Best State for Motorhome: Where to Camp, Drive, and Live Comfortably

When people ask for the best state for motorhome travel, they’re really asking: wild camping, where you can legally sleep outside official campsites without permission is allowed, where the rules are clear, and where you won’t get fined for pulling over at sunset. It’s not just about scenic views—it’s about knowing where you can legally park your rig overnight, whether you’re on a weekend trip or living on the road. The truth? There’s no single best state, but some places make it way easier than others.

Take roadside camping, the practice of parking and sleeping overnight on public roads or shoulders. In California, it’s a minefield—some towns allow it, others fine you $500. Meanwhile, in Wales, the 28-day camping rule, a legal exception allowing up to 28 days of wild camping per year in the same spot gives you breathing room if you play by the rules. And if you’re thinking about full-time living, states like Florida and Arizona are popular for their low taxes and long seasons, but they don’t always let you park just anywhere. What matters most isn’t the state’s name—it’s whether you understand the local laws around RV living, residing permanently in a motorhome or campervan, and what amenities (or lack of them) you’re allowed to use.

Many travelers assume the best state is the one with the most beaches or mountains, but the real winners are the ones with clear, consistent rules. If you’re coming from the UK, where wild camping is mostly illegal except in certain areas, the contrast can be shocking. In some U.S. states, you can sleep in your vehicle at rest stops without fear. In others, even stopping for a nap gets you a ticket. The posts below cut through the noise. You’ll find real breakdowns of where sleeping on the side of the road is tolerated, where premium campsites offer luxury without the price tag, and how dog owners, solo travelers, and full-timers navigate these rules every day. No fluff. Just what works—and what gets you fined.