Four hours southeast of Largo, Everglades National Park comprises one of the most unique landscapes in the country. Your visit to the 2,400-square mile park can include biking the 35 miles of paved and off-road trails, boating or kayaking the seemingly endless waterways, bird-watching, and salt or freshwater fishing. Bold explorers should take a Slough Slog, a ranger-led, off-trail tour through the park's cypress dome.
Stunning Dry Tortugas National Park is a group of seven islands covering a 100-square-mile area west of Key West, seven hours and 20 minutes south of Largo in the Gulf of Mexico. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, one of the largest surviving 19th-century forts. You can only access the park by seaplane or boat. Your excursion is rewarded with rustic tent camping, snorkeling above dazzling coral reefs, tours of the fort, historic dive sites, and excellent bird-watching.
Biscayne National Park, on Florida's Atlantic Coast, four hours and 40 minutes southeast of Largo, offers the chance to snorkel coral reefs, explore a shipwreck on the Maritime Heritage Trail and sail along picturesque Biscayne Bay. The park allows fishing and lobstering; camping on Boca Chita and Elliott Keys; and boating, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities across bays, streams, and lagoons.
An hour southeast of Largo via I-275, Little Manatee River State Park rests just across Tampa Bay. Little Manatee River, one of Florida's blackwater rivers, flows from swampland 4.5 miles through the park. There is a 6.5-mile stacked loop hiking trail through the wilderness and a one-mile loop across the Oxbow wetland. There are 15 miles of equestrian trails. The park offers multiple riverside picnic sites.
Hillsborough River State Park, 50 minutes northeast of Largo, contains the Fort Foster Historic site, a recreation of the original 1836 fort that stood on the same ground. The park has seven miles of nature trails, paved and unpaved biking trails, and picnic pavilions dating back to the 1930s.
Lake Manatee State Park in nearby Bradenton, an hour southeast of Largo, surrounds the three-mile shore of the man-made Lake Manatee. The park welcomes boats under 20 horsepower, canoes, and kayaks. There is excellent freshwater fishing from your vessel or off one of the many docks. Hiking trails wind through pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub among low-lying marshes and a hardwood forest.
The De Soto National Memorial, 55 minutes south of Largo, commemorates the site of Conquistador Hernando de Soto's May 1539 landing. The park has fishing, hiking, and historical reenactments.
The Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa is a converted 19th-century hotel that houses exhibits on Florida tourism during the Gilded Age and the Spanish-American War. The hotel is a National Historic Landmark and features historical furnishings from the hotel's heydays.
The American Victory Ship & Museum, on the opposite side of Tampa Bay as Largo, is home to the SS American Victory, one of four surviving operational World War II ships. The museum features naval exhibits and allows you to tour the entire ship.
Camping in Largo and the surrounding area places you close to the beach, the city of Tampa, and the interstate, so you can explore up and down the coast. Vacation Village RV Resort outside downtown Largo has full-hookup sites and offers Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, showers, and a pool. The centrally located campground has restaurants, shops, and attractions within walking distance. Clearwater RV Resort on Clearwater Bay has back-in and pull-through sites with full hookups. It provides outdoor lawn games, a family activity center, and complimentary cable and Wi-Fi. Bay Bayou RV Resort is in Tampa and features 300 full-size, full-hookup lots with a patio, picnic table, and free HBO and Wi-Fi.
How do I properly navigate and park a Class A motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces in Largo, FL?
Class A motorhomes can be large and require a bit of practice and patience to navigate and park in tight spaces. When driving in urban areas, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and plan your route ahead of time to avoid narrow streets, low overpasses, or weight restrictions. When parking, look for spacious lots that allow for easy entry and exit. It may also be helpful to have a spotter help guide you into your parking spot.
Are there any special licensing requirements or restrictions for operating a Class A motorhome rental in Largo, FL?
In most cases, a standard driver's license is required to operate a Class A motorhome rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a Class A motorhome rental during my rental period?
As an RVshare customer, the only maintenance required is keeping the motorhome clean and returning it in the same condition it was received.
Do I need to know any weight restrictions or bridge height limitations when operating a Class A motorhome rental in Largo, FL?
Yes, it's important to be aware of weight restrictions and bridge height limitations when operating a Class A motorhome rental. It's important to check with your RV owner or local authorities for any specific restrictions in your area.
Can I bring my bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class A motorhome rental, and what storage options are available for these items?
Yes, you can bring your bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class A motorhome rental. Many motorhomes come equipped with exterior storage compartments or bike racks for convenient storage. Check with the RV owner to see what storage is available to you.
How do I properly level and stabilize a Class A motorhome rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Sometimes stabilizing a Class A motorhome is needed to ensure a comfortable and safe stay at your campsite or RV park. Confirm the type of campsite you’ll stay at and any stabilizing actions or equipment necessary with the RV owner.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a Class A motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Class A motorhomes typically have lower fuel efficiency due to their size and weight. However, there are ways to minimize fuel costs such as driving at a steady speed and avoiding abrupt stops and starts.
Do I need to bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the Class A motorhome rental, such as a home theater system or outdoor grill?
Most Class A motorhomes come equipped with basic entertainment equipment and appliances such as a TV, DVD player, and refrigerator. However, if you have specific entertainment needs or preferences, it's best to check with your RV owner to ensure these items are provided or if you should bring your own.
Are any unique features or amenities available in Class A motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Largo, FL?
Class A motorhomes often feature high-end amenities such as leather seating, residential-sized kitchens, and luxurious bedding. Some may also feature high-tech entertainment systems or outdoor kitchens. It's best to check with your RV owner for any specific unique features or amenities that may be available in your rental.
