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 correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in St Petersburg, FL without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in St Petersburg, FL?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in St Petersburg, FL?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in St Petersburg, FL, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in St Petersburg, FL?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.
