There aren't any national parks close to St. Petersburg, but if you're willing to drive a little longer, there are some breathtaking options all across Florida.
If you're interested in a day trip, the Everglades National Park lies about south of St. Petersburg and boasts an expansive 1.5 million acres of mangroves, marshes pine woods. It's the largest expanse of wilderness east of the Mississippi River and the largest tropical forest in the United States. This unique forest is home to many exotic animals, including alligators, manatees, and panthers. The Everglades is one of only three places in the world that is considered a national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the Ramsar Conventions's Wetlands of Importance. Visitors to the park can enjoy boating, hiking, biking, and bird watching. If you'd rather have a guided experience, you can take an airboat tour or participate in a ranger-led educational program to learn more about the history of the Everglades and its wildlife. There are plenty of spaces for boondocking in this massive park and two campsites that can accommodate RVs.
If you'd rather have a weekend adventure, the Dry Tortugas National Park is south of St. Petersburg. First, you'll drive down to Fort Myers Beach, hop a ferry at the Bight Ferry Terminal, transfer to the ferry at Fort Jefferson, and then take a boat or seaplane the rest of the way to Dry Tortugas. As soon as you catch a glimpse of the wildlife, the challenge of getting there will be well worth it. Its remote location means fewer people visit this park than many others, so its natural beauty is well preserved. While you're there, you can go snorkeling or diving to check out the coral reefs and swim among the sea turtles. They also have rental options for boats and other various water sports. Once you're back on land, you can explore Fort Jefferson and keep an eye on the sky to spot some of the migratory birds that often call the Dry Tortugas home. Since getting there is so tricky, you won't be able to take your RV, but there is plenty of space for tent camping.
Fort De Soto State Park is a nearby park that has miles of sandy shores along the gulf, a historical fort, and natural hiking and biking trails. In fact, various media outlets, including Parents Magazine, have hailed Fort De Soto's North Beach as a perfect place for families. The park has top-notch fishing spots, a dog-friendly beach, and an off-leash dog park. If all those activities aren't enough, you can also catch a ferry to Egmont Key for excellent snorkeling opportunities and a small lighthouse to explore. Fort De Soto has a campground with 236 campsites, some of which can accommodate large RVs.
Little Manatee River State Park is about 35 miles from St. Petersburg. During your visit, you can enjoy various activities, like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and nature watching. If you want to get out on Little Manatee River but don't have your own boat, you can rent a kayak or canoe from the ranger station. Bird watchers will love trying to spot all the bird species that call this park home, including egrets, ospreys, owls, and herons. Animal enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the turtles lazing around on logs in the river, and if you look closely, you might even spy an alligator. There's a 30-site campground in Little Manatee State Park, and the sites can accommodate RVs.
Thirty-eight miles away from St. Petersburg lies Lake Manatee State Park. Visitors to this park can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, geocaching, and nature watching. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy seeing a variety of animals at Lake Manatee State Park, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, osprey, bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and alligators. There's also a 60-site camping area. Each site has electricity and can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet long.
The Ocala National Forest is about 138 miles northeast of St. Petersburg. This sprawling forest contains over 600 lakes and rivers, so you can enjoy activities like fishing, snorkeling, and boating when you visit. Other activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, OHV riding, hunting, and nature watching. Ocala National Forest is home to a wide variety of animal species, including coyotes, alligators, wild boar, white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, river otters, bobcats, and black bears.
When you visit St. Petersburg, Florida, you'll want to make time to check out the De Soto National Memorial. This memorial offers lots of trails to hike on, beaches to relax, and a living history museum at Camp Uzita, where you can learn about the history of Fort De Soto. If you want to extend your visit, there's also an RV-friendly campground at Fort De Soto.
The Canaveral National Seashore is about 157 miles northeast of St. Petersburg. This 25-mile shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean is free of all developments, which makes it one of the most relaxing beaches in all of Florida. Visitors can enjoy walking along the beach or lounging on the sand. Other activities at this site include shelling, fishing, and boating. There are no RV-friendly campsites at Canaveral National Seashore, but there are 14 primitive backcountry sites on the Mosquito Lagoon Islands. Visitors can access the campsites by watercraft via the Intercoastal Waterway. If you'd like to take advantage of this adventure, rent a canoe at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center.
St. Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday is just minutes from beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, making it an excellent place to stay when you visit St. Petersburg, Florida. Resort amenities include two hot tubs, an outdoor heated pool, a volleyball court, a dog park, mini golf, and a rec room. You can also rent a kayak, take in an outdoor movie, or attend a yoga class. Each campsite includes 50-amp electricity, Wi-Fi, and a cable TV connection.
Robert's Mobile Home & RV Resort is a family-run RV park that's been in business for 60 years. This park is only 15 minutes from the beach and just a mile from Tampa. The resort features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, shuffleboard, billiard room and coin-operated laundromat. Each site has electricity and Wi-Fi, and they're all big enough to accommodate an RV.
Robert's Mobile Home & RV Resort in St. Petersburg has a dump station that's free to use when you stay there. It is also open for public use, but there is a fee.
Fort De Soto National Park has two dump stations on the main entry road. One is before the campground store, and the other is just past the store. These stations are free to use, but donations are accepted at the park office.
With a vast selection of all types of RVs, renting from RVshare will make planning your visit to St. Petersburg, Florida, a breeze. You can choose from a cozy camper van for two, a luxurious Class A motorhome that sleeps ten, or anything in between. When you travel in an RV, you can camp in the Tampa South RV Resort and wake up with a beautiful view of the Little Manatee River or have a boondocking adventure in the Ocala National Forest.
Renting an RV in St. Petersburg, Florida, will also give you the freedom to explore nearby attractions, like the De Soto National Memorial and the Big Cypress National Preserve. While you're in the area, don't forget to stop by the Sunken Gardens and The Dali Museum. Of course, no trip to St. Petersburg would be complete without spending the day soaking up the sun at St. Pete Beach.
If you're traveling with a large group or simply want to enjoy all the comforts of home during your RV adventures, a luxurious Class A motorhome or a fifth-wheel camper will be perfect. These large vehicles come equipped with a full kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and multiple flatscreen TVs so you can kick back and relax at the end of a long day of sightseeing. A Class B rig could be a better fit if you don't need all that space but still want the amenities. You'll still have luxury, but the Class B is more agile and consumes less gas. If you're traveling alone or in a smaller group and looking for a more affordable, rustic experience, you should check out a tow-behind pop-up camper or a camper van. Both of these options let you get into smaller areas, which is convenient for boondocking, and they're much easier on gas than the larger models.
How does RVshare classify a cheap RV rental?
RVshare defines an affordable RV rental as any rental that is priced under $100 per night. Renters can search for RVs in a range of budget-friendly options.
What is the average cost of renting a cheap RV in St Petersburg, FL, and how do I save money on my rental?
The average cost of renting a cheap RV in a specific city or state varies based on factors such as RV type, rental duration, and location. Renters can save money by renting during off-season months or by splitting the cost with a group of friends or family members.
Are any discounts or promotions available for renting a cheap RV, such as off-season rates or group discounts?
RVshare does not offer discounts or promotions for cheap RV rentals. However, renters may find cheaper options during off-season months or by negotiating with the owner for a lower rental rate.
How do I find cheap RV rentals in St Petersburg, FL that meet my safety and reliability standards?
All RVs on RVshare are vetted and considered safe to operate. Renters can also read reviews from past renters to ensure the RV meets their standards for safety and reliability.
Do I bring my bedding and linens to use in a budget-friendly RV rental, and what storage options are available for these items?
The RV owners determine what is available with the rental, such as bedding and utensils. Renters should review the RV listing description or ask the owner for more information. Storage options for personal items can vary by RV, so renters should check with the owner for available storage space.
How can I properly clean and sanitize an RV rental before and after my rental period?
Renters should clean up and leave the RV as they found it, or follow instructions provided by the RV owner. RVshare recommends using cleaning products and disinfectants that are safe for use on RV surfaces.
Are there any specific safety features or amenities I should prioritize when renting an affordable RV?
Renters should prioritize safety features such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Other amenities, such as air conditioning and kitchen appliances, depend on the renter's personal preferences and needs.
Do I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with an cheap RV rental?
The RV owners determine what is available with the rental, such as outdoor equipment and appliances. Renters should review the RV listing description or ask the owner for more information.
How can I ensure that a cheap RV rental is adequately insured and meets all legal requirements in St Petersburg, FL before leaving on my trip?
All RVshare rentals come with insurance, with three packages available to choose from.
Are there any specific areas or routes I should avoid when driving an cheap RV rental in St Petersburg, FL to minimize my risk of accidents or damage?
Renters should check with the owner or do research on the best routes for RV travel in a specific city or state. They should also be aware of any specific driving laws or restrictions, such as low bridges or weight limits.
