European-American settlers first arrived in the area that would become Lakeland in the 1870s. They came from Missouri, Kentucky, Georgia, and South Carolina. When the rail service arrived in the 1880s, freedmen railway workers began settling there, and the city started expanding. Lakeland was incorporated on January 1st, 1885. It was named for the many beautiful lakes in the area. When the Spanish-American War happened around the turn of the 20th century, more than 9,000 troops were housed in town, which was the beginning of a huge point in Lakeland's development.
Today, Lakeland has a population of around 112,000 people and is the largest city in Polk County. In addition to the many peaceful lakes found around the city, the Lakeland area boasts numerous scenic parks and hiking trails as well. If you're looking to do some wildlife watching, you can head to the Circle B Bar Reserve, which is home to lots of interesting birds, reptiles, mammals, and plants. Speaking of plants, you could also take a pleasant stroll through Hollis Garden, where you'll find over 10,000 flowers and many picturesque fountains.
Of course, you can't discuss Lakeland without talking about the lakes, and there are several that are worth making a point to visit. You can spend a day boating and/or fishing at Lake Parker, have a picnic beside gorgeous Lake Morton, or take a bike ride around Lake Hollingsworth while doing some bird watching.
Lakeland features plenty of museums and other indoor attractions, too. Historic Polk Theatre is a fantastic place to catch a live show, and Lakeland Center hosts a diverse variety of events. If you're in search of an educational activity, you can stop by Fantasy of Flight, the Explorations V Children’s Museum, or the Polk Museum of Art.
Mayfaire by-the-Lake - The Mayfaire by-the-Lake festival takes place at Lake Morton each year on Mother's Day weekend. The annual event has become one of Florida's premier outdoor art festivals and is definitely worth checking out.
Central Florida Comic Con - Come out to the RP Funding Center in late January for Central Florida's annual celebration of comics, film, TV, toys, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy!
Up Up and Away Florida Hot Air Balloon Festival - The annual Hot Air Balloon Festival happens at the SUN N' FUN Expo Campus in early May. The educational event features hot air balloon launches, live music, vendors, food, and numerous activities for attendees of all ages!
Lakeland is located in Central Florida, approximately 30 miles east of Tampa and 45 miles southwest of Orlando. The city, which is the largest in Polk County, is mostly known for the huge collection of lakes, both large and small, that surround it. Lakeland is also home to the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, which you can see for yourself at Florida Southern College.
Lakeland features a charming downtown district, where you can check out the beautiful 19th-century architecture and browse various antique shops and cafés. A few of the best restaurants and breweries to visit in town include Cob & Pen, Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille, and Nineteen61.
The sun is often shining in Lakeland, and you can enjoy the lovely weather by taking a stroll through Bonnet Springs Park or Hollis Garden. For something more exciting, you could embark on a fascinating wildlife safari at Safari Wilderness or spend an afternoon observing the many local species in the Circle B Bar Reserve.
Lakeland is also home to many unique museums, such as The Polk Museum of Art, the Florida Air Museum, and the Florida Children's Museum. There are several popular spots to catch live entertainment as well, including the historic Polk Theatre, the Lakeland Community Theatre, and the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra.
If you're spending time in the Lakeland, FL area, you'll have a wide variety of RV rental options available to you through RVshare. With an RV rental, it's convenient to camp in peaceful, remote areas as well as popular campgrounds like the Saddle Creek Campground or Colt Creek State Park. RVshare offers various types, styles, and sizes of RVs, including travel trailers, Class A and C motorhomes, and Class B camping vans.
If you rent an RV during your visit to Lakeland, you'll have no problem visiting awesome destinations such as Alafia River State Park, Canaveral National Seashore, and the De Soto National Memorial. At these great sites and many others, an RV will allow you to camp in the area you're exploring, and you'll be able to bring any necessary equipment for outdoor recreation with you.
Each type of RV rental offered by RVshare offers unique advantages. If your main priorities are luxury and comfort, you may consider a Class A motorhome. These RVs can usually sleep between five and 10 people and tend to offer numerous amenities and lots of space. Class C motorhomes are a bit more compact, but they're still very comfortable and are more affordable than Class A options. You could also go with a Class B camping van, which will accommodate two to four people. These vans are smaller and easier to drive, but they still come packed with quite a few luxuries. Alternatively, if you're seeking a towable RV to pack with camping gear or other equipment, there are many travel trailers available to rent around Lakeland.
When renting an RV in Lakeland, FL, you can expect to pay about $250 a night for motorhomes and around $120 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Lakeland, FL RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Lakeland, FL RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Lakeland, FL RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.