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 correctly load and secure my recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental, such as ATVs or dirt bikes, and are there any weight or size limitations I need to be aware of?
It is important to properly load and secure your recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental to ensure safety during travel. Most toy haulers come equipped with tie-downs and rails specifically designed for securing equipment. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight capacity and loading instructions. You should also check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific instructions or recommendations.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need on the toy hauler rental's garage area, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need for this?
Proper maintenance of the toy hauler is handled by the RV owner. As the renter you are responsible for being cautious and following instructions to avoid damages, as well as keeping the trailer clean and in the condition you found it.
Are there any special insurance considerations or requirements when renting a toy hauler, particularly regarding the transport of recreational equipment?
RVshare rentals always come with insurance, with three options to choose from to best suit your needs.
How do I properly level and stabilize a toy hauler rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilization of the toy hauler rental is needed for optimal comfort and safety.
Can I bring fuel and oil for my recreational equipment, or should I purchase these items after reaching my destination?
It is generally recommended to purchase fuel and oil for your recreational equipment after reaching your destination. Many RV parks and campgrounds have restrictions on fuel storage for safety reasons.
What kind of towing vehicle do I need to rent a toy hauler, and are there any special licensing or certification requirements for operating this vehicle in Largo, FL?
The type of towing vehicle needed for a toy hauler rental will depend on the weight and towing capacity of the toy hauler itself. It is important to check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific requirements or recommendations. Typically a standard driver’s license is required to tow a toy hauler.
Can I use the garage area of a toy hauler rental to store items other than recreational equipment, and what weight limitations exist for these items?
The garage area of a toy hauler rental can typically be used to store items other than recreational equipment, such as bicycles or camping gear. However, it is important to follow any weight capacity guidelines provided by the manufacturer or rental owner to ensure safe operation.
Are any particular features or amenities available in toy hauler rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Largo, FL?
Toy hauler rentals often come equipped with unique features and amenities not found in other types of RVs. These can include a garage area for storing and transporting recreational equipment, folding beds or bunks, and outdoor living spaces. Checking with the rental owner for specific features and amenities can help you choose the best option for your travel needs.
