Full-time camper living is legal in Illinois, but always comply with local regulations.

Indiana:

Indiana has no specific laws regarding camper living. However, some counties may have ordinances against it, so check local regulations before settling down.

Iowa:

Iowa permits camper living as long as you follow local ordinances and avoid creating nuisances or health hazards. Camper living is only permitted on private property with the owner's consent.

Kansas:

Full-time camper residency is allowed in Kansas but only on private property with a valid registration from the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Kentucky:

Local governments in Kentucky have authority over land-use regulations. Before considering camper living, check the specific ordinances in your chosen location. For example, Lexington prohibits inhabiting campers on private property.

Louisiana:

Full-time camper living is permitted in Louisiana. However, long-term stays require an inspection from local authorities.

Maine:

Camper living regulations vary by municipality in Maine, so it is important to familiarize yourself with local ordinances before attempting full-time camper residency. Generally, it is allowed as long as you don't create nuisances or health hazards.

Maryland:

Maryland has specific regulations for camper living. The property must be one acre or larger, and campers cannot be permanent residences. In permitted zones, the property owner, their tenants, or guests can utilize one camper on the property.

Massachusetts:

Massachusetts allows full-time camper residency, provided you comply with local regulations and park on private land.

Michigan:

State law in Michigan prohibits using "travel trailers" and "camping trailers" as permanent residences. However, living in them on your property for short periods as emergency shelters may be allowed. Check local regulations for details.

Minnesota:

Minnesota permits camper living in certain state parks, but compliance with local regulations and obtaining a park permit is mandatory.

Mississippi:

Camper living is permitted in Mississippi with the property owner's permission and adherence to local government restrictions.

Missouri:

Missouri law requires campers to be parked on owned or leased property and out of sight from public roads. Additionally, all campers must be well-maintained to avoid code violations, including proper trash removal and waste management services.

Montana:

Living in a camper year-round on private property is allowed in Montana with no specific laws against it. However, local regulations may still apply, so be sure to research them beforehand.

Nebraska:

Nebraska requires a permit

Camper living and family life

Camper living can be a fun and rewarding experience for families, offering the opportunity to travel and explore new places while also saving money. However, it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to space, privacy, and maintaining a daily routine. Here are some insights and tips for families considering camper living:

Space and Privacy

One of the biggest concerns for families considering camper living is space, as campers are typically perceived as cramped and lacking storage. However, with thoughtful design and clever utilisation of space, it is possible to have a spacious and comfortable camper even for larger families. For instance, the McCorkle family of five, including three children, lives and travels full-time in their camper, which features a master bedroom, two bathrooms, a large living room, a modern kitchen, and a bedroom for the children with three bunk beds and a "half bathroom".

Daily Routines and Homeschooling

Maintaining daily routines and a sense of structure can be challenging when living in a camper, especially when travelling to new places. It is important to create boundaries and stick to a routine as much as possible, including dedicated time for work, homeschooling, and leisure activities. Homeschooling can be particularly challenging in a camper due to limited space and distractions, so finding a balance between exploration and focused learning is crucial.

Social Life and Friendships

Camper living can impact children's social lives and their ability to make long-term friendships, as they are constantly on the move and may not stay in one place long enough to form deep connections. However, camper living also provides unique opportunities for children to meet new people and develop social skills. It is important to consider the impact on your children's social development and find ways to facilitate social interactions and friendships, such as through extracurricular activities or by staying in one place for extended periods.

Costs and Income

While camper living can be a cost-effective option, it is important to consider all expenses, including renovation costs, campsite fees, utilities, and maintenance. Running a business or working remotely can provide income while on the road, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as finding a stable internet connection and dedicated workspace.

Overall Experience

Camper living can bring families closer together, creating unique shared experiences and strengthening family bonds. It encourages a minimalist lifestyle, freeing up time and resources for shared activities and adventures. However, it is important to periodically assess if this lifestyle aligns with your family's needs and make adjustments as necessary.

In conclusion, camper living can be a rewarding and enriching experience for families, offering the opportunity to travel, save money, and strengthen family bonds. However, it also comes with challenges related to space, daily routines, social life, and income. It is important to carefully consider your family's needs and preferences before embarking on this journey, and be prepared to adapt and make adjustments along the way.

Camper living and costs

Living in a camper or RV is a nomadic lifestyle that appeals to people seeking freedom to travel and a more affordable way of living. It can be a very fulfilling way of life, but it also has its challenges. Before you embark on camper living, it's important to consider the costs involved to ensure you're prepared for any financial challenges that may arise.

Initial Costs

The first major expense is the cost of the camper itself. The price of a camper van can vary significantly, ranging from as low as $10,000 for older used models to over $200,000 for new, state-of-the-art vehicles. If you're handy, you can save money by buying a cheaper van and renovating it yourself. Additionally, you'll need to factor in the cost of licensing, registration, and insurance. Insurance costs for a camper can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per year, depending on the state, your driving record, and the type of van.

Ongoing Costs

Once you're on the road, there are several ongoing expenses to consider. Fuel can be one of the biggest costs, especially for larger, older camper vans, which tend to be less fuel-efficient. The amount you spend on fuel will depend on how far you travel and the fuel economy of your vehicle. Additionally, you'll need to budget for campsite fees, which can range from free dispersed camping to $50-70 per night at RV parks. If you prefer more amenities and creature comforts, RV parks with monthly rates may be a better option, typically costing around $700 per month.

Another significant expense is maintenance and repairs. It's recommended to have a savings buffer of around $5,000 for unexpected breakdowns and repairs. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake replacements, is crucial to preventing costly repairs. Food costs may not change significantly, but eating out frequently can add up quickly. Cooking your own meals and stocking up on groceries can help keep food expenses down.

Other costs to consider include phone and internet services, entertainment, and any outstanding debts or loans. It's important to track your expenses and create a budget that suits your lifestyle and travel preferences.

Military BAH

In terms of military BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), there don't appear to be any regulations prohibiting service members from using their BAH to live in a camper or RV, as long as their families' basic needs for food, water, shelter, and a clean living space are met. However, there may be installation-specific rules or limitations on how long someone can stay in an RV on base. It's best to check with your specific installation for their policies.

Frequently asked questions