Discover the Best RV Rentals in Tampa, FL

Renting an RV in Tampa, FL: Your Guide to Sunshine, Beaches, and Adventure

Tampa, Florida, located on the Gulf Coast, is a vibrant city offering a mix of urban attractions, beautiful beaches, and outdoor adventures. Renting an RV in Tampa is one of the best ways to explore the city and its surroundings, from stunning nature reserves to iconic Florida beaches. Whether you're here for a beach getaway, theme park fun, or to explore the diverse wildlife, an RV gives you the flexibility to create your perfect Florida road trip. Here’s everything you need to know about RVing in Tampa.

Choosing the Right RV

When renting an RV for your Tampa adventure, you’ll want to consider the terrain and your group size:

• Class B Vans: If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, a Class B camper van is a compact and versatile choice. These are easy to drive and perfect for exploring both the city and the beach.

• Class C RVs: If you have a family or group, a Class C RV provides more space and amenities. These vehicles are spacious, with beds, kitchenettes, and bathrooms—ideal for longer stays.

• Travel Trailers: If you have a suitable vehicle to tow a trailer, this option gives you flexibility. You can unhitch and explore different areas without dragging the RV around.

The flat terrain of Florida makes it easier to drive most RVs, but you’ll still want to make sure your vehicle is suited for a mix of city streets and rural roads if you plan to venture beyond the beaches.

National Parks and Outdoor Activities

While Tampa itself is known for its beaches and city life, the area is also surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor activities:

• Hillsborough River State Park: Located just outside of Tampa, this park offers hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The park has several campgrounds where RVs can stay, making it a great place for outdoor adventures.

• Everglades National Park: While it’s a bit of a drive (about 4 hours from Tampa), the Everglades is a must-see destination. With its unique wildlife, birdwatching opportunities, and airboat tours, it’s a fascinating experience for nature lovers. Several campgrounds in and around the park are RV-friendly.

• Fort De Soto Park: This barrier island near St. Petersburg is a gorgeous spot with pristine beaches, hiking trails, and birdwatching. The park has campgrounds for RVs with water and electric hookups.

Best Camping Spots

Tampa offers a variety of RV parks and campgrounds, both within the city and close to surrounding natural attractions:

• Tampa East RV Resort: Located just outside the city, this well-maintained resort offers full hookups, a swimming pool, and close access to major highways, making it a great home base for exploring Tampa.

• Bay Bayou RV Resort: Just a short drive from downtown Tampa, this resort offers a peaceful, wooded setting with amenities like a fishing lake and heated pool. It’s close to local attractions, including Busch Gardens.

• Fort De Soto Park Campground: This popular park offers waterfront campsites with beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Perfect for beach lovers, the park is just a short drive from downtown Tampa.

• Little Manatee River State Park: Located to the south of Tampa, this park features spacious campsites along the river, with opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

Outdoor Activities

Tampa is packed with activities for outdoor lovers. Whether you want to hit the beach, hike through parks, or explore the waterways, there’s plenty to do:

• Beaches: Tampa is known for its beaches, and many are perfect for RV campers. Visit Clearwater Beach for white sand and clear waters, or head to St. Pete Beach for a laid-back vibe.

• Kayaking & Canoeing: Hillsborough River offers excellent kayaking opportunities, or you can rent a kayak or paddleboard on one of the many beaches.

• Fishing: Whether you’re fishing off the shore, from a pier, or out on the open water, Tampa offers some of the best saltwater fishing in Florida. Consider a charter for deep-sea fishing or fish from the shores of local parks and beaches.

• Theme Parks: While not necessarily “outdoor,” no trip to Tampa is complete without a visit to Busch Gardens. For RV campers, the park is conveniently located, and you can easily stay in nearby campgrounds.

Dump Stations

Before you hit the road, you’ll need to know where to dump your tanks. Here are some convenient options in the Tampa area:

• Tampa East RV Resort: This resort offers full hookup sites, including a dump station, for guests to easily clean out their tanks.

• Fort De Soto Park: The campground at Fort De Soto offers a dump station and water hookups, making it a convenient stop for RV travelers.

• Little Manatee River State Park: Features a dump station for campers, so you can clean up before heading back on the road.

• Gas Stations and Other RV Parks: Many gas stations and RV parks in and around Tampa offer public dump stations, but it’s a good idea to plan ahead so you don’t get caught without one.

Conclusion

Renting an RV in Tampa gives you the freedom to explore the best of Florida, from the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches to nearby state parks and iconic natural attractions. Whether you’re hiking through forests, fishing on the river, or just relaxing by the beach, an RV provides the flexibility to enjoy all that this vibrant region has to offer. So pack your sunscreen, grab your RV keys, and get ready for a Florida adventure!