Road Trip with RVshare Tampa to Key West

If you want to take an adventure through the Sunshine State, you need to follow this Tampa to Key West road trip itinerary. While in Tampa, you should visit some of its world-class museums and thrilling theme parks. You will travel down the Gulf Coast and pass through the beachside towns of Sarasota and Fort Myers. Key West is the perfect stop for your vacation as it contains the southernmost point in the contiguous United States. This laid-back town welcomes you with its quirky architecture and fun entertainment. On this Tampa to Key West road trip, you will see the best attractions and cities in Florida. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

While on the road, you can kick back and relax in these Florida cities. There are several options to camp for the night. If you need to visit a dump station, there are a few clean spots on this route. 

Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota was once known as the winter home for the Ringling Brothers Circus. There are many buildings and museums with a history tied to the circus community. In addition to the museums, you can spend some time at Lido Beach or Siesta Key Beach. When you are ready to settle down for the night, you can find plenty of campgrounds to meet your needs and budget. Sarasota also provides a few places to dump your waste tanks. 

Fort Myers, Florida

Fort Myers is a popular spot for baseball fans and spring break vacationers. In the spring, you can see the Detroit Tigers or Boston Red Sox in their training camps. The beaches are also great places to relax. If you need a place to stay near the action, Fort Myers is an excellent spot to camp in your RV. 

Miami, Florida

Miami is a must-see city in southern Florida. This location is an excellent spot to visit restaurants, museums, boutiques, and nightclubs. If you need more family-friendly entertainment, then the Miami Seaquarium and Bayside Marketplace are perfect options. There are several convenient campgrounds located in the Miami area. You can also find some sanitary dump stations around town. 

National Parks

When you plan your Tampa to Key West RV road trip, you should schedule a visit to a national park. There are three national parks in the Sunshine State, and they are all within driving distance from your destination. 

Biscayne National Park

When you travel past Miami, it is a great opportunity to visit Biscayne National Park. This national park covers over 172,000 acres of land and sea, and you can see the protected islands, coral reefs, and shoreline mangrove forests of the northern Florida Keys. This park is a popular location for divers. There are several shallow-water shipwrecks in the area. The underwater Maritime Heritage Trail links up many of these dive sites. At Biscayne Bay Lagoon, you can see plenty of dolphins, pelicans, and turtles in the waters. If you want to get some spectacular views of the park, make sure to visit Boca Chita Key. This location is also the home to the Boca Chita Lighthouse. At the Convoy Museum, you can learn about the local ecosystem. 

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park is a wetlands preserve located on the southern tip of Florida. The park encompasses over 1.5 million acres of land. The Everglades National Park contains sawgrass marshes, pine flatwoods, and coastal mangroves. It is also home to hundreds of animal species. While you are there, you might get a chance to see the endangered leatherback turtle, West Indian manatee, or Florida panther. This national park also has the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Camping and boating are some popular activities in this park. If you want a unique view of the Everglades, you should take a tour on an airboat. 

Dry Tortugas National Park

When you are visiting Key West, you might want to take the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park. This national park contains seven islands and protected coral reefs. The 19th-century Fort Jefferson is a popular tourist spot at Garden Key. If you want to check out the sea turtles and lighthouse, make sure to visit Loggerhead Key. Snorkeling and diving are some of the most popular activities in the park. The Windjammer Wreck is the location of a sunken 1875 ship. For those bird enthusiasts, Bush Key is the nesting site for sooty terns.

Nearby State Parks

On this road trip from Tampa to Key West, you don't want to miss your chance to visit a state park. Florida is home to some beautiful state parks, and many of them are free to the public. 

Silver Springs State Park

Since the 1870s, Silver Springs State Park has been attracting tourists to the area. Silver Springs State Park is the first tourist attraction in the state. The largest artesian spring in the United States is located in the park. You should sign up for a glass-bottom boat tour. On these tours, you can see the unique marine plants and fish in the crystal-clear waters. There are also other ways to explore this park by yourself: You can canoe or kayak down the Silver River, and the trails around the park are popular with hikers. 

Koreshan State Park

If you want to check out another historic state park, then head over to Koreshan State Park. At this park, you can take a tour of the mansion and the Victorian gardens. You will want to spend some time exploring the historic buildings and manicured green spaces. Many of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you want to enjoy some water-based fun, the Estero River flows through the park. You can paddle a kayak down the waterway or catch some fish in the river. 

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is another great state park in Florida. This park covers 524 acres of land, and many people consider this spot to have the best beaches in the state. If you want to have a fun beach day, this park is the perfect location for your trip. You might want to check out the historic bridge that once connected this park to Spanish Harbor Key. There are many recreational activities to enjoy in Bahia Honda Key, such as hiking and boating. If you love wildlife, you can get a glimpse of the bottlenose dolphins, giant rays, and sea turtles bobbing in the waters. 

Along the Way

With this Tampa to Key West road trip, you will see plenty of fantastic points of interest. While on vacation, take a few days to check out these exciting locations. 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Orlando might get all the attention with its theme parks, but there are excellent attractions in Tampa. You will want to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This theme park is known for its roller coasters, including the tallest free-standing drop tower in North America. Busch Gardens also has an animal park. The popular Serengeti Plain is home to several reptile and animal exhibits.

Naples Pier

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this historic pier gives you some great views of the blue waters. The Naples Pier is a popular tourist destination for beachgoers. You can grab a snack at the concession stand or pick up some supplies at the store. 

Ernest Hemingway House

Ernest Hemingway was a famous author and resident of Key West. While in Key West, you will want to take a tour of his home. You should keep your eyes open for the other residents of the property; the famous six-toed cats are known to roam around the estate. 

Southernmost Point of the Continental United States

A concrete buoy marks the location of this geographic landmark. Since 1983, the buoy has been placed in town as a tourist destination. This attraction is also the most photographed spot in the entire city.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Tampa to Key West, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Tampa or Key West.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Tampa to Key West?

To plan an RV road trip from Tampa to Key West, 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 Key West 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 Key West. 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!