Everglades National Park is a must-see if you plan to explore South Florida. There are three entrances to the park. The Shark Valley entrance is west of Miami and 315 miles from The Villages. This entrance is notable because the site has a 15-mile paved loop ideal for bicycles, the park's tram, and walkers. You can rent the bikes, and the tram rides include a narrated tour by one of the park's Rangers. If you want to camp overnight in your RV, you'll need to use the main entrance in Homestead. There are two RV parks: Long Pine Key Campground, situated by a fishing pond and a hiking trail, and Flamingo Campground, located on the shores of Florida Bay. Flamingo Campground has hiking and canoe trails as well as salt-water fishing, and it's also the only spot where you'll find RV hookups available. Long Pine Key is open from November to May and closed during the rainy season.
Biscayne National Park is located about 275 miles south of The Villages and makes for a pleasant stopover if you visit the Miami area. Most of the park is water, so you can launch a boat or plan to scuba dive or snorkel. There is no RV camping here, though you will find some options nearby.
Dry Tortugas National Park may be an interesting side trip if you are going to spend some time in Key West. The park covers 100 square miles, including seven islands with their coral reefs. You can reach it by seaplane, boat or a two-hour ferry ride from Key West. The coral reefs and sea turtles provide ample entertainment for snorkelers. Primitive camping is allowed at this site, but campers must bring their own water.
Lake Griffin State Park is a lovely spot about 10 miles southeast of The Villages. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or boats to navigate through the canal and across Lake Griffin. Guided boat rides are available, and fishing and hiking are popular activities here. The RV's maximum allowable length is 40 feet, and there are full hookups in the campgrounds.
Silver Springs State Park is another beautiful area. This park is 23 miles north of The Villages and is renowned for its crystal clear, cool spring water. You can travel down the Silver River and Fort King waterway in a rental canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or transparent bottom kayak. Glass bottom boat tours are also available. There are multiple hiking trails where you might glimpse an armadillo, deer, fox, bobcat, or black bear. RVs with a maximum length of 50 feet are welcome, and there are partial hookups.
You'll find Rainbow Springs State Park 40 miles northwest of The Villages. This lush park has clear spring water, manmade waterfalls, and ornamental gardens. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle along the Rainbow River. Tubing is available from April through September. The campground accommodates RVs up to 103 feet long. All the sites have full hookups.
Florida has three national forests, all allowing RV camping, and they are reasonably close to The Villages.
Ocala National Forest is 31 miles northeast of The Villages. This 383,000-acre forest has more than 600 lakes and ponds and sits between the St. Johns and the Ocklawaha rivers. Favorite activities include fishing, paddling, hiking, and wildlife watching. Be careful when you are on the hiking trails because this park is home to the largest population of bears in Florida. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for alligators when you're around the water. The Salt Springs Recreation Area is the only campground in the park providing full RV hookups.
Oceola National Forest is 113 miles north of The Villages. Hiking trails run through majestic pine forests and swampy waters under cypress trees, and Ocean Point Lake is a relaxing spot to sit back and wait for the fish to bite. RV camping is available at the Ocean Pond Campground, which provides partial hookups for RVs with a maximum length of 50 feet.
Apalachicola National Forest, the largest of Florida's three national forests, is 260 miles from The Villages. This park is a good choice if you are exploring the Florida Panhandle; however, only some campgrounds have electrical hookups. Hunting is a popular activity here, as are hiking, fishing, and swimming. Black bears, alligators, and deer are some of the larger animals you might see on your hikes.
Canaveral National Seashore offers a 25-mile stretch of pristine coastline on a barrier island 84 miles east of The Villages and 20 miles north of the Kennedy Space Center. Its beach is one of the favorite viewing spots when there is a rocket launch. Its Turtle Mound archaeological site is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. There are a few hiking trails, and park rangers lead guided tours. The only camping is on nearby islands that are only accessible by boat.
The Fort Matanzas National Monument honors the Spanish soldiers who defended St. Augustine against British attackers on the Matanzas River. If you are planning a trip to St. Augustine, this might be an enjoyable stop on your way. The fort is on an island, so you'll have to purchase a ferry ticket. During some weekends, soldiers reenact the battle, which the Spanish won.
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument commemorates the Spanish stone fort built in 1695. This time, it's not a British general attacking St. Augustine; it's marauding pirates. One of the hiking trails leads into downtown St. Augustine.
Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake is not your average RV park. It has a nine-hole golf course and a restaurant if you get tired from hiking in the nearby Ocala National Forest and don't want to cook. There's also a lake for those days when you feel like catching your dinner. The resort has full hookups and welcomes RVs up to 65 feet long. This RV resort is 45 miles north of The Villages, just south of Gainesville.
Ocala North RV Park is about a mile away from Orange Lake. It doesn't have a golf course, but it is a heavily wooded site with low prices. There are full hookups for the RVs.
Fisherman’s Cove RV Park is in Tavares on the shores of Lake Harris, 23 miles southeast of The Villages. If you enjoy fishing, you can rent a boat or sit on the dock. The site is 38 miles north of Orlando, so it's an easy commute for day trips. There are 300 RV sites with full hookups.
Lazydays RV at The Villages has a free dump station outside their gates. You can access this 24/7.
Thousand Palms RV Resorts is located in Wildwood, approximately 7 miles south of The Villages. You can use the dump station there for a small fee if you're not a registered guest.
Recreation Plantation RV Resort is in Lady Lake, approximately 5 miles east of The Villages. They charge non-residents $25 to use the dump station.
The Villages is a 34-square-mile master-planned active retirement community in central Florida. Many residents love to travel, and their central Florida location makes them ideally situated to explore the rest of the state. Two RV parking lots in The Villages have a long waiting list.
RVshare has a wide variety of towable trailers, including the very popular travel trailer, which can sleep up to 10 people, depending on its length. If you like to travel with a lot of gear, a toy hauler is your best bet. It has a separate garage area with a loading ramp for motorbikes, bicycles, and an outdoor grill, among other things. If you don't want to bring a car, consider renting a Class A luxurious RV that handles like a bus, a smaller Class C that feels like a car when driving, or the slightly larger Class B built on a small truck chassis.
Kennedy Space Center is 83 miles east of The Villages, which makes it an ideal day trip. Other travelers recommend that you plan on staying at least six hours. The center has guided tours, two IMAX theaters, and interactive exhibits.
St. Augustine is another delightful place to visit. It's about 100 miles northeast of The Villages and well worth the trip, with lots of history, shopping, restaurants, and lovely St. Augustine Beach nearby. From The Villages, you can travel 40 miles west to the Gulf of Mexico or 70 miles east to the Atlantic Ocean to spend a day at more of Florida's beautiful beaches. For fans of the ultimate theme park, The Villages is also about 60 miles northwest of Walt Disney World in Orlando.
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 The Villages, 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 The Villages, 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 The Villages, 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 The Villages, 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 The Villages, FL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in The Villages, 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.
