What State Has the Most Motorhomes? Top States for Motorhome Ownership in 2025

More than 11 million motorhomes and RVs are registered across the U.S. today. That’s more than the population of Australia. But not every state carries the same weight when it comes to who actually owns these rolling homes. If you’re planning a motorhome holiday and wondering where the biggest communities of road travelers live, the answer isn’t what you might expect.

Florida Leads by a Wide Margin

Florida has more motorhomes registered than any other state - by a lot. In 2025, Florida had just over 1.2 million motorhomes on the road. That’s nearly one out of every nine motorhomes in the entire country. Why? It’s not just the weather. While the mild winters are a huge draw, it’s also about taxes, regulations, and lifestyle.

Florida doesn’t have a state income tax. That means retirees and full-time RVers can save thousands each year. Add to that the state’s long history of RV-friendly infrastructure - thousands of RV parks, dedicated winter RV communities like The Villages, and roads built for large vehicles - and it’s clear why Florida is the top choice. Many people buy a motorhome not to travel, but to live in it full-time. Florida makes that easy.

California Comes in Second

California is a distant second with around 850,000 registered motorhomes. But the story here is different. Californians aren’t just retiring in their rigs - they’re using them for weekend escapes, coastal road trips, and weekend getaways from the city. The state’s massive population, diverse landscapes, and long coastline make it ideal for short-term motorhome use.

California also has some of the strictest RV parking rules in the country. You can’t just pull over and sleep anywhere. But that hasn’t stopped people from owning them. In fact, the high cost of housing in places like Los Angeles and San Francisco has pushed more people into motorhomes as affordable housing alternatives. A 2024 survey by the RV Industry Association found that 18% of California RV owners said they used their vehicle as a primary residence.

Texas and Arizona Round Out the Top Four

Texas sits at third place with about 720,000 motorhomes. It’s a mix of retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who just love the freedom of the open road. Texas offers wide open spaces, low taxes, and plenty of state parks with RV hookups. Places like Big Bend National Park and the Hill Country draw thousands of motorhome travelers every year.

Arizona, with roughly 610,000 motorhomes, is a close fourth. Like Florida, Arizona is a haven for snowbirds - people who flee cold northern winters for the desert sun. Tucson and Phoenix have entire neighborhoods built around RV resorts with pools, pickleball courts, and social clubs. The state also has some of the most lenient laws when it comes to parking RVs on private property, making it easy for people to live in them year-round.

Why These States? The Real Reasons Behind the Numbers

It’s not just about sunshine. Four key factors drive motorhome ownership in these top states:

1. No state income tax - Florida, Texas, and Arizona don’t tax your income. That’s a big deal for retirees on fixed budgets.
2. RV-friendly zoning laws - Some states let you park your motorhome on your own land. Others don’t. Arizona and Texas are lenient. California and New York are not.
3. Year-round access to outdoor recreation - Whether it’s the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, or the Texas Hill Country, these states have natural attractions that keep people on the road.
4. Strong RV service networks - You’ll find more repair shops, dump stations, and parts suppliers in these states than anywhere else. If your generator breaks in July, you want to be in a place where someone can fix it fast.

These aren’t just vacation spots - they’re communities. In Florida alone, there are over 1,200 RV resorts with populations over 1,000 people. Some are bigger than small towns. The Villages, for example, has more than 130,000 residents, most of them living in motorhomes or manufactured homes.

States With the Least Motorhomes

If you’re wondering where motorhomes are rare, look to the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. Vermont, Rhode Island, and Maine have fewer than 15,000 each. New York and New Jersey have low numbers too, despite their large populations. Why? Cold winters, strict parking laws, and high costs make motorhome ownership impractical for most people.

In New York City, for example, you can’t legally park an RV overnight on most streets. In Maine, snow covers the ground for six months. Even if you owned one, you’d spend more time storing it than using it.

What This Means for Your Motorhome Holiday

Knowing where motorhomes are most common helps you plan smarter. If you’re renting one for a trip, you’ll find the best selection - and the lowest prices - in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California. Rental companies stock more units there, and competition keeps rates down.

Also, if you’re planning to travel during peak season (November to March), expect crowds in Florida and Arizona. These are the hotspots for snowbirds. For quieter roads and better deals, consider visiting in the shoulder months - April or October.

And if you’re thinking of buying? Don’t just look at the motorhome. Look at where you’ll live with it. Taxes, storage, and access to services matter more than the model or brand. A $100,000 rig in Florida might cost you less in total than a $70,000 one in California, thanks to registration fees, insurance, and maintenance costs.

Top 5 States for Motorhome Ownership in 2025

Pennsylvania is the only state outside the Sun Belt to crack the top five. That’s because of its central location - close to major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. - and a long tradition of family camping. Many Pennsylvanians use their motorhomes for weekend trips to the Poconos or the Great Lakes.

What You Should Do Next

If you’re planning your first motorhome holiday, start by checking out rental options in Florida or Arizona. You’ll find the most variety, the best support, and the most experienced staff. If you’re thinking about buying, think about where you’ll park it long-term. A motorhome is a lifestyle choice - not just a vehicle.

Don’t assume the best place to buy is where you live. The cheapest motorhome might be in Texas, but if you live in Maine, you’ll pay more in storage and transport than you saved on the purchase.

And if you’re wondering whether your state will ever become a motorhome hotspot? Watch the tax laws. When states start cutting income taxes or loosening parking rules, the numbers start to climb. That’s how Florida became #1 - and it’s how others could follow.