Road Trip with RVshare Fort Lauderdale to Tampa

Your road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa will take you from the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf of Mexico. During this intra-Florida journey, you'll be able to see famous landmarks as well as varied terrain. Most of the trip is on Interstate 75 North, which runs through the Everglades on its way across the southern end of Florida.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

The cities of southern Florida draw images of sunshine, soft breezes, and calm seas. On your road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa, you can stop at the cities along the way and observe the environment for yourself. 

Miami

Miami is the cultural, financial, and economic center of South Florida. The Miami Metropolitan Area houses over 6.1 million people of diverse cultures. Visitors are amazed by the mixed grab bag of shopping opportunities. Some of the more famous places to visit in Greater Miami include the Bayside Marketplace, Downtown Miami, South Beach, and Lincoln Road. Dump stations are in great supply throughout the metropolitan area. RV campgrounds with full hookups virtually surround the city.

Fort Myers

Fort Myers, a city of over 87,000 people, is 141 miles into your Fort Lauderdale to Tampa road trip. The city sits astride I 75 N on the southwestern coast of Florida. Fort Meyers and Cape Coral anchor your trip as the midway point along your route. Some of the major attractions in Fort Myers include the residences of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The Imaginarium Science Center and Southwest Florida Museum of History are great stops with plenty of educational activities for the entire family. Dump stations are available almost everywhere you go in Fort Myers. Consider staying at Sun-N-Fun or Peace River Campground if you want a great local RV park with a dump station.

Sarasota

Sarasota, FL, lies seven miles west of I-75 N. The city is 214 miles into your road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa. A city of 60,000 permanent residents, Sarasota is famous for its beaches, resorts, and cultural environments. Sarasota culture includes a variety of live theaters, botanical gardens, and street festivals. Since Sarasota is a major RV convention area, dump stations are located throughout the city. Multiple campgrounds are available for RVs of any size, and dump stations can be found throughout the area.

National Parks

All three National Parks in Florida are accessible during a Fort Lauderdale to Tampa RV road trip. Two of the parks are next to the route while the third is one of the most remote National Parks in the U.S. Each of these parks is a must-see for vacationers traveling through the area.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is 18 miles into your Fort Lauderdale to Tampa road trip. It's located on the Florida Atlantic shoreline about 11 miles north of Miami. The 170,000-acre park incorporates protected and undeveloped acreages, including reefs off the beach. That's why it's considered a snorkeling and SCUBA diving paradise. Furthermore, the park protects several endangered species of wildlife.

Everglades National Park

There are three entrances to the Everglades National Park. Instead of turning west on I-75 N to cross the Florida peninsula, continue south for 34 miles to Homestead to find the best entrance to the 1.5 million-acre park. Of the three entrances to the Everglades, this is the only one with immediate access to the main part of the park. Boat rides, gator spotting, and an incredible view of the vast wetlands greet visitors using the Homestead entrance. The park is home to an incredible number of endangered species that you will not observe anywhere else in the world.

Dry Tortugas National Park

During your road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa, you have the opportunity to visit Dry Tortugas National Park. The park is made up of seven islands that lie 70 miles directly west of Key West. You can access the park from two directions. First, you can make the 329-mile drive to Key West from Miami by crossing the Overseas Highway that links Florida to the Florida Keys. Second, you can take a boat out of Tampa at the end of your road trip to Key West and join the boating expedition to the park. Either way, the journey gets you to the islands that make up Dry Tortugas National Park by way of boat out of Key West. The park is home to an impressive 19th-century fort, a lighthouse, numerous coral reefs, and exotic sea life. This park is so remote that only 63,000 people visit it per year. Visiting this park is a once-in-a-lifetime event that creates incredible memories for you and your family.

Nearby State Parks

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

For a quick diversion from your road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa, drive 62 miles south from Miami to find the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The park covers 25 miles of coastline and continues three miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The offshore reefs offer some of the best SCUBA diving and snorkeling in the country. The park, which was the first water park created in the U.S., includes an aquarium and a unique undersea statue of Christ. 

Koreshan State Park

Koreshan State Park was once owned by a religious society. The park is located 124 miles into your road trip. Since the 145-acre park includes access to the Estero River, you'll want to add it to your itinerary. The society left several exotic buildings, eleven of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As you wander the Victorian gardens, you find plants imported from Australia, Africa, and Asia. Fishing, boating, hiking, and canoeing are the favorite activities of locals who visit this park regularly.

Alafia River State Park

Located 25 miles southeast of Tampa, Alafia River State Park makes a great last stop on your road trip itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa. The park was once a phosphorous strip mine. Today, the state has converted the deep ditches and high angles into one of the premier “Epic” cross-country bicycle training sites in the world. The park also offers hiking trails, wildlife observation posts, horse trails, canoeing, and fishing.

Along the Way

There are so many points of interest you can add to your road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa. Sandy beaches line the east and west coasts of Florida, and the Everglades stretch across the southern end of the peninsula. Other less known attractions await those inclined to experience all that Florida has to offer.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Before you start your Fort Lauderdale to Tampa road trip, stop at the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. The house was designed by Frederic Clay Bartlett and constructed in 1920. Inside the house, you'll find a collection of art and personal values left by the family to the museum. The 36-acre property is on a barrier island that includes a beach, dunes, mangrove wetlands, and a freshwater slough.

Sun Splash Water Park

Located 132 miles south of Tampa in Cape Coral, the Sun Splash Water Park is halfway along your road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa. The water park offers a place to cool off and relax after the long journey. There are several water rides for the kids and a splash pool for those not yet old enough to accept the challenge of water slides. A boardwalk along Lake Kennedy is a walkway into nature. To use up pent up energy, a sand-floored volleyball park lets families play as a team in friendly competition with others.

The Tampa Theater

To finish your Fort Lauderdale to Tampa RV road trip, visit the Tampa Theater. Built in 1926, it was initially noted as one of the most elaborate theaters in the world. The interior resembles a Mediterranean garden decorated with gargoyles. Ninety-nine lightbulbs in the ceiling imitate the effect of stars, while a 1,400-pipe Wurlitzer organ overwhelms the audience during stage shows.

Traveling across the southern part of Florida during your road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa takes you through varied landscapes and cultures. The best way to enjoy the journey is with a recreational vehicle. If you don't have an RV, consider renting one in Fort Lauderdale or Tampa. Whichever direction you take, prepare for a road trip that generates memories that last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa?

To plan an RV road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!