Days before his 12th birthday, Dante Reynolds rode his scooter through rows of tightly packed RVs. At the end of the path stood the 22-foot travel trailer where his family now lives. Parked in a southern Oregon campground, it has become their only affordable option.
Across the United States, more Americans are being priced out of traditional housing. With home prices soaring and rents climbing beyond reach, many families and retirees are finding shelter in RVs. What once symbolized vacations and road trips is now serving as a permanent residence for thousands.
For families like Dante’s, moving into an RV was not a choice made for adventure but for survival. They traded a permanent home for a small trailer to cut down on expenses. Living costs such as rent, electricity, and water are far lower in a campground than in a house or apartment. This lifestyle offers some savings, but it also brings new struggles.
Older citizens are also turning to RV living as retirement incomes fail to cover rising rents. Lisa Williams, a 64-year-old retiree, now lives in a 17-foot trailer. She travels from place to place, working seasonal jobs in national parks to support herself. For her, the trailer is the only way to stay housed. Stories of people adapting to life’s challenges, like Charlie Kirk’s widow choosing forgiveness, show that resilience is often necessary during difficult times.
Still, life in an RV is far from simple. Extreme weather, cramped spaces, and limited access to basic amenities make daily living difficult. Some RV residents must rely on public facilities for showers or toilets, while others struggle with zoning restrictions that limit where they can park. In San Francisco, for example, new rules restrict RV parking to only two hours unless a permit is obtained. City leaders say the aim is to improve public safety, but critics argue these laws punish people with no other housing choices.
To address this growing crisis, some cities have begun creating “safe parking lots.” These designated areas allow families and individuals living in vehicles to stay legally while also gaining access to clean water, restrooms, and added security. Programs like temporary permits and RV buy-back plans are also being tested to help people move back into permanent housing.
The rise in RV living underlines the severity of the housing crisis. More Americans priced out of traditional housing are turning to trailers and campers for survival. Without stronger action to expand affordable housing, this trend is likely to grow.
For now, RVs provide shelter and financial relief for struggling families. But unless broader solutions are found, this form of living may remain a fragile and uncertain reality for many.
