Your Trip At a Glance
- Trip Length: A road trip from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale can be completed in under four hours with no stops. To see all of the sights, however, the trip could easily be spread out to five or more days.
- Mileage: 263 miles
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Fun fact: The sidewalk along Bayshore Boulevard is over 4.5 miles long. It is the longest continuous sidewalk in the world.
If you love the beach, then a Tampa to Fort Lauderdale road trip may be perfect for you. You may want to go a little further south and see Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, which both have many fun activities to offer. You may also want to stop at the unique state parks along the way. There are plenty of interesting points of interest to visit. Do not delay this road trip and all the fun it offers.
Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg gets an average of 351 days of sunshine annually, making it a great place to explore the beautiful Florida beaches. St. Petersburg campgrounds include Dunedin RV Resort and St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach KOA. RV dump stations in St. Petersburg include those at Lazydays RV at the Villages and Colonial Self Storage.
Fort Myers
The white sandy beaches of Fort Myers make it a great place to stop and play. Great golf courses and outstanding fishing make it a city where you may want to spend some time on your road trip from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale. Consider staying at Red Coconut RV Park or at Ramblers Rest RV Campground in Fort Myers. Excellent Fort Myers RV dump station options include the stations offered at Sun-n-Fun and Peace River Campground.
Naples
If you love shopping, then you will adore downtown Naples. There are also many outstanding luxury restaurants in this community. Campground options include The Waves RV Resort and Marco Island KOA. Alternatively, there are a number of other great campgrounds in the area. Crystal Lake RV Resort and Collier-Seminole State Park are just a couple of the options for RV dump stations near Naples. You can also consider these other Florida RV dump station locations.
Top RV Rentals Near Tampa, Florida
National Parks
Biscayne National Park
While you can always explore Biscayne National Park near Homestead, Florida, on your own, there are many organized tours and activities offered by park staff. You can go on fishing trips and even learn to bow fish. You can also join the crew for a sailing adventure or hop on a plane to explore the park from the air. This park is a fantastic place to go kitesurfing and kiteboarding, and lessons are available. If you feel the need for speed, sign up for a speedboat tour. There are also plenty of options that allow you to enjoy sightseeing in the park and surrounding area.
Everglades National Park
The edge of Everglades National Park is located only 72 miles south of Fort Lauderdale. The Gulf Coast Visitors Center is the perfect place to start an exploration of the mangrove forest that makes up Ten Thousand Islands. Consider taking the 90-minute guided boat tour through the Chokoloskee Bay and the Indian Key Pass. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent at the visitor center. There are many other things that you can do in the Everglades, including biking, boating, and hiking.
Nearby State Parks
Egmont Key State Park
Egmont Key State Park is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, and it is a terrific location to go beachcombing. You can use your boat to get to this state park near St. Petersburg or take the Fort DeSoto ferry. Snapper, grouper, seatrout, and snook are regularly snagged by anglers who fish in the bay’s waters. Over six miles of hiking trails run through historic Fort Dade. This island’s lighthouse has stood since 1858, and you can snorkel and swim in the blue-green water just offshore.
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River is the oldest state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, and Myakka River State Park near Sarasota is a great place to stop and explore it on your Tampa to Fort Lauderdale RV road trip. Stop at the ranger’s station to get a map of the seven bike paths in this park. The 37,000-acre park is home to many birds, and you can learn more about them by talking to the expert at the "birdwalk" from November to mid-April. Climb on board the flat-bottomed boats for a tour of Myakka Lake with a naturalist. The bridge and spot behind the pavilions are favorite fishing spots.
Lovers Key State Park
The maritime forest makes a great spot to go on a bike ride at Lovers Key State Park. Here, you can often see manatees and dolphins playing in the Intercoastal Waterway. Head to the bait shop to get your favorite live bait before launching a boat from the boat ramp for some fishing fun. The bait shop rents various vessels if you did not bring one with you on your Tampa to Fort Lauderdale road trip. There are two short hiking trails where you can see stunning views of the waterway. Collect seashells along the 2.5-mile sandy beach, which is also open for swimming. This park is a popular place for destination weddings.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
If you are looking for a pristine beach to visit during your road trip from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale, stop at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park near Naples, Florida. Umbrellas, beach chairs, and all types of water toys are available to rent. Hike along five miles of boardwalk to enjoy the scenic beauty or stroll along the beach. A special wheelchair for the beach is available to those who need it. Rent a canoe or stand-up paddleboard to explore Wild Turkey Bay. Snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving are allowed from the beach. A protected wildlife area shares a border with this park, making it a fantastic place to see eagles, ospreys, and owls.
Collier-Seminole State Park
One of the largest mangrove swamps in the world is located at Collier-Seminole State Park near Naples. See it from the 3.5-mile bike trail or the four nature trails. One of the best trails within this park is the 5.25-mile Strand Swamp Tour where you may see Florida panthers, bears, and other native animals as you walk by big cypress trees and under pine trees. Wildflowers usually bloom abundantly along this trail in the spring. The unique mixture of freshwater and saltwater found in the Black River in this park makes it a unique place to go fishing. Guided canoe paddling tours are offered from December through March.
Along the Way
Salvador Dali Museum
Learn more about Salvador Dali’s life when you visit the Dali Museum in Saint Petersburg. This museum is divided into gardens and exhibits examining his life and his artwork.
Caspersen Beach
You will not want to pass up the opportunity to play on Caspersen Beach near Sarasota, Florida. It’s well known in the area for the number of shark teeth that visitors can find while strolling along the sand. After beachcombing, follow the boardwalk to see the dunes.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is spread across 20 acres, and you can visit Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s historic homes. Other attractions on-site include Edison’s 1928 botanical research library and the gardens started by Edison, Ford, and Harvey Firestone.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve covers nearly 40% of Collier County. The reserve education center offers an aquarium, art gallery, interactive exhibits, nature trails, workshops, and much more. You can find places to go kayaking, fishing, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing.
Flamingo Gardens
See over 3,000 types of plants, view Everglade rehabilitated animals, and tour the oldest residence in Broward County when you stop at the Flamingo Gardens. This facility is home to the largest collection of native animals in the state.
One-Way Rentals
Start in Tampa, End in Fort Lauderdale, No Return Drive
Book a one‑way RV rental from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale. Explore the open road, avoid the return drive. Comfortable, well‑equipped motorhomes and camper vans ready now
You may want to include all these stops on your road trip itinerary from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale, or you may want to mix and match the above-mentioned destinations to suit your interests. Whatever you choose, you're sure to have a great time during your Florida road trip. Get the RV packed because Florida is a terrific place to visit any time of the year. If you do not have an RV, you can easily rent one in Tampa or Fort Lauderdale. Start planning your Tampa to Fort Lauderdale trip today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I plan an RV road trip from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale?
To plan an RV road trip from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale, 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 Tampa to Fort Lauderdale 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 Tampa to Fort Lauderdale. 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!