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 C motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces in Largo, FL?
When navigating and parking a Class C motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces, it's important to take your time and plan your route beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the dimensions of the motorhome and the height and width restrictions of the roads you'll be traveling on. When it comes to parking, look for designated spots or parking garages that can accommodate the size of your RV. Always pay attention to signage and be aware of any towing restrictions in the area.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a Class C motorhome rental in Largo, FL?
Yes, it's important to be aware of weight and height restrictions when driving a Class C motorhome rental in Largo, FL. Many bridges and overpasses have low clearance levels that may not accommodate the height of your RV. Additionally, be mindful of the weight of your vehicle and ensure that you're not exceeding any weight limits on the roads you're traveling.
How do I properly level and stabilize a Class C RV rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if any leveling equipment is necessary. If so, they will walk you through how to set it up safely.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a Class C motorhome rental during my rental period?
During your rental period you are not responsible for maintenance. Treat the RV with care and maintain cleanliness during your trip.
Can I bring my bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class C 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 C motorhome rental. Many RVs have storage compartments or racks that can be used to store bikes, kayaks, or other outdoor gear. Check with the RV owner to see what storage options are available and how much weight they can accommodate.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class C motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Class C motorhome rentals are generally less fuel-efficient than smaller vehicles, so it's important to be mindful of your fuel usage. To minimize fuel costs, try to stick to slower speeds and avoid idling or rapid acceleration. Planning out your route ahead of time can also help you save fuel by avoiding unnecessary detours or backtracking.
Can I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the Class C motorhome rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
Yes, you can bring your own entertainment equipment or appliances to use with the Class C motorhome rental. However, be sure to check with the RV owner beforehand to ensure that the RV is equipped with the necessary outlets or connections to use your equipment. Additionally, be aware of any safety hazards, such as using portable grills near the RV, and take appropriate precautions.
Are any particular features or amenities available in Class C motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Largo, FL?
The features and amenities available in Class C motorhome rentals can vary depending on the make and model of the RV. Some common features that may be available in Class C motorhome rentals include kitchenettes, bathrooms with showers, and additional sleeping areas. Check with the RV owner to see what features and amenities are included in their particular rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class C motorhome rental, and do I need to know any specific maintenance or cleaning considerations?
The RV owner will familiarize you with how to use the facilities. Take note of where the water and electrical hookups are located, and make sure to follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the RV owner. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, be sure to follow proper procedures for disposing of waste and using cleaning products that won't damage the RV's plumbing or fixtures.
