Tiny Home Parking: Why It’s So Hard to Find (But Not Impossible)

If you're considering a tiny home on wheels (THOW), one of the most common questions that comes up—after design and budget—is “Where can I park it?” The truth is, finding legal and secure parking for a tiny home isn’t always easy. But with patience, research, and a strategic approach, it is possible.

In this post, we’ll break down why parking is such a challenge, how to start your search, and where others have successfully placed their tiny homes.

Why Is Tiny Home Parking So Difficult?

The biggest obstacle is zoning and local regulations. Tiny homes on wheels fall into a grey area—they aren’t RVs in the traditional sense, and they aren’t treated like permanent structures either.

Rules can vary drastically—not just from state to state, but from county to county and even between municipalities. Some areas embrace tiny living, while others haven’t addressed it at all in their building codes.

Because of this inconsistency, there is no national list of places where tiny homes are allowed. At Movable Roots, we often get asked if we have a master list of approved locations, but unfortunately, such a list doesn’t exist—and any list claiming to be one is likely outdated within months.

Where Can You Park a Tiny Home on Wheels?

Though it takes effort, options for parking your tiny home are out there. Here’s where to start:

1. RV Parks (with a phone call first)

Many RV parks are becoming more open to allowing professionally built and certified tiny homes, especially those that meet inspection standards such as those from Pacific West Associates, which we work with at Movable Roots.

Pro tip: Always call the park directly. Online listings often don’t tell the full story. A friendly conversation with park staff can help determine if your tiny home will be accepted and for how long.

2. Tiny Home Communities

Tiny home villages and communities are growing across the U.S.—from Florida to Texas, Oregon to North Carolina. These communities are typically designed around full-time or long-term THOW living and often provide shared amenities, like utilities, community gardens, or clubhouses.

Check platforms like:

• Google Maps ("tiny home community near [the city in which you want to live]")

• Facebook Groups and forums (such as “Tiny House Hosting” or “Tiny House Community”)

• Dedicated blogs and websites

3. Private Land (with zoning approval)

Placing a THOW on private land—your own or someone else’s—is possible in some areas, especially rural ones. But zoning is key. You’ll need to check with the local zoning department to understand what’s allowed.

Start by:

• Identifying the exact address or parcel number

• Calling or emailing the county or city planning/zoning office

• Asking: “Is it legal to live full-time in a tiny home on wheels on this property?”

Even if the answer is no at first, there may be temporary or seasonal occupancy options, or variances you can apply for.

How to Start the Search

Instead of trying to find the perfect location off the bat, choose a general area where you’d like to live—then branch out from there. Research local counties and cities. Look into RV parks, nearby land listings, or regional communities.

Use tools like:

• Zillow or Realtor.com for land sales

• Google Earth to get a visual of lots

• Reddit’s r/TinyHouses or other forums for recent updates from fellow owners

And don’t underestimate the power of a few phone calls. What’s allowed isn’t always written clearly online—and a local official or RV park manager can often offer more clarity than a website ever could.

Be Aware of Scams

As interest in tiny homes grows, unfortunately, so does fraud. We’ve seen an increase in scams, especially on social media, where fake accounts repost photos of Movable Roots homes and claim to sell them at suspiciously low prices.

Never send money to someone you don’t know or haven’t spoken to directly. Avoid paying deposits through Facebook or Instagram. If it feels too good to be true—it probably is.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Discouraged

Yes, finding the right parking situation for your tiny home on wheels takes effort. But we’ve seen dozens of our clients succeed by being persistent, asking the right questions, and staying open to creative options.

If you're willing to do the legwork, the reward is worth it—freedom, flexibility, and a lifestyle that aligns with your values.

Still have questions?

We’re happy to guide you on where to begin based on the type of home you’re interested in. While we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all parking list, we can help you ask the right questions to the right people.