One of the best dump stations near Tampa is the TA Express Travel Center #0158 in Seffner, FL, just off the 1-4 West ramp. Their RV dump is open 24/7 and costs $10 to use. While you're there, you can fill your tank, put air in your tires and grab a bite to eat. The Pilot/Flying J Travel Plaza in Seffner, FL has a dump station that's available at any time. Dumping costs $10 for the general public, but it's only $5 if you have a Flying J or Pilot Flying J RV Plus Card. This travel center is off Interstate I-4, and you'll take Exit 10 to get there. While there, you can do your laundry, grab a shower or relax in the game room. The Travel World RV Park is southwest of Tampa in Clearwater, FL and has a free dump station for registered guests. They also allow the general public to use their dump station. This location may be a good option for you if you plan to spend the day in St. Petersburg or if you plan to head further south to Sarasota since it's only a few minutes out of the way.
Browse motorhome by RV Class in Tampa, FL
Browse towable by RV Class in Tampa, FL
Fifth Wheel
Attaches to a tow vehicle via a gooseneck extension in the truck bedView all Fifth Wheel rentals in Tampa
Travel Trailer
Trailer options exist for every kind of SUV or pickup tow vehicleView all Travel Trailer rentals in Tampa
Popup
Can be towed by ordinary passenger vehiclesView all Popup rentals in Tampa
Toy Hauler
Can be towed by many SUV or pickup tow vehiclesView all Toy Hauler rentals in Tampa
Popular RV Searches in Tampa, FL
Cheap
Under $100 per nightView all Cheap rentals in Tampa
Affordable
$100 - $250 per nightView all Affordable rentals in Tampa
Luxury
Above $250 per nightView all Luxury rentals in Tampa
Delivery
Owners that deliverView all Delivery rentals in Tampa
Pet Friendly
Bring your furry friendView all Pet Friendly rentals in Tampa
Road Trips Starting from Tampa, FL
Best National Parks Near Tampa, FL
There aren't any national parks close to Tampa, but a few scenic opportunities across Florida are within a day's drive for those who don't mind a longer journey. The Everglades National Park is a vast wilderness that contains nearly 1.5 million acres of mangroves, marshes and pine woods. Many animals call this forest home, including alligators, manatees, soft-shelled turtles, gopher tortoises and panthers. When you visit the park, you can hike or take a bike ride along one of many trails throughout the park, go boating or grab a pair of binoculars for bird-watching. There are also ranger-led educational programs and airboat tours. If you want to extend your stay in the Everglades, you can go boondocking for a rustic adventure or reserve a space in either of the two campsites in the park that can accommodate RVs. To get to the Dry Tortugas National Park you'll need to drive from Tampa to Fort Myers Beach and then take two ferry rides and a boat or seaplane. Visitors to the park can get up close and personal with the sea life by snorkeling or diving. While you're down there, don't forget to take a look at the extensive coral reefs. If you're lucky, you might even see a sea turtle go by. Since you have to take ferries and boats to get to the Dry Tortugas, you won't be able to camp in your RV there, but you can reserve a primitive tent campsite on Garden Key, where Fort Jefferson resides. If you want to get out on the ocean, travel to Biscayne National Park. It's off of Miami and is a boater's, snorkeler's, and diver's paradise. The park covers 172,000 acres. The area shows evidence of human activity going back 10,000 years. You can explore the coral reefs, go on an eco-adventure or catch fish and lobster.
Popular State Parks Near Tampa, FL
Little Manatee River State Park is a 2,344-acre park in Wimauma, FL. This park is home to many animals, including manatees, turtles, alligators, herons, owls, egrets, white-tailed deer and raccoons. If you want to participate in water activities but don't have your own equipment, there are canoes and kayaks for rent at the park, so you can still get out on the river and go fishing. When you're ready to return to dry land, there are plenty of trails for hiking and biking. Hillsborough River State Park, one of Tampa's oldest parks, is situated in Thonotosassa, FL. Visitors to the park can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, geocaching and boating. History buffs will love exploring the Fort Foster State Historic Site. It's only open for guided tours and special events, so be sure to call ahead to see if it's open when you plan to visit. If you'd like to extend your visit, the park offers RV camping for vehicles up to 50 feet long in its 112-site campground. The Alafia River State Park in Lithia, Florida, is the perfect spot to enjoy activities such as bird-watching, boating, hiking, horseback riding, biking, fishing and geocaching. Animal enthusiasts will enjoy trying to spot some of the park's many animal inhabitants, such as egrets, herons, hawks, bald eagles, whitetail deer, river otters, bobcats and alligators. If you'd like to extend your stay in the park, there's a campground with water and electrical hookups at each of its 30 campsites. The sites can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet, and some sites even have an equestrian designation with tie-outs for your horses.
National Forests Near Tampa, FL
The only national forest near Tampa is the Ocala National Forest. This scenic wilderness is replete with a vast array of animals, including black bears, Sherman's fox squirrels, scrub jays and red-cockaded woodpeckers. One of the best spots in the park for nature watching is the stretch of SR 40 that runs horizontally through the forest. Its nickname is the Florida Bear Scenic Byway, and if you visit at dawn or dusk, you might just see a mama and her cubs cross right in front of you. If you'd rather be more active during your visit, the forest offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, OHV (off-highway vehicle) riding, fishing, horseback riding, boating, scuba diving, water skiing and swimming. If you feel that one day just isn't enough to explore this vast expanse, there are 14 campgrounds on the premises. Four of the campgrounds are RV-friendly and offer either full or partial hookups.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Tampa, FL
De Soto National Memorial is an hour's drive from downtown Tampa in Bradenton, FL. The landmark commemorates the landfall of Hernando De Soto's army in Tampa Bay in May 1539. When you visit this memorial, you can enjoy hiking and biking along one of the many trails, fishing, boating, walking the beach and bird watching. Between January and April, you can also visit Camp Uzita for a live history lesson on the DeSoto Expedition and the Florida Native Americans. The area is accessible by RV, but there's no camping at the memorial as the park closes at dark. If you don't mind a bit of a drive, the Canaveral National Seashore is in Titusville, FL. This pristine 25-mile stretch of beach is free of developments that line many of the Atlantic beaches, making it one of the most relaxing places in the state. At this seashore, you can participate in activities like fishing, swimming and boating in the ocean or hiking, biking and beachcombing. If you're very lucky, you might even get to watch a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Station. The parking lot of the seashore is accessible by RV; however, the only camping available is primitive tent camping on the Mosquito Lagoon Islands. Fort Matanzas National Monument in St. Augustine, FL, is home to a fort that was constructed in 1742 to protect the Spanish colony of St. Augustine. If you visit on the weekend, you might see people dressed as soldiers re-enacting the event. You can take a self-guided tour of Fort Matanzas to learn more about its history and enjoy fishing or hiking on one of the many short trails. Fort Matanzas is not accessible by RV. The only way you can get to the fort is by ferry.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Tampa East RV Resort is one of the best RV Parks near Tampa, FL. This park features a coin-operated laundromat, shower house, clubhouse, fitness center, game room, library and swimming pools. The RV sites at this campground are pet-friendly and can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet long. Amenities include full hookups with 30- to 50-amp electricity and free Wi-Fi. Sun Lake RV Resort is in Ruskin, FL. Situated on a small lake, this is the perfect location for nature lovers who don't want to leave their campground to go fishing. They have room to store your boat or the option to rent one if you don't have your own. This RV Park features modern laundry facilities, bathrooms, showers, a rec center with a pool table, a heated pool, shuffleboard and planned activities. Each site features full hookups and 30- to 50-amp electricity, free Wi-Fi, a cement patio and a picnic table. This park is centrally located near exciting attractions, including the Dali Museum, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Busch Gardens. Spanish Main RV Resort is nearby in Thonotosassa, FL. This campground has two ponds for catch-and-release fishing, a heated pool, shuffleboard and basketball courts, coin-operated laundry facilities, a clubhouse and a rec room. Each of their 270 RV sites can accommodate a vehicle up to 40 feet long.
RV Rentals Near Tampa, FL
Traveling by RV provides a unique experience in that you don't need to spend your vacation in one place. You can stay at the Spanish Main RV Resort for a few days while you ride the rides at Busch Gardens, then visit De Soto National Memorial. There are RV-friendly campsites at the Fort De Soto State Park for those who want to extend their stay. If you're on your own and want a rustic camping experience, a camper van or pop-up trailer might be perfect for you. If you don't need a lot of space but want the amenities of home, like a full kitchen and a bathroom with a shower, a Class B motorhome might be more your style. If you want to bring the whole crew and feel right at home with all the space and luxury you can handle, a Class A motorhome, trailer, or fifth-wheel will give you more space as you enjoy your RV adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Motorhome Near Tampa, FL
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 Tampa, 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 Tampa, 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 Tampa, 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.