Located at the southern tip of Florida, Everglades National Park is a 1.5-million-acre swath of mangroves, marshes, and pine flatwoods. The park is also the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and is home to many exotic and endangered animals such as manatees, American crocodiles, and Florida panthers. Visitors to the national park can enjoy airboat rides, unique hiking trails, or camping out in one of the many local campgrounds.
Biscayne National Park encompasses over 172,000 acres of land and pristine water on the southeastern coast of Florida. The park is known for its crystal blue waters and glittering reefs, and many parts of the park are only accessible via boat. People visit the national park every year to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as world-class fishing and boating. If you're lucky during your visit, you may even get to observe a few dolphins. During your time in the park, you may also want to take a boat out to the small island of Boca Chita, where you can enjoy a pleasant hike and take in the serene setting by the water.
About 70 miles west of Key West you will find the hidden treasure of Dry Tortugas National Park. The park is made up of seven islands and features an amazing 19th-century fortress, a lighthouse, and lots of sea turtles. The park is only accessible via boat or seaplane, and that combined with its remote destination make it one of the more seldom-visited national parks in the country. However, for those willing to make the trip it is certainly an unforgettable experience.
Sebastian Inlet State Park is located about 30 miles south of Cocoa Beach along the Scenic A1A Highway. The park features three miles of white-sand beach, as well as great surfing opportunities and a fishing-friendly jetty. Visitors to the park will also find two museums, a multi-use trail, and interesting wildlife such as manatees and nesting sea turtles. Additionally, there is an on-site campground that features 51 campsites with electricity and water hookups.
Lake Kissimmee State Park is found about 50 miles west and inland of Cocoa Beach and immerses visitors in Florida's rich cowboy heritage. The park features a cow camp living history site as well as 13 miles of trails that were once used by cowboys on horseback. The park also features three lakes in which you'll have the chance to embark on a paddling and fishing voyage. The campground on-site features 60 campsites that can each accommodate RVs up to 55 feet long. Each campsite features electric and water hookups, and there is a convenient dump site nearby as well.
Fifty miles southwest of Cocoa Beach is Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, which features a huge open grassland area and is home to many rare and endangered species. The temperatures in the park are mild compared to much of Florida, and visitors will have great opportunities to observe birds and other interesting wildlife, such as alligators, deer, parakeets, and grasshopper sparrows. The state park campground offers 35 campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet in length, but they do fill up pretty quickly, and reservations are required.
Of the many amazing landmarks in Florida, several of them are within a reasonable distance of Cocoa Beach. One such destination is the Kennedy Space Center, which is located just north of Cocoa Beach near Cape Canaveral. Here you can learn much more about the history of space exploration and check out many interesting exhibits and educational programs. The site also gives you the chance to see the place where rockets launch with your own eyes.
Orlando is just 50 miles inland of Cocoa Beach, and in Orlando, you will find the world-famous Walt Disney World. Disney World is the largest Disney theme park in the country and technically features four theme parks and two water parks. The park offers hundreds of great rides, games, restaurants, and shops to explore, and if you're traveling in the area with the whole family, it's really a must-stop destination.
As part of Florida's Space Coast, the Cocoa Beach area features plenty of great options for RV parks and campgrounds. Located near Mims, Florida is the Crystal Lake RV Park, which features 65 RV campsites with full hookups for $40 to $45 per night. The RV park also boasts a fenced-in dog park, as well as laundry and bath facilities. Another option is Breezy Palms RV Park in Palm Bay, Florida. This site has full-hookup RV sites available for $35 per night, $175 per week, or $465 per month, and also features a large clubhouse, beach access, and numerous weekly activities. Alternatively, Cypress Campground & RV Park in Winter Haven, Florida, has a grand total of 194 RV sites with water and sewer hookups in addition to electricity. The RV sites are spacious, and the campground features a wide variety of amenities, though would-be campers will need to call or make reservations online for the daily and weekly rates.
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 Cocoa Beach, 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 Cocoa Beach, 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 Cocoa Beach, 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 Cocoa Beach, 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 Cocoa Beach, FL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Cocoa Beach, 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.
