While none of Florida's national parks are close enough to Perry for a day trip, they are worth visiting if you are exploring the state's southern half. Two of the three parks welcome RV campers.
Everglades National Park, 400 miles to the south, is a nature lover's paradise. Exotic birds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, unbelievably clear skies, and gorgeous sunsets highlight these 1.5 million areas of federally protected land. There are two campgrounds here. Long Pine Key, closed during the summer rainy season, is the more primitive site with no hookups. The Flamingo campsite is on the tip of the Florida peninsula and has a camp store, solar showers, and bay water views. The Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo rents bikes, kayaks, and boats. There are also a couple of excellent ranger-led boat tours. RVs with a maximum length of 35 feet are welcome to stay in the park. If you want to camp here in your RV rental, access the park through the main entrance in Homestead.
Biscayne National Park is primarily a saltwater park near Miami and 456 miles southeast of Perry. You may see manatees and dolphins here, and scuba divers and snorkelers can view shallow wrecks and crustaceans. There are no RV campsites in the park.
Dry Tortugas National Park is the least visited national park because of its location. It is not accessible by land, so visitors need to arrive by seaplane, boat, or ferry. It would make a great day trip if you were visiting Key West, 581 miles southwest of Perry, and would like to snorkel. There is a two-hour ferry, or you can rent a private boat. There is no RV camping at the site.
You'll find the beautiful Suwannee River State Park 42 miles northeast of Perry. The Suwanee and the Withlacoochee Rivers meet in this park, providing excellent fishing, canoeing, and picnic sites with a water view. Spend a few hours hiking along a riverbank or through a pine forest. The RV camp accommodates vehicles 45 feet or less; the 30 shady sites have full hookups and are near the river.
Manatee Springs State Park is about 72 miles south of Perry and, as the name implies, is home to a large population of manatees, particularly in the winter. The clear spring waters are a delight for swimmers and snorkelers. The Catfish Hotel cavern provides an exciting adventure for certified scuba divers. The Suwannee River passes through the park, which opens up more possibilities for aquatic activities. There are two RV campgrounds. The Magnolia 1 Campground has full hookups and is suitable for RVs with a maximum length of 40 feet, and the Magnolia Campground 2 has partial hookups and accommodates RVs up to 35 feet.
Lake Jackson Mounds Archeological State Park outside Tallahassee and about 64 miles northwest of Perry, is known for its Native American earthen temple mounds that were created more than 800 years ago. You can request a ranger-led tour. There is no campground at the park, but you'll find plenty of excellent options in the nearby areas.
Ocala National Forest, 144 miles southeast of Perry, and is the place to go if you like to fish. With over 600 lakes, ponds, and two rivers, there is ample opportunity for swimming, snorkeling, and boating activities. Hiking on one of the six trails is terrific exercise, but watch out for bears because this national forest has the largest population of black bears in Florida. There are multiple campgrounds, but the Silver Springs Campground is the only one with full hookups.
Osceola National Forest is 168 miles east of Perry and features beautiful hiking trails, including a 23-mile portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail. There is excellent fishing here, especially at Ocean Point, a 1,760-acre lake. RVs with a maximum length of 50 feet are welcome at Ocean Ponds Campground, which has partial hookups.
Apalachicola National Forest is 77 miles west of Perry and has 632,890 acres of water, swamps, and forested lands. Two rivers and more than 700 lakes and ponds provide plenty of different venues for water activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating. While hiking, you might spot a white-tailed deer or black bear. Make noise while hiking to keep the bears away, and don't ever come between a mother bear and her cub. Campgrounds permit RVs, but there are no hookups.
Big Cypress National Preserve is almost 400 miles south of Perry. That's quite a distance, but it's a convenient stopover if your itinerary also includes Orlando, Tampa, the Everglades, or Miami. With 729,000 acres of marsh, prairies, and hardwoods, it's a diverse environment to explore in an airboat, kayak, or RV. Call ahead to check the schedule for ranger-led tours. Midway is the only campground in the preserve with electric hookups. You may see alligators, manatees, and sand cranes during your visit.
Fort Matanzas National Monument is a pleasant stop if you plan to be in the St. Augustine area. It is located about 191 miles southeast of Perry and commemorates Spain's successful defense of its St. Augustine settlement against a British attack. The fort is on an island and reachable by ferry. If you come on a weekend, you might see a reenactment of the battle.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the site of another Spanish fort, but this one protected the trade route between St. Augustine and the Atlantic Ocean from pirate attacks. Constructed in 1695, it is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
Stone's Throw RV Park is small and inexpensive, 23 miles north of Perry. It has 20 full hookups, restrooms, and a clubhouse, but no shower. It accepts big rigs but no pets.
Newport Park Campground is within Newport Park. It has 28 RV sites with full hookups and is only 15 minutes from Tallahassee. This lovely campground is on the banks of the St. Marks River, and the amenities include bathrooms with showers. The site is 39 miles northwest of Perry.
Tallahassee East Campground is 39 miles north of Perry in Monticello, about 20 minutes from Tallahassee. It has a lake and curious wildlife that may come around to greet you. There are 116 full hookup RV sites.
Rocky's Convenience Store and Campground, located in Perry, charges $10 to use the dump station. Love's Travel Stop is 39 miles northeast of Perry and has a dump station fee of $10. Seventy miles northwest of Perry, Camping World in Midway also has a dump station that you can use free of charge as well as other RV services, such as propane.
Traveling in an RV is a great way to explore Florida's great outdoors, and Perry is an ideally situated starting point. Located 20 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico and about halfway between Tallahassee and Gainesville, Perry has beautiful state parks, beaches and rivers that provide plenty of idyllic camping spots. Florida State University in Tallahassee is 53 miles to the northwest, and Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, 89 miles southeast of Perry.
RVshare has a wide variety of rentals to choose from in and around Perry, including luxurious Class A motorhomes, Class B camper vans, and Class C travel trailers, allowing you to choose a rental RV type and size that best suits your needs. If you have a lot of gear, consider a toy trailer, which has a large storage area for bikes, motorcycles, and kayaks. Paddle along the shores of the Gulf or enjoy off-road biking in the parks. RVshare lets you have an adventure with all the amenities and provides 24/7 emergency roadside assistance. The minimum age in Florida to rent from RVshare is 25.
Do I maintain or service the motorhome rental during my rental period?
No, it is the responsibility of the RVshare owner to ensure the motorhome is properly maintained and serviced before your rental period. Just take good care of your rental and keep it clean.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when operating a motorhome rental in Perry, FL?
Yes, motorhomes are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles, so it is important to allow for more time and space when turning, merging, or stopping. Additionally, it is recommended to drive slower than the posted speed limit and to use caution when driving in windy or wet conditions.
How do I properly level and stabilize a motorhome at my campsite or RV park?
Motorhomes typically have built-in leveling jacks or blocks that can be adjusted to ensure the RV is level and stable. Some RV parks may also provide leveling pads or blocks if needed. Discuss your campsite with the RV owner ahead of time and they can provide you guidance on stabilizing.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the interior and exterior during my rental period?
You should keep the interior clean and tidy, empty waste tanks as needed, and report any damages or malfunctions to the RVshare owner. Exterior maintenance such as checking tire pressure is also recommended.
Does my motorhome rental come with bedding, linens, or other items I would consider to be personal?
This varies by RVshare owner. Some owners may include bedding and linens, while others may require renters to bring their own. It is best to check with the owner prior to renting.
Should I bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the motorhome rental?
While some motorhomes may come equipped with entertainment options or appliances, it is always a good idea to bring your own if desired. However, be mindful of any limitations on power usage or space restrictions. Check the RV listing or ask the RV owner what kind of entertainment is included.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a motorhome rental in Perry, FL, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
There may be restrictions on where motorhomes can be parked or stored in certain areas. It is best to research local laws and regulations or to ask the RVshare owner for guidance.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a motorhome rental?
Motorhomes are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but there are steps you can take to improve gas mileage such as driving at a lower speed, avoiding excessive idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.
How do I properly operate and maintain the various systems in a motorhome rental?
The RVshare owner should provide you with detailed instructions and manuals for operating and maintaining the various systems in the motorhome. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and prevent damage.
Are any unique features or amenities available in motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Perry, FL?
This varies by RV owner and motorhome class, but some motorhomes may have unique features such as slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, or luxury finishes that may not be found in other types of RVs.
