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 correctly load and secure my recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental, such as ATVs or dirt bikes, and are there any weight or size limitations I need to be aware of?
It is important to properly load and secure your recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental to ensure safety during travel. Most toy haulers come equipped with tie-downs and rails specifically designed for securing equipment. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight capacity and loading instructions. You should also check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific instructions or recommendations.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need on the toy hauler rental's garage area, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need for this?
Proper maintenance of the toy hauler is handled by the RV owner. As the renter you are responsible for being cautious and following instructions to avoid damages, as well as keeping the trailer clean and in the condition you found it.
Are there any special insurance considerations or requirements when renting a toy hauler, particularly regarding the transport of recreational equipment?
RVshare rentals always come with insurance, with three options to choose from to best suit your needs.
How do I properly level and stabilize a toy hauler rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilization of the toy hauler rental is needed for optimal comfort and safety.
Can I bring fuel and oil for my recreational equipment, or should I purchase these items after reaching my destination?
It is generally recommended to purchase fuel and oil for your recreational equipment after reaching your destination. Many RV parks and campgrounds have restrictions on fuel storage for safety reasons.
What kind of towing vehicle do I need to rent a toy hauler, and are there any special licensing or certification requirements for operating this vehicle in The Villages, FL?
The type of towing vehicle needed for a toy hauler rental will depend on the weight and towing capacity of the toy hauler itself. It is important to check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific requirements or recommendations. Typically a standard driver’s license is required to tow a toy hauler.
Can I use the garage area of a toy hauler rental to store items other than recreational equipment, and what weight limitations exist for these items?
The garage area of a toy hauler rental can typically be used to store items other than recreational equipment, such as bicycles or camping gear. However, it is important to follow any weight capacity guidelines provided by the manufacturer or rental owner to ensure safe operation.
Are any particular features or amenities available in toy hauler rentals that may not be found in other RVs in The Villages, FL?
Toy hauler rentals often come equipped with unique features and amenities not found in other types of RVs. These can include a garage area for storing and transporting recreational equipment, folding beds or bunks, and outdoor living spaces. Checking with the rental owner for specific features and amenities can help you choose the best option for your travel needs.
