Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville, Florida, is the perfect city to begin your RV voyage as this college town is at the heart of the state and within a short distance to either coast. The topography of Florida is flat and easy to drive, so choosing an RV rental in Gainesville is all about space, not power. 

For a large family looking to travel with a bit of indulgence, the leisurely Class A motorhome would offer the most space and features. It is important to note that they do cost more and have the least fuel economy due to their size. A Class C motorhome also offers comfort, and as they are smaller, they cost a bit less to operate. 

A Class B motorhome, also known as a campervan, is ideal for a single traveler or couple. Built on the same chassis as a standard van, these compact vehicles make for easy maneuvering. Smart design makes every inch count, giving you all the major conveniences in a small package. 

A pop-up camper rental in Gainesville offers extreme portability and would be great for anyone looking to hit the open road to explore the entire state of Florida. Pop-up campers can be towed by most SUVs, but they do require a little bit of set up before use.

RV Campgrounds Near Gainesville, Florida

No Gainesville RV rental would be complete without a campground to rest in for the night. Fortunately, there are many nearby spots to choose from.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park may just be the best campground in the entire state of Florida. Paynes can accommodate RVs up to 58 feet, and the grounds are highly shaded with all the amenities you'll need. This park is teeming with abundant wildlife, including wild bison and horses that roam freely.

If nature isn't up your alley but golf is, try the Grand Lake RV and Golf Resort. There is a nine-hole golf course on the site as well as a restaurant. Manicured grounds are laid out meticulously with resort amenities. A large dock is perfect for boating, and the luxurious pool will beckon you to take a dip on hot days.

US National & State Parks Nearby Gainesville

Gainesville is the entry point for some of the most pristine, untouched parts of Florida. If you've ever dreamed of visiting a tropical rainforest, Devil's Millhopper Geological Park is the destination for you. A new 137-step boardwalk was built in 2019. It gives visitors the opportunity to descend down into a marvelous sinkhole where the sounds of waterfalls trickle all around and dense shade makes the temperature a little cooler.

In less than five hours, you could be at the magnificent Everglades National Park. There, you can see the unspoiled marshlands of Florida. This park is located in the south of Florida and has over 1 million acres of wetlands complete with alligators and tropical birds to explore.

RV Storage Facilities in Gainesville, Florida

Sometimes, the challenge with motorhome rentals in Gainesville can be the parking. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to store your RV, Box Turtle RV, Boat and Self Storage in Alachua might be the perfect place. It has 24/7 access and security, covered parking, and a very easy pay-and-reserve online system.

Just to the west of Gainesville in Newberry, Florida, is another alternative: Ultimate Boat and RV Storage. This facility also boasts 24/7 access and security, and its covered parking will keep your rental safe from sun and rain. With abundant lighting and many pull-through options, this storage facility will eliminate the stress of parking your rig.

Dumpstations Near Gainesville

Perhaps one of the most necessary and little considered needs for camper rentals in Gainesville is to find a dumpstation. Luckily, there are many in the area, including:

• Travelers Campground, Alachua, Florida
• Royal Palms R.V. Park, Citra, Florida
• High Springs Campground, High Springs, Florida
• Sportsman's Cove Resort, McIntosh, Florida
• Petro Stopping Center, Reddick, Florida
• KOA Stark, Stark, Florida

Popular Tourist Attractions for an RV Rental Gainesville, Florida

The Florida Museum of Natural History is ranked as one of the top five in the nation. Visitors will be awed by indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring Florida fossils, waterways, and discovery zones. There's even a butterfly rainforest. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is another beautiful attraction that boasts 62 acres of flora.

Sports and Entertainment Near Gainesville, Florida

If you bleed orange and blue, you are in good company in the Gator-fan land of Gainesville. The University of Florida's football team draws thousands of visitors each year to tailgate, party, and, of course, enjoy watching the game. Hot rodders also love this steamy city. The Gainesville Raceway hosts the annual Gatornationals drag races. 

If you want to catch a show, you can at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. After the show, you can head to Swap Head Brewery, which has tastings and tours.  

Highways in or Near Gainesville, Florida

The best way to get around Gainesville is the jump on I-75. This busy highway can get you around the city or take you south to Miami. Just north of the city, I-75 joins with I-10. Take this route if you need to head east to Jacksonville or west to Pensacola. If you'll be headed to Orlando on the Florida Turnpike, you may want to stop and pick up a SunPass transponder for easy access to toll roads.