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.
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with renting a pet-friendly RV in Marathon, FL, and what kind of pet policies do I need to be aware of it?
The fees and charges associated with renting a pet-friendly RV vary by individual listings and are determined by the RV owner. Be sure to check the specific listing for details on any additional fees or deposits required for pets. Additionally, the pet policies for each rental will also vary and are at the discretion of the RV owner. Be sure to review the listing description or ask the owner for more information on their pet policies before booking.
How do I properly prepare my pet for traveling in an RV rental, and what kind of equipment or supplies do I need to bring for them?
To properly prepare your pet for RV travel, bring along their favorite bed, food and water bowls, food, and any medications they may need. Additionally, bring your pet's leash, waste bags, and any toys or treats they may enjoy. It's also a good idea to acclimate your pet to the RV before your trip by introducing them to the space gradually if possible.
Can I bring multiple pets in a pet-friendly RV rental, and are there any size or weight restrictions for my pets?
The number and type of pets allowed will vary depending on the RV owner's policies. Be sure to check the listing details for any restrictions on pet size or weight, as well as the number of pets allowed per rental.
Are any specific RV parks or campgrounds in Marathon, FL particularly well-suited for pets, and what amenities do they offer?
Some RV parks and campgrounds are more pet-friendly than others, so be sure to research your destination beforehand. Look for parks that offer amenities such as pet-friendly trails or dog parks. Additionally, some parks may have specific pet policies or restrictions, so be sure to check before making a reservation.
How do I properly clean and sanitize a pet-friendly RV rental before and after my rental period, particularly regarding pet hair and odors?
Renters should vacuum and sweep thoroughly and wipe down all surfaces with pet-safe cleaning products. Additionally, be sure to dispose of any pet waste in designated trash areas.
What safety considerations must I be aware of when traveling with pets in an RV rental, particularly regarding hot or cold weather conditions?
Pet owners should be aware of hot and cold weather conditions when traveling in an RV with pets. Keep pets hydrated and ensure the RV is properly ventilated and climate-controlled. Additionally, never leave pets alone in a hot or cold RV and be sure to monitor their behavior for signs of distress.
Can I bring my pet supplies and equipment to use with a pet-friendly RV rental, such as a portable pet fence or outdoor playpen?
Yes, renters can bring their own pet supplies and equipment to use with a pet-friendly RV rental, such as a portable pet fence or outdoor playpen. However, be sure to check with the RV owner before bringing any large or bulky items to ensure they can be accommodated.
How do I properly secure and restrain my pet during travel in a pet-friendly RV rental, and what kind of safety equipment or devices do I need to use?
Pets should always be properly secured and restrained during travel in an RV rental. This can include using a pet carrier, seat belt harness, or pet barrier. Ensure that all safety equipment or devices are properly installed and used according to manufacturer instructions.
Can I leave my pet unattended in a pet-friendly RV rental, and if so, are there any specific guidelines or restrictions I need to follow?
Pets should not be left unattended in an RV rental, as it can be dangerous for them and may result in damage to the rental. If it is necessary to leave your pet briefly, ensure that they are properly secured and that the RV is climate-controlled and ventilated.
Can I bring my pet to any activities or attractions in Marathon, FL during my RV rental trip, and what kind of pet policies or restrictions may be in place for these locations?
Pet policies and restrictions for activities and attractions in Marathon, FL will vary by location, so be sure to research beforehand. Some locations may not allow pets at all, while others may have specific areas or guidelines for pet access. Always check with the location beforehand to ensure pets are allowed and to understand any restrictions or guidelines in place.
