At about 285 miles away from St. Pete Beach, you’ll find Biscayne National Park. This beautiful national park is situated on over 172,000 acres. You’ll find a mixture of picturesque water and land, and don’t be surprised if you encounter a croc or two. In fact, there are more there now than there have been for the last 40 years. This national park is only accessible by boat due to its watery nature. This is an excellent place to snorkel and swim with dolphins.
Everglades National Park is a beautiful Florida national park, and it is 193 miles from St. Pete Beach. Many avian species call this park home, so it’s an optimal place for bird-watching. Airboat tours are a great way to really explore the park, but hiking opportunities are also plentiful. One noteworthy aspect of this national park is the fact that it borders several metropolitan areas, including Everglades City and Miami.
Dry Tortugas National Park was named hundreds of years ago for the sea turtles that are so prevalent in this area of the state. The park is a series of offshore islands, so when you’re here, take time for some boating, paddling, and fishing.
Little Manatee River State Park is a must-see because of the fishing opportunities offered. Horseback riding and biking are also activities commonly enjoyed in the park.
For those who prefer to enjoy a lake with water activities, stop by Lake Manatee State Park. The water is breathtaking, the wildlife is plentiful, and gorgeous wildflowers grow along the lake's shores.
Alafia River State Park is another park that features a river, but this one is ideal for bikers to explore because of the boardwalk-style trail built in the park. You can also explore the park via canoe or kayak, especially if you enjoy fishing.
Found in Ochopee, Florida Big Cypress National Preserve is a freshwater preserve that’s critical to keeping the Everglades healthy. This preserve spans 729,000 acres and gives you plenty of opportunities to see wildlife that lives in the area.
DeSoto National Memorial This monument marks a turning point in Florida’s history with the arrival of Hernando de Soto. At the memorial, you will find hiking trails, beaches, and places to launch a boat and enjoy the water.
Canaveral National Seashore is a 25-mile stretch of sand that is protected and preserved. It is a great place to swim in the water, hike through the area, or simply relax and enjoy a rocket launch if one is scheduled during your visit.
When exploring St. Pete Beach, FL, there are several RV parks and campgrounds to take into consideration. With St. Petersburg, Florida being only five miles away, most of the campgrounds will be in that area. A good option that’s about 21 miles away would be the Tides RV Resort. This is a 55+ resort that offers full hookups and has spaces for 389 RVs.
Caladesi RV Park, which is about 25 miles from St. Pete Beach, FL, is a smaller RV park in the town of Palm Harbor. Pets are allowed on the premises, and there’s a heated pool. There are full hookups available, and the cell reception is strong.
Finally, Hidden River RV Resort, which is located in nearby Riverview, is another great fully featured campground. This location has 300 sites for RVs with full hookups. For rates, you’ll have to first make an online reservation.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in St Pete Beach, FL without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in St Pete Beach, FL?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in St Pete Beach, FL, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in St Pete Beach, FL?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in St Pete Beach, FL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in St Pete Beach, FL that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.
