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.
How does hitching and unhitching a 5th-wheel RV rental work, and is it challenging?
Hitching and unhitching a 5th-wheel RV rental requires proper positioning of the RV and truck and connecting the hitch. It can be challenging for first-time renters, but the owner usually provides a thorough explanation of the process.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV in Marathon, FL?
When towing a 5th-wheel rental RV in Marathon, FL, it is important to note the weight and size of the RV and follow all traffic laws. Drivers should also be cautious of wind conditions as they can affect stability.
Do I use a generator to power the electrical system on a 5th wheel RV, or do I need to connect to a power source at a campground or RV park?
Most 5th wheel RVs come with a built-in generator, but some may require being plugged into a power source at a campground or RV park. RV owners will provide information on the specifics of powering the RV.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a 5th wheel RV in Marathon, FL, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
Renters should always check local regulations before parking a 5th wheel RV in Marathon, FL. Some areas have specific zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations regarding parking and storing RVs.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a 5th-wheel RV rental during my rental period?
Renters should keep the RV clean and make sure to report any damages. Regular maintenance such as oil changes and tire checks are the responsibility of the RV owner.
Are there any safety concerns I should know when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV, such as sway or brake issues?
Sway and brake issues can occur when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV. Renters should be mindful of weight distribution and proper hitching to prevent these issues.
How do I properly level and stabilize a 5th-wheel rental RV at my campsite or RV park?
Leveling and stabilizing a 5th-wheel rental RV requires proper positioning and use of RV leveling blocks. The owner should provide instructions or assistance if needed.
Do I need to bring my cooking appliances or equipment for use in the 5th wheel rental RV's kitchen?
Most 5th wheel rental RVs come with a equipped kitchen, check the listing details or ask the owner for specific items. Renters may choose to bring additional cooking appliances or equipment if they desire.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in 5th wheel RV rental that may not be found in other towable RVs in Marathon, FL?
5th wheel rental RVs may have additional features such as multiple bedrooms or bathrooms, larger living spaces, and better towing stability compared to other towable RVs in Marathon, FL. RVshare owners may offer additional amenities or features for a more comfortable stay.
