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.
Pet Friendly RV Rentals in Tampa, FL
Browse motorhome by RV Class in Tampa, FL
Class A
Driver should be comfortable driving something as large as a busView all Class A rentals in Tampa
Class B
Comparable to driving and maneuvering an oversized vanView all Class B rentals in Tampa
Class C
Comparable to driving a truck and popular option for beginner RV driversView all Class C rentals in Tampa
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
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 Pet Friendly RV Near Tampa, FL
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with renting a pet-friendly RV in Tampa, FL, and what kind of pet policies do I need to be aware of it?
The fees and charges associated with renting a pet-friendly RV vary by individual listings and are determined by the RV owner. Be sure to check the specific listing for details on any additional fees or deposits required for pets. Additionally, the pet policies for each rental will also vary and are at the discretion of the RV owner. Be sure to review the listing description or ask the owner for more information on their pet policies before booking.
How do I properly prepare my pet for traveling in an RV rental, and what kind of equipment or supplies do I need to bring for them?
To properly prepare your pet for RV travel, bring along their favorite bed, food and water bowls, food, and any medications they may need. Additionally, bring your pet's leash, waste bags, and any toys or treats they may enjoy. It's also a good idea to acclimate your pet to the RV before your trip by introducing them to the space gradually if possible.
Can I bring multiple pets in a pet-friendly RV rental, and are there any size or weight restrictions for my pets?
The number and type of pets allowed will vary depending on the RV owner's policies. Be sure to check the listing details for any restrictions on pet size or weight, as well as the number of pets allowed per rental.
Are any specific RV parks or campgrounds in Tampa, FL particularly well-suited for pets, and what amenities do they offer?
Some RV parks and campgrounds are more pet-friendly than others, so be sure to research your destination beforehand. Look for parks that offer amenities such as pet-friendly trails or dog parks. Additionally, some parks may have specific pet policies or restrictions, so be sure to check before making a reservation.
How do I properly clean and sanitize a pet-friendly RV rental before and after my rental period, particularly regarding pet hair and odors?
Renters should vacuum and sweep thoroughly and wipe down all surfaces with pet-safe cleaning products. Additionally, be sure to dispose of any pet waste in designated trash areas.
What safety considerations must I be aware of when traveling with pets in an RV rental, particularly regarding hot or cold weather conditions?
Pet owners should be aware of hot and cold weather conditions when traveling in an RV with pets. Keep pets hydrated and ensure the RV is properly ventilated and climate-controlled. Additionally, never leave pets alone in a hot or cold RV and be sure to monitor their behavior for signs of distress.
Can I bring my pet supplies and equipment to use with a pet-friendly RV rental, such as a portable pet fence or outdoor playpen?
Yes, renters can bring their own pet supplies and equipment to use with a pet-friendly RV rental, such as a portable pet fence or outdoor playpen. However, be sure to check with the RV owner before bringing any large or bulky items to ensure they can be accommodated.
How do I properly secure and restrain my pet during travel in a pet-friendly RV rental, and what kind of safety equipment or devices do I need to use?
Pets should always be properly secured and restrained during travel in an RV rental. This can include using a pet carrier, seat belt harness, or pet barrier. Ensure that all safety equipment or devices are properly installed and used according to manufacturer instructions.
Can I leave my pet unattended in a pet-friendly RV rental, and if so, are there any specific guidelines or restrictions I need to follow?
Pets should not be left unattended in an RV rental, as it can be dangerous for them and may result in damage to the rental. If it is necessary to leave your pet briefly, ensure that they are properly secured and that the RV is climate-controlled and ventilated.
Can I bring my pet to any activities or attractions in Tampa, FL during my RV rental trip, and what kind of pet policies or restrictions may be in place for these locations?
Pet policies and restrictions for activities and attractions in Tampa, FL will vary by location, so be sure to research beforehand. Some locations may not allow pets at all, while others may have specific areas or guidelines for pet access. Always check with the location beforehand to ensure pets are allowed and to understand any restrictions or guidelines in place.