Road Trips Starting from Lakeland, FL
Best National Parks Near Lakeland, FL
There aren't any national parks particularly close to Lakeland, but you will have a few excellent options if you don't mind traveling a bit.
If you head about 185 miles south of Lakeland, you can visit the breathtaking Everglades National Park, which comprises roughly 1.5 million acres across Southern Florida. The park is a massive tropical wilderness that's home to many amazing wildlife species, including manatees, panthers, alligators, and many more. While visiting, you can embark on an airboat tour to enjoy a unique perspective of the huge park. You can also partake in activities like boating, camping, hiking, and birdwatching.
Another Florida national park worth visiting is Biscayne National Park, situated on the Atlantic Coast approximately 250 miles southeast of Lakeland. Encompassing about 172,000 acres, the park offers both land and sea features, including shallow-water shipwrecks, a wonderful art gallery, and much more. The park is most known as one of the best destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling in the country, providing opportunities to observe bottlenose dolphins and various other sea species.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 375 miles southwest of Lakeland, but if you enjoy adventure, it's worth the trip. The picturesque park consists of seven separate islands as well as their stunning coral reefs. These islands boast many unique landmarks and features, including a historic fortress and charming lighthouse. You can only reach the park by boat or seaplane, and during your visit, you may be lucky enough to observe the local sea turtles. Other activities you can enjoy at this remote park include scuba diving, swimming, paddling, snorkeling, and fishing.
Popular State Parks Near Lakeland, FL
One of the nearest state parks to Lakeland is Colt Creek State Park, located about 20 miles outside the city. Comprising around 5,000 acres, the park is a great destination for activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling, and camping. Visitors can observe wild animals such as alligators, bobcats, and bald eagles. There are excellent opportunities for water-based fun at spots like Colt Creek, Gator Creek, and Little Gator Creek.
Hillsborough River State Park is found about 25 miles northwest of Lakeland and is known for its lush green forests and its serene atmosphere. The park is a wonderful place for a peaceful camping adventure as well as activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and paddling. Visitors can also check out the on-site swimming pool, explore the replica Fort Foster, or just lounge by the river and enjoy the beautiful weather.
If you travel 30 miles southwest of Lakeland, you can visit Alafia River State Park. Located on the banks of the Alafia River, this unique park is known as one of the best mountain biking destinations in Florida. During your visit, you could go kayaking on the river or enjoy activities such as geocaching, hiking, horseback riding, or birdwatching on the park's extensive trail network.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Lakeland, FL
While there aren't many national sites around Lakeland, you'll have a few excellent options if you travel outside of the city.
One of the closest national sites to Lakeland is the De Soto National Memorial, located about 75 miles southwest of the city. The memorial, which was created in 1948, commemorates Hernando de Soto's arrival in Florida in the mid-16th century. The parking lot can't accommodate larger RVs, so alternate transportation is advised. The site features a fascinating living history museum, and the surrounding park is a great destination for activities like hiking, boating, or lounging on the beach.
Situated about 120 miles northeast of Lakeland, Canaveral National Seashore is a gorgeous natural area that boasts 25 miles of pristine beaches with breathtaking ocean views. During your visit, you can hike along the seashore, sunbathe on the beach, or head out into the water for a memorable day of paddling. RV parking is limited, so plan ahead.
Another unique national site worth visiting is Fort Matanzas National Monument, which you can see roughly 150 miles northeast of Lakeland along the Atlantic Coast. Dating back to 1742, the monument was built to protect St. Augustine from attacks along the Matanzas River. Today, visitors can explore the amazing remains of the fort while enjoying the stunning views of the area. On weekends, the monument often features live re-enactments of a historic attack on the fort. There isn't RV parking at the visitor center, so you'll want to use a car or other transportation.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
One quality campground to consider near Lakeland is Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins, located in nearby Auburndale, FL. The campground has 183 RV campsites available for between $72 and $200 per night. These campsites offer oversized RV pads and full RV hookups, and they can accommodate RVs of all sizes. There are also plenty of amenities, including a brand-new pool with a waterslide, a hot tub, showers, laundry facilities, and nearby access to several awesome theme parks.
If you're seeking luxury and enjoy golfing, you should certainly consider staying at the upscale Torrey Trails RV & Golf Resort. The beautiful campground, located in Bowling Green, FL, has 368 RV campsites priced at $79 per night. Weekly and monthly rates are also available. This modern resort is only available to guests over the age of 55 and provides many luxurious amenities, like its heated pool, nine-hole golf course, fitness center, and hiking trail.
Another excellent campground to visit is Lakeland RV Resort, which is found in the city and offers RV campsites with full hookups. Located very close to wonderful attractions like Walt Disney World and Busch Gardens, this campground is the perfect spot for a family camping trip. While you're there, you'll have access to a family game room, full kitchen, hot tub, and pool area. Plus, the nearby lake is fully stocked for angling enthusiasts.
RV Dump Stations Near Lakeland, FL
There are quite a few RV dump stations to choose from in and around Lakeland. One option located right on the highway is Lazy Dazy Retreat, which is open year-round. If you're a registered guest, you can use the dump station for free; otherwise, you'll need to pay a nominal dumping fee.
There's also Woodall's Mobile Home Village & RV Park, which is conveniently located on New Tampa Hwy in Lakeland. This RV park and dump station is open all year long. If you're visiting just to use the dump station, you'll be charged a small fee.
Located about 15 miles southwest of Lakeland, Citrus Hills RV Park is another great option for dumping your RV's waste. The dump station is open year-round and has both potable and non-potable water available. This dump station is free for registered guests and open to the public for a small fee.
