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 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 Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, 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.
