In the late 1880s, Zephyrhills was a town dominated by a thriving lumber and turpentine industry. The town was once known as Abbot Station, but it received its current name of Zephyrhills in 1910. After World War I, Howard Jeffries founded the Zephyrhills Colony Company to create a retirement community for veterans. The company attracted many retirees, contributing to the town's growth. The region's natural springs also drew attention and interest, leading to the establishment of the Zephyrhills Water Corporation in 1961 by Don Robinson. The corporation began bottling the area's pure spring water, and Zephyrhills became known as "The City of Pure Water." As the population grew, the town experienced commercial development, including the construction of dining establishments and shopping centers during the 1970s and 1980s. Developers added subdivisions and increased the variety of residential communities as the population continued to expand through the 1990s and into the 21st century. With plenty of undeveloped lands, Zephyrhills has become a popular skydiving destination, with Skydive City attracting both experienced skydivers and novice jumpers. Hillsborough River State Park is just a short drive south of the city center. This area provides an ideal escape from the bustle of the city. The park features hiking and nature trails, a beautiful view of the surrounding area, and outdoor activities like biking and fishing. The park's picnic facilities also make it an excellent spot for a meal. Whether you want to explore recreational activities or enjoy the area's natural beauty, consider a Zephyrhills, Florida RV rental for your next trip.
The Ocala National Forest is the southernmost forest in the United States. It is also the largest sand pine scrub forest in the world. With over 600 lakes, rivers, and springs, Ocala is a popular destination for RVers who love fishing, boating, and swimming. The forest also has numerous hiking trails, off-road vehicle trails, and campgrounds for visitors to enjoy. If you want to take a two-hour drive, you can check out the Osceola National Forest. This forest is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. It also has several lakes and streams that offer excellent fishing opportunities. There are also miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore. RVers can also enjoy camping at one of the many campgrounds located throughout the forest. The Apalachicola National Forest is the largest national forest in Florida, covering over 632,000 acres. The forest has many rare and endangered species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker and the eastern indigo snake. While there, you can hike the trails, go fishing in the lakes and streams, or camp in the designated wooded areas.
The Florida State Fair is held annually in Tampa in February. It is one of the largest fairs in the United States. Visitors can enjoy rides, games, live music, and a variety of food vendors.
Pasco County Fair takes place in Dade City in March. This fair is a fun-filled event for the whole family. While you are there, you can enjoy livestock exhibits, carnival rides, and live music.
The Chasco Fiesta is a festival in New Port Richey in April. This celebration is a ten-day celebration of the Native American culture and heritage of the area. Check out the street parade, live music, food vendors, and carnival rides.
Everglades National Park, covering over 1.5 million acres of land, is the only tropical wilderness in the United States. It is a popular destination for those exploring Florida's natural landscapes and wildlife. While there, you could encounter American crocodiles, West Indian manatees, and Florida panthers. The park offers various activities like backcountry camping, hiking along scenic trails, and airboat tours through the mangrove forests. This park is an excellent place to take your toy trailer for some recreational fun. For those who prefer to stay near a city, Biscayne National Park is an excellent option. This park offers stunning views of crystal blue waters and vibrant coral reefs. While much of the park is underwater, snorkeling and diving are popular activities. On land, visitors can spot pelicans and bottlenose dolphins near Biscayne Bay.
The Hillsborough River State Park is a beautiful natural area that offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, canoeing, and fishing. The park features several scenic trails, including the popular Baynard Trail, which winds through a beautiful forest of oak and pine trees. You can even set up your motorhome or camper van at one of the 113 camping sites in the park. Another great spot is Alafia River State Park. This park is a beautiful natural area for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. If you want to explore, check out a few of the scenic trails, including the popular North Creek Trail. The Colt Creek State Park is a large nature preserve that spans over 5,000 acres of native Central Florida habitat. The park has diverse natural features, including open vistas, winding creeks, large strands of longleaf pine flatwoods, and thick cypress domes that provide a unique glimpse into the region's biodiversity. Visitors to the park can observe a wide variety of native wildlife, including white-tailed deer, otters, and several rare bird species.
The De Soto National Memorial is a significant historic site that commemorates the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors who marched through the state in search of gold. At the living history museum, Camp Uzita, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the Native Americans and the conquistadors during the year 1539. In addition to its historical significance, the park also offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful waterfront landscape. With its beaches, hiking trails, and boating opportunities, there are plenty of ways to soak up the stunning natural surroundings. Canaveral National Seashore is a stunning 25-mile stretch of untouched coastline that offers visitors a glimpse of Florida's pristine natural beauty. Unlike other Atlantic beaches crowded with developments, Canaveral National Seashore is unspoiled and remains one of the most stunning destinations in the state. You can enjoy a range of activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and birdwatching. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can explore the seashore's diverse ecosystems by taking one of the hiking trails. The seashore is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, manatees, and birds. Fort Matanzas National Monument was a crucial defense structure for the Spanish colony of St. Augustine. Today, you can take your Zephyrhills, Florida RV rental here for a relaxing trip. The fort's location on Anastasia Island's beachfront also serves as a wildlife refuge, preserving dunes and a portion of the Atlantic Ocean. This national monument is home to diverse animals and birds, such as northern river otters, West Indian manatees, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and North Atlantic right whales.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale is the perfect destination for you. You can soak up the tropical vibes at the Tiki bar, relax by the firepits, or dip in the resort pool. The entertainment stage provides live music and events for guests, while the putting course and playground offer fun for all ages. If you have furry friends, you'll be happy to know that the resort has dog parks. This campground can accommodate rigs of all sizes, from Class A motorhomes to pop-up campers. Torrey Trails RV & Golf Resort is a 55 and up community designed for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle in a peaceful countryside setting. The resort has many amenities, including a nine-hole golf course, a large, heated pool, a nature preserve, and a three-mile hiking trail. Each RV site is fully landscaped, equipped with concrete pads and full hook-ups to connect your rig. The resort provides a fitness center, social events, laundry facilities, and showers for added comfort. Lakeland RV Resort provides a luxurious escape for those exploring Central Florida. This campground is a top choice for families who want to park their travel trailers or Class C rigs. The Lakeland RV Resort offers an array of amenities, including a family game room, a full kitchen, a hot tub, and a heated pool with a lounge area. Guests can participate in community social activities like movie nights, cruises, and campfire gatherings. The fully stocked lake is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. The resort also offers miniature golf, billiards, and shuffleboard for entertainment. Pet owners will appreciate the pet-friendly amenities like the dog washing area and park.