California

California (CA) is a state in the United States. This page collects resources you may need for travel, camping, and nomadic living in California. (Neighboring states are Arizona to the southeast, Nevada to the east, and Oregon to the north. Baja California (Mexico) is to the south.)

Traveling in California

National Parks in California
US Army Corps of Engineers > Lakes and recreation
OnlyInYourState.com > California
Roadside America > Offbeat tourist attractions
iExit guides > Cities in California
Scenic Byways

Wikivoyage: California

Wikipedia: California

Local Climate

WeatherSpark > Climate and average weather in California
CurrentResults > Climate and average weather in California
Tips for keeping warm in your vehicle.
See the weather page for additional resources.

Camping and Parking in California

Bureau of Land Management > California
AllStays > California
Campendium > California
FreeCampSites.net > California
Camping USA > California
KOA > California
The Dyrt > California
Boondocker's Bible > California rest area rules and California rest area map
iExit > Rest areas in California
RVShare > Guide to RV Camping in California
RV-Camping.org > California Camping and Campgrounds
Recreation.gov > California - recreation areas, camping, day use areas, and points of interest
See the Finding parking page for additional information.

Regulations in California

California parking regulations:

Aliso Viejo prohibits sleeping in cars.^[1]
Berkeley forbids parking on the street in one place for more than 72 hours.^[2] OTOH, "Berkeley City Council voted to repeal a 1970 ordinance that prohibits anyone from residing in a vehicle within city limits, as well as a 2019 ordinance prohibiting overnight parking of RVs or campers".^[3]
Cerritos bans "prohibits vehicle parking on public roadways from 3 a.m. until 5 a.m. without a City issued overnight parking permit"^[4]
Costa Mesa forbids sleeping in vehicles, and window coverings must be open giving full view of interior.^[5],^[6]
in Del Norte county "overnight camping is prohibited in the following areas: The mouth of the Smith River; the Point St. George access area; Never Dying Redwood; Pyke Field sports complex; Bertsch Oceanview Park; Hunter Creek Park; Klamath Townsite Park; Klamath Community Park; the Klamath Townsite boat launch facility and the Klamath Glen boat ramp."^[7]
Fairfield bans "storage or parking of vehicles on public streets... The section specifies recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, commercial and oversized vehicles, but can also apply to passenger cars and trucks".^[8]
Folsom forbids RV parking in the street for more than 72 hours.^[9]
Fortuna "prohibits sleeping in a vehicle between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. in any public place or private parking lot without the consent of the lot’s owner."^[10]
Fresno forbids parking large vehicles within 1000' of the same place for more than 24 hours in a week.^[11]
Fullerton bans "all RV parking on public and private streets citywide unless first obtaining a temporary permit from the police department"^[12], although they have a Safe Parking program^[13] for city residents/^[14],^[15],^[16]
Garden Grove effectively bans RV parking on public streets for non-residents.^[17]
Gilroy prohibits parking RVs on city streets for more than two days.^[18]
Grover Beach has extensive rules about sleeping in vehicles and public places. See Chapter 14 of [III of their municipal code]. (pdf)
Hanford forbids parking RVs on city streets for more than 72 hours.^[19]
Holtville forbids parking any vehicle on city streets for more than 72 hours.^[20]
Humboldt County (inc. [Arcata, Fortuna, etc]) Ordinance 314-81.1.1.1 forbids "illegal residence in a non-designated area"
Hanford forbids parking RVs on city streets for more than 72 hours.^[21]
Lake Forest prohibits sleeping in cars.^[22]
* Lemoore forbids parking RVs on city streets for more than 72 hours in any 30-day period.^[23]
Imperial Beach forbids "human habitation in vehicle 10p - 7a".^[24]
Irvine prohibits sleeping in cars.^[25]
Laguna Niguel prohibits sleeping in cars.^[26]
Lompoc probihits "overnight parking of recreational vehicles on city streets without a permit. Permits will only be issued to city residents".^[27] The previous law nammed "overnight parking between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. in... the 300 block of North Ninth Street, Industrial Way, and Chestnut Court."^[28]
Long Beach forbids parking oversized vehicles (including RVs) on residential streets, starting in 2018.^[29]
Los Angeles: forbids living in a vehicle between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. in residential districts, or at any time within one block of a school, park, or daycare.^[30] The previous ban had been struck down for being overly broad.^[31]. L.A. has [safe parking program]. L.A. bans RVs from being parked along various streets in Venice between the hours of 2 to 6 a.m. Watch for signs and for a street list in the source article. ^[32]
"Camping" in Manteca requires a permit from the police chief.^[33]
Marina forbids RV parking on the street.^[34]
Martinez forbids illegal camping and sleeping in vehicles.^[35]
Mission Viejo prohibits sleeping in cars,^[36] RVs, trailers, or automobiles. Sleeping in public is also prohibited.^[37].
Monterey County (including [cities]) has begun enforcement of RV camping.^[38]
Mountain View [parking vehicles over 6' tall] on some streets. The "ordinance {curtails} these encampments by restricting so-called oversized vehicles, defined as any auto or trailer more than 7 feet high, 7 feet wide or 22 feet long."^[39],^[40] Note: some [parking may be available] in designated areas.
Novato bans RV parking on city streets, although permits may be available from police.^[41]
Pacifica bans RVs and other oversized vehicles from parking on certain streets.^[42]
Palo Alto forbids sleeping in a vehicle^[43] and leaving a vehicle parked on a city street, alley or public lot for 72 consecutive hours or more.^[44]
Placentia [[1]] "the parking of all habitable recreational vehicles, such as RVs, within the city at all times" and "sleeping and/or living in cars on city streets between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.".
Porterville bans use of RVs as residences.^[45]
Rancho Santa Margarita prohibits sleeping in cars.^[46]
Redwood City will have safe RV parking near the PD and a street permit parking program.^[47]
Ripon forbids camping in RVs even on private property.^[48]
Sacramento limits street parking to 72 hours.^[49]
Salinas bans "vehicles in excess of 20-feet long and 7-feet tall from parking in city-owned streets."^[50]
Santee statutes require RVs "be moved 300 feet every 72 hours, and prevent them from being parked within 50 feet of an intersection or marked crosswalk."^[51]
San Clemente prohibits sleeping in cars.^[52]
San Diego forbids dwelling 9p-6a, and dwelling at any time within 500' of residences or schools. The statute lays out factors which might be construed to represent dwelling.^[53] \\ Note: SD repealed the original ban in February 2019^[54] and passed a new one in May 2019.
San Francisco prohibits overnight sleeping in vehicles.^[55] It also forbids RVs (and vehicles over 22' long or 7' tall) from parking on the street from midnight to 6am where posted.^[56] SF bans RV parking in the Portola area.^[57]
San Juan Capistrano prohibits sleeping in cars.^[58]
San Luis Opisbo won't allow people to "camp or sleep within the vehicle during the hours of ten p.m. to six a.m.... on the public streets or specified public areas...^[59]
San Rafael bans parking RVs in the same place for more than 72 hours.^[60]
Santa Barbara forbids RV parking on streets.^[61]
Santa Clarita forbids sitting on sidewalks, sleeping in public buildings, or sleeping in cars on public streets or in parking lots.^[62]
Santa Cruz law "bans the large vehicles’ overnight parking on city streets and lots from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.... Recreational vehicle utility hookups and the vehicles themselves [can not] impinge or block public rights of way"^[63],^[64] [Parking] may be available.
Santa Monica prohibits overnight parking of large vehicles^[65]
In Santa Rosa RVs and oversized vehicles will "not be allowed on streets, alleys or city lots 12-5 a.m."^[66] Oversize vehicles” are vehicles or trailers at least 20 feet long. Vehicles that are at least 8 feet tall and 7 feet wide also are considered oversize. See article for Safe Parking options.
Saratoga law states "RVs, boats and commercial trailers longer than 20 feet or taller than 8 feet cannot be parked in residential areas between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. for more than 72 consecutive hours...These vehicles must be moved at least a mile away within that time frame to be code compliant."^[67]
Seal Beach requires a permit to park oversize vehicles on city streets, and cannot remain in place for more than 72hrs. Unattached trailers are not permitted.^[68] Sleeping in vehicles is prohibited from 9pm - 9am.^[69]
Sebastopol has extensive rules about parking RVs in the city. See [language of the law].
Tustin prohibits sleeping in cars.^[70]
Check our parking regulations page for general information and disclaimers.

State and local regulations:

Municode California
GeneralCode California
American Legal Publishing California
USA.gov state and local government information
State and Local government contacts
Run a web search for "City name city code" or "City name parking regulations".

Search other resources

VanLivingForum.com: "California" in thread titles
Reddit: "California" in relevant subreddits

Channels in California

Located in California

This page refers to a business, organization, etc. physically located here:

Gone Mobile Vans

Gallery

See more in the California category.

[1] ttp://www.ocregister.com/news/sleeping-341606-schmutz-council.html

[2] ttp://www.berkeleyside.com/2015/11/23/berkeleys-72-hour-parking-limit-is-outdated-discriminatory-and-needs-to-go/

[3] ttps://www.dailycal.org/2022/09/15/berkeley-city-council-repeals-prohibition-of-overnight-rv-parking-campers/

[4] ttp://www.safercerritos.com/street_parking/overnight_parking.php

[5] ttps://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/6o8vax/just_got_ticketed_last_in_costa_mesa_ca/

[6] ttp://www.ocregister.com/news/sleeping-341606-schmutz-council.html

[7] ttps://wildrivers.lostcoastoutpost.com/2021/jun/24/del-norte-supervisors-discuss-overnight-parking-so/

[8] ttps://www.dailyrepublic.com/all-dr-news/solano-news/fairfield/fairfield-cracking-down-on-street-parking-of-rvs-boats-oversized-vehicles/

[9] ttp://www.folsomtelegraph.com/article/4/20/17/city-approves-rv-ordinance

[10] ttps://www.times-standard.com/2021/12/21/fortuna-council-passes-anti-camping-ordinance/

[11] ttp://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article126122949.html

[12] ttps://fullertonobserver.com/2020/11/28/fullerton-bans-rv-street-parking-is-this-criminalizing-homelessness/

[13] ttps://www.cityoffullerton.com/gov/departments/city_manager/public_information/homelessness/safe_parking.asp

[14] ttps://www.cityoffullerton.com/documents/Safe%20Parking%20FAQ.pdf

[15] ttps://fullertonobserver.com/2021/07/11/fullerton-city-council-notes-july-6-2021/

[16] ttps://www.cityoffullerton.com/Home/Components/News/News/163/900

[17] ttp://www.ocregister.com/2017/09/26/garden-grove-rvs-need-to-be-registered-with-the-city-and-is-there-new-hope-for-completing-the-rusty-skeleton/

[18] ttp://www.morganhilltimes.com/articles_from_gilroy/rv-owner-overstays-parking-welcome/article_8f457883-7d76-545a-a803-4db0b863f76d.html

[19] ttp://hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/local-rv-ordinances/article_4b8aa014-c7ae-5f80-afe8-476f60730e50.html

[20] ttp://holtvilletribune.com/2017/08/17/residents-reminded-citys-72-hour-parking-law/

[21] ttp://hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/local-rv-ordinances/article_4b8aa014-c7ae-5f80-afe8-476f60730e50.html

[22] ttp://www.ocregister.com/news/sleeping-341606-schmutz-council.html

[23] ttp://hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/local-rv-ordinances/article_4b8aa014-c7ae-5f80-afe8-476f60730e50.html

[24] 10.36.025, https://i.redd.it/anl7dtc3unj91.jpg, https://library.qcode.us/lib/imperial_beach_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_10-chapter_10_36-10_36_025

[25] ttp://www.ocregister.com/news/sleeping-341606-schmutz-council.html

[26] ttp://www.ocregister.com/news/sleeping-341606-schmutz-council.html

[27] ttps://santamariatimes.com/news/local/lompoc-council-prohibits-overnight-recreational-vehicle-parking-without-permit/article_ef32cbde-f2bd-542f-81a9-b9de299dd0cd.html

[28] ttps://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/lompoc-city-council-approves-overnight-parking-ban-in-two-areas

[29] ttp://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/?p=35731

[30] ttp://laist.com/2016/11/01/criminalizing_homelessness.php http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-vehicle-sleeping-ban-20161109-story.html http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2014/14-1057-S8_ord_draft_07-22-2019.pdf

[31] ttp://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Los-Angeles-Sleeping-Living-in-Vehicles-Cars-Law-Court-Ruling-Appeal-263860741.html

[32] ttps://2urbangirls.com/2023/04/city-council-approves-resolution-restricting-rv-parking-access-on-some-streets/

[33] ttp://www.mantecabulletin.com/section/38/article/145947/

[34] ttp://www.montereyherald.com/government-and-politics/20170113/lapis-road-campers-ask-where-now

[35] ttp://martinezgazette.com/archives/24074

[36] ttp://www.ocregister.com/news/sleeping-341606-schmutz-council.html

[37] ttps://voiceofoc.org/2017/09/mission-viejo-strengthens-its-no-camping-laws/

[38] ttp://www.montereyherald.com/government-and-politics/20170113/lapis-road-campers-ask-where-now

[39] ttps://mv-voice.com/news/2019/09/25/amid-protests-mountain-view-council-passes-rv-parking-ban

[40] ttps://padailypost.com/2020/11/06/voters-approve-ban-on-rv-parking-on-city-streets-lawsuit-possible/

[41] ttp://www.marinij.com/government-and-politics/20170927/novato-council-cracks-down-on-rv-parking

[42] ttps://www.mercurynews.com/2021/03/16/pacifica-rv-dwellers-take-citys-parking-ban-to-court/

[43] ttps://nextcity.org/daily/entry/10-facts-homelessness-2014

[44] ttps://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2017/06/23/city-to-crack-down-on-el-camino-rvs

[45] ttps://www.recorderonline.com/gallery/signs-of-the-times-council-discuss-signs-rv-parkiing/article_30a0a4f2-eb0f-11eb-9c9e-f3db523bd650.html

[46] ttp://www.ocregister.com/news/sleeping-341606-schmutz-council.html

[47] ttps://padailypost.com/2020/08/25/city-creates-parking-lot-for-rvs-and-permit-program-for-others-to-park-on-streets/

[48] ttp://www.mantecabulletin.com/section/1/article/150127/

[49] ttp://www.kcra.com/article/homeless-allowed-to-sleep-in-rvs-but-must-move-in-72-hours/10311166

[50] ttp://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/salinas-city-council-votes---to-ban-oversized-vehicles/article_a509513e-74ea-11e8-a3c1-37d6c33f23cc.html

[51] ttps://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/New-RV-Ordinance-Passes-in-Santee-482248461.html

[52] ttp://www.ocregister.com/news/sleeping-341606-schmutz-council.html

[53] ttp://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter08/Ch08Art06Division01.pdf

[54] ttps://www.courthousenews.com/socal-repeal-of-vehicle-habitation-ordinance-signals-change-on-homelessness-criminalization/

[55] ttp://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-sleep-in-your-vehicle/

[56] ttps://www.sfmta.com/projects-planning/projects/oversize-vehicle-overnight-parking-restriction

[57] ttps://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/SF-bans-RV-parking-overnight-in-the-Portola-13592584.php

[58] ttp://www.ocregister.com/news/sleeping-341606-schmutz-council.html

[59] ttps://sanluisobispo.municipal.codes/Code/10.34.020

[60] ttp://www.ktvu.com/news/215029005-story

[61] ttp://www.independent.com/news/2016/nov/23/rv-ban-showdown-looming/

[62] ttp://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-santa-clarita-homeless-laws-20180627-story.html

[63] ttp://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20151124/NEWS/151129820

[64] ttps://www.cityofsantacruz.com/home/showpublisheddocument/86701/637710101995000000

[65] ttp://la.curbed.com/2011/9/9/10442758/santa-monica-shows-off-its-rv-parking-ban-right-in-front-of-venice

[66] ttps://santacruzlocal.org/2021/11/09/rv-parking-limits-adopted-in-santa-cruz/

[67] ttps://www.eastbaytimes.com/2022/10/27/saratogas-new-rv-boat-ordinance-switches-up-parking-compliance/

[68] ttps://www.sunnews.org/briefing-room-permits-and-motor-homes-in-seal-beach/

[69] ttps://www.sunnews.org/briefing-room-about-parking-restrictions-for-recreational-vehicles/

[70] ttp://www.ocregister.com/news/sleeping-341606-schmutz-council.html

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