Biscayne National Park is an underwater park and the only one of its kind in the continental United States. The park encompasses Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys, and parts of the Florida mainland, protecting coral reefs, mangrove swamps, and tropical hardwood forests. To the west and south of Alva, you'll find two national parks. Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square-mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Located in Highlands County, just south of the city of Ava, Highlands Hammock State Park is a beautiful destination for RV campers. The park is known for its hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities. Myakka River State Park is home to the largest tract of virgin longleaf pine forest in the United States. The park's habitats are home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. This Florida park features a 19th-century utopian settlement. The Koreshan State Park Foundation maintains the historic buildings and grounds, which are open to the public for tours. Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s hiking trails, picnic areas, and boat ramp.
The Osceola National Forest and Ocala National Forest are all popular destinations for camping in the Alva area. They are all within a few hours' drive of Alva and offer a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking, fishing, and much more. Nestled between well-known theme parks and white, sandy beaches, the jewels of the Ocala National Forest attract visitors from around the world. A travel destination in its own right, the Ocala features more than 600 lakes and rivers where visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, canoeing and boating. The Osceola National Forest is a peaceful place where people come to escape their busy lives and reconnect with the land. Flatwoods and swamps transport visitors back in time and provide a tranquil setting for first-rate hunting, fishing and swimming opportunities.
The Fort Matanzas National Monument commemorates the place where the first permanent European settlement in what is now the United States was established. The Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protects approximately 300 acres of Florida coastal environment containing dunes, marsh, maritime forest, and associated flora and fauna, including threatened and endangered species. De Soto National Memorial is a national memorial located in Manatee County, approximately five miles west of Bradenton, Florida. The national memorial commemorates the 1539 landing of Hernando de Soto. In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance from indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto’s quest for glory and gold would be a four-year, four-thousand-mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the United States.
Alva is a small city in Florida. There are several RV parks and campgrounds around Alva. These campgrounds include the W.P. Franklin North COE, Sun-N-Fun Mobile Homeowners Association Inc. & RV Park, Cypress Woods RV Resort, Whisper Creek RV Resort and the Riverside Mobile Home Park which offers basic amenities for RVers.
There are a few dump stations in Alva, Florida. RV Dump Stations at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, W.P. Franklin North Campground, Grandmas Grove RV Park, Morgan RV Resorts - Aqua Isles Mobile Home & RV Resort, and Whisper Creek RV Resort are some of the popular options in the area. See RVshare’s guide to RV dump stations in Alva, Florida for addresses and details.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Alva, FL without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Alva, FL?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Alva, FL, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Alva, FL?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Alva, FL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Alva, FL that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.
