One of the most amazing natural areas in Florida is Everglades National Park, which comprises roughly 1.5 million acres in the southern part of the state. Consisting of coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods, the park is home to rare creatures like Florida panthers, American crocodiles, and manatees. During your visit, you can embark on an airboat tour through the wetlands, hike through the tropical wilderness, and observe the area's fascinating birds. The park also offers great opportunities for backcountry camping.
If you're looking for a more traditional Florida experience, you could make your way to the beautiful Biscayne National Park. The 172,000-acre park features crystal-blue ocean waters and sparkling coral reefs. The water wonderland offers world-class opportunities for activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and boating. If you go diving, you can even check out some of the incredible shipwrecks in the area in addition to the awesome sea life.
If you don't mind a longer journey, you can travel to the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, the tranquil park can only be reached by boat or seaplane. Comprising seven islands in the Gulf of Mexico, the park is most known for its historic fortress and lighthouse. While you're there, you may be lucky enough to observe the many sea turtles that call the islands home. You can also enjoy activities like fishing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and paddling.
Situated along the beautiful Myakka River, Myakka River State Park features wetlands, prairies, pinelands, and palm trees. The park is a great destination to see alligators, turtles, and other interesting wildlife. It's also an excellent spot for boating, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and biking.
Highlands Hammock State Park is located on the shores of Lake Wales Ridge. The park is home to lovely trails, unique flora and fauna, and towering oak trees. Popular activities for visitors include hiking, fishing, biking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, and boating.
Another wonderful natural area near Arcadia is Lake Manatee State Park. The park is a popular spot for water-based recreation, such as freshwater fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and canoeing. There are also several miles of hiking trails and off-road biking trails to explore in the area.
There are many interesting monuments and landmarks that you can visit while you're exploring Florida. If you head down to Key West, you can check out the Southernmost Point in the Continental United States. At the site, you'll find a large, multicolored buoy that you can pose beside when you commemorate the visit with a photo.
You can also stop by the Kennedy Space Center, which is located east of Orlando. The site is famous for hosting rocket launches. There are also many awesome exhibits and displays where visitors can learn all about the fascinating history of space exploration.
Near Tampa, it's worth taking some time to browse The Dalí. The museum, which is most known for its distinctive architecture, houses the world's largest collection of Salvador Dalí's paintings and sculptures. Plus, the museum offers events like yoga, lectures, and live music regularly.
There are some lovely spots to camp near Arcadia, and one example is The Tides RV Resort. There, you can stay at one of the 389 full-hookup RV campsites and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. You'll also have access to amenities like a huge clubhouse, pickleball courts, heated pools, spas, a fitness center, and many more.
Another quality campground to consider is the Jasmine Breeze RV Park, which is home to 18 RV campsites with full hookups. The park is a great choice for those who enjoy outdoor recreation. There are nearby opportunities for fishing, scalloping, biking, fishing, and kayaking.
You could also stay at the Torrey Trails RV & Golf Resort, which features 368 full-hookup RV campsites available for $79 per night. The campground offers a nine-hole golf course, a heated pool, a nature preserve, and a three-mile hiking trail. There's also a fitness center, laundry facilities, and showers.
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 Arcadia, 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 Arcadia, 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 Arcadia, 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 Arcadia, 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 Arcadia, FL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Arcadia, 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.