Bay Area Residents Turn to RVs as Housing Crisis Deepens

Across the Bay Area, a growing number of residents are turning to recreational vehicles (RVs) as a last resort for affordable housing. Soaring rents and a chronic housing shortage have pushed even full-time workers into makeshift homes on wheels, highlighting the severity of California’s housing crisis.

The Surge in Vehicle Dwelling

Santa Clara County – home to tech giants Apple and Google – has seen a significant increase in individuals living in RVs. County data indicates that the proportion of homeless individuals residing in vehicles more than doubled between 2019 and 2025, rising from 18% to 37% . California as a whole accounts for nearly a quarter of the nation’s homeless population, despite housing only 12% of the total U.S. Population .

Experts estimate that California needs as many as 3.5 million additional homes to meet current demand . Despite efforts to expand shelter capacity, the availability of shelter beds remains insufficient to accommodate the number of people experiencing homelessness.

Why RVs? Autonomy and Affordability

Advocates suggest that RVs offer a level of independence not found in traditional shelters or on the streets. Salena Alvarez, a resident at the Berryessa Supportive Parking site in San Jose, explained that living in an RV was a significant improvement over living in a car, allowing for cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene .

The Rise of ‘Vanlords’ and Exploitation

As housing options dwindle, a shadow rental market has emerged, with individuals renting out older RVs to those with limited alternatives. These individuals, sometimes referred to as “vanlords,” often operate without formal leases or tenant protections. Renters may pay hundreds of dollars monthly to park on public streets.

Lawmakers are concerned about the exploitative nature of these arrangements. David Cohen, a San Jose city councilmember, sponsored legislation to ban the practice, aiming to protect both the community and unhoused individuals . However, enforcement has proven difficult, and the underground market persists.

City Responses: Enforcement and Safe Parking Sites

Cities across the Bay Area have increased parking enforcement, issuing citations and towing RVs. However, these measures have not reversed the trend of vehicle homelessness.

San Jose has taken a different approach, establishing “safe parking sites” like the Berryessa Supportive Parking Site, which provides space for 86 RVs and connects residents with case management services to help them uncover permanent housing. The site, opened in 2025, consistently operates at full capacity . Since opening, the site has helped over 40 people secure permanent housing.

San Francisco attempted a similar safe parking program in 2022, but it faced challenges related to infrastructure and neighbor complaints, ultimately leading to its closure. Candlestick RV Park, a privately operated park in San Francisco, has as well seen a shift towards long-term residents due to the pandemic, with monthly rates reaching $2,500 .

Rethinking RV Parks as a Housing Solution

Some experts suggest that well-managed RV parks should be reconsidered as part of the region’s broader housing strategy. Adrian Covert of the Bay Area Council notes that decades of hostility towards mobile home and RV parks have exacerbated the housing crisis .

Until more permanent housing becomes available, treating RVs as a legitimate part of the housing landscape may be necessary. For residents like Salena Alvarez, safe parking sites offer stability while they search for affordable apartments.