Heading back to the mainland, Everglades National Park is just about 80 miles north of the keys. This park is the third largest in the lower contiguous states and spans 2,400 square miles. The most popular time to visit the park is during the dry season, which normally runs from November through April. During this time, the temperatures are lower, and you'll deal with fewer mosquitoes and see an abundance of wildlife. Shark Valley is one of the most popular areas of the park, which is home to the estuaries for the Shark River and Little Shark River. You can take one of several guided tours of the area, ranging from dusk through the evening and many times between. You can enjoy 19 maintained trails throughout the park, including five that allow bicycles and E-bikes. The park has two campgrounds, both of which allow RV camping, including a dump station, with sufficient space for large Class A RVs. Only the Flamingo Campground offers an electric hookup. Also about 80 miles from Marathon, the Biscayne National Park sits on the east coast of the lower peninsula. This National Park encompasses mainly the Biscayne Bay, a little shoreline on the peninsula, and the northern end of the keys, including Ragged Keys, Boca Chita Key, Sands Key, Elliot Key, Adams Key, Rubicon Key, Reid Key, Caesar Rock, Porgy Key, Totten Key, Old Rhodes Key, Islandia, Swan Key, Broad Key, Linderman Key, and Palo Alto Key. Most people visit Biscayne to experience some parts of the preserved coral and aquatic environment, including kayaking, boating, diving, snorkeling, fishing, and lobstering. Boca Chita is the park's most popular island, with the option for tent camping. Elliot Key is the largest island and also has designated areas for tent camping on the island. Have a unique park experience when you visit Dry Tortugas National Park, the only national park that is exclusively accessible by boat or seaplane. The park is about 70 miles west of Key West and encompasses about 100 square miles of mostly open water, with seven small islands. The park is most notably the home of Fort Jefferson on Garden Key, which is the third largest fort in the United States and is the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas. Aside from visiting the Fort, most visitors to Dry Tortuga enjoy paddlesports, snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. Some tent camping is available on Garden Key, and the six-person campsites are available on a first-come basis, so plan to arrive early.
Curry Hammock State Park is right in Marathon, directly between Vaca Key and Coco Plum Beach. This smaller state park provides similar attractions to other parks in the coastal area of Florida, including swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and fishing. However, this particular park also offers a beautiful trail among the tropical hardwood hammock forest. Stay after dark to enjoy star gazing from a tropical island. Stay the night at one of the 28 campsites with full electrical and water service for campers of all sizes. Head about 15 miles back up US-1, and you'll find Long Key State Park. This island was used in the early 1900s as the Henry Flagler's Long Key Fishing Camp, which was the destination for celebrities, champion saltwater anglers, and even US presidents. Now the island is open to the public and is popular for birding, swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and geocaching. There are two nature trails for hiking and a handful of hike-in tent-only campsites along the Atlantic coast of the island. Travel south on US-1 for about 16 miles, and you'll find Bahia Honda State Park between Boot Key and Big Pine Key. Bahia Honda boasts beautiful gin-clear water and palm-lined beaches. The island offers 80 campsites between three campgrounds, most of which are fully equipped for motorhome camping. The island has one nature trail and is perfect for birding and wildlife viewing. This is also a great place to search for shells and do some swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Don't worry if you need equipment; the park has snorkeling and kayaks available for rent.
Head back to the mainland with your Marathon, Florida RV rental, and explore the Big Cypress National Preserve, north of the Everglades National Park. In the preserve, you can stretch your legs on the 4.7-mile Gator Hook Trail and the 4.5-mile Fire Prairie Trail or head off-trail into the backcountry. Just be sure to fill out a backcountry permit before heading off-trail. Head further up toward Tampa and visit the De Soto National Memorial. The memorial brings you back to 1539, when Hernando de Soto and his Spanish conquistadors landed in Florida in search of gold. Enjoy the beauty of the Memorial by taking a stroll along the nature trail or through the adjacent Riverview Pointe Preserve trails. Come between December and April to experience historic reenactments at Camp Uzita. Take a few minutes to visit the Tabby House Ruins, a home built in the 1800s that is a popular area for archeological digs.
If you want a camping experience that isn't as rough as staying at one of the state parks when you have a Marathon, Florida RV rental, there are ample RV resorts and parks around the area. Start with the Southern Comfort RV Resort in Florida City, about 80 miles from Marathon. The resort features a daily Tiki Bar with live entertainment, a pool, arts and crafts, shuffleboard, bingo, and exercise classes, and is pet-friendly. Head a little further north on the Atlantic coast and spend some time at the Encore Miami Everglades, about 117 miles from Marathon, with sites ranging from full hookup to just water and power, and is pet friendly. Know the quality you can expect when you stay at the Hollywood KOA, about 130 miles from Marathon. You'll have access to cable TV, 50-amp hookups, restrooms and showers, a sun deck, and an on-site laundry facility.
What kind of equipment or setup is required to deliver an RV rental to my desired location in Marathon, FL, and are there any restrictions or limitations on where the RV can be returned?
There are no specific equipment or setup requirements for delivering an RV rental to your desired location in Marathon, FL. RV owners who offer delivery services will bring their RV to your location using their own equipment and setup. However, there may be restrictions or limitations on where the RV can be returned, such as certain RV parks that do not allow drop-offs or pick-ups. It's important to check with the owner of the RV rental beforehand to ensure a smooth delivery process.
Can I arrange for an RV rental to be delivered and set up at my preferred campsite or RV park in Marathon, FL, and what fees or charges are associated with this service?
Yes, you can arrange for an RV rental to be delivered and set up at your preferred campsite or RV park in Marathon, FL. The fees or charges associated with this service will vary depending on the RV owner and the distance from their location to your desired location. You should discuss this with the owner of the RV rental before booking the rental to make sure you understand the costs associated with delivery.
How far in advance do I need to arrange for an RV rental to be delivered in Marathon, FL, and are there any minimum rental periods required for delivery services?
It's recommended to arrange for an RV rental to be delivered at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability. There are no minimum rental periods required for delivery services, although some RV owners may have their own requirements. You should discuss this with the owner of the RV rental when making your booking.
Do I need to know any safety considerations or guidelines when having an RV rental delivered and set up at my desired location in Marathon, FL?
The RV owners will discuss safety considerations and guidelines with you before you begin your rental. It's important to listen carefully to their instructions and follow them closely to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. You should also ask any questions you may have before starting your rental.
Can I have an RV rental delivered to private property or residence in Marathon, FL, and what kind of permits or permissions may be required for this service?
Yes, you can have an RV rental delivered to private property or residence in Marathon, FL.
How do I properly operate and use the appliances and systems in an RV rental that has been delivered and set up at my location, and are there any special considerations to keep in mind?
The RV owner will discuss how to operate everything on the RV with you before the rental begins. They will explain the functions of the appliances and systems and answer any questions you may have. It's important to listen carefully to their instructions and follow them closely to ensure proper operation. You should also read the RV manual and any other instructions provided by the owner to fully understand how to use the RV's features.
What kind of communication or coordination is required between myself and the delivery service provider when arranging for an RV rental to be delivered in Marathon, FL?
Clear communication and coordination between yourself and the RVshare owner is important to ensure a smooth delivery process. You should discuss details including dates, times, and location with the owner of the RV rental before booking. You should also keep the owner updated if there are any changes in your plans.
Can I arrange for additional services or amenities to be included with my RV rental delivery, such as grocery delivery or recreational equipment rentals?
Additional services or amenities are not typically included with RV rental deliveries. You should check the RV listing and speak with the owner regarding amenities.
What kind of insurance coverage is provided for an RV rental delivered and set up at my location in Marathon, FL, and are there any additional coverage options available?
All RVshare rentals come with insurance, with three packages available to choose from. It's important to review the insurance coverage options and choose the package that best meets your needs.
Are any specific areas or routes in Marathon, FL particularly well-suited for RV rental delivery services, and what amenities or features do these areas offer?
RVs can be delivered pretty much anywhere. Delivery is a great option for people who are not able to or do not wish to drive or tow an RV.
