Dreaming of cruising down Florida's beach-lined coastlines? An RV rental is the perfect way to experience the Sunshine State at your own pace.
Starting your adventure in Tampa provides easy access to all that Florida has to offer. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to plan your unforgettable Florida RV road trip, starting from Tampa.
Florida's blend of beautiful beaches, famous theme parks, and the Florida Keys makes it an ideal destination for RV travel. Choosing Tampa as your starting point offers several advantages:
Central Location: Tampa's location on the west coast provides easy access to both the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Coast, as well as inland attractions.
Airport Access: Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a major international airport, making it convenient for fly-and-drive RV vacations.
Gateway to Adventure: Tampa serves as a perfect launchpad for exploring Orlando, Miami, the Everglades, and the Florida Keys.
Cruise America: A well-known national brand, their depot in Tampa has both the C25 and C30 vehicles available to rent.
El Monte RV: One of the largest RV rental companies with a top-class fleet. Their nearest depots are in Miami and Orlando.
Best Time to Travel: Spring (March-April) and Fall (September-February) offer the most pleasant weather for RV travel in Florida. Summer can be hot and humid, so choose an RV with air-conditioning.
Route Planning: Florida has a well-maintained network of highways. Plan your route considering distances, road conditions, and points of interest. Utilise online mapping tools and RV-specific navigation apps, such as Sygic GPS (with What3Words), GasBuddy, Maps.me, and Google Maps.
Reservations: Book your RV rental and campsite reservations well in advance, especially if travelling during peak season or holidays. Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly.
Pet-Friendly Travel: Many RV rentals and campgrounds are pet-friendly, but always check the specific policies before booking, as there may be an additional fee.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Florida:
Caladesi Island State Park | An island accessible only by boat, Caladesi offers white sand beaches, a 3-mile kayak trail, and a 3-mile hiking trail. ($6.00 per boat in 2026). |
Hillsborough River State Park | South of Tampa, this park features nature trails, kayaking and canoeing, with RV camping available. |
Florida Caverns State Park (Marianna) | Explore underground caverns with limestone formations on a guided tour. The park also offers hiking trails and a 9-hole golf course. Stay at the campground or nearby RV resorts. |
Cedar Key | Experience "Old Florida" in this town with 19th-century architecture, with no big-box stores or chain hotels. Visit the general store, street art, and camp at Shell Mound County Park next to an archaeological site. |
Rainbow River State Park | Enjoy the clear turquoise lagoon by kayak, swim or snorkel. The headwaters pump out 493 million gallons of water per day, with underwater visibility exceeding 250 feet. |
Little Big Econ State Forest | Hike the Florida Trail along the Econlockhatchee River, through various ecosystems. Look for alligators and bald eagles. |
Lake Apopka North Shore | Explore this restored area with over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, known as a premier birding destination with 362 recorded bird species. |
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo) | Discover the country’s first undersea park with 70 nautical square miles of clear blue waters. Activities include kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat tours. Snorkel around the Spanish shipwreck at Cannon Beach. |
Ocala National Forest | Explore cypress swamps, trails, waterways, and natural springs. Juniper Run and the Yearling Trail at Silver Glen Springs are must-do activities. |
Space Coast | Visit Kennedy Space Center and explore the nearby beaches. Stay at Jetty Park at Port Canaveral to watch rocket launches. |
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort | Enjoy a family-friendly camping destination with access to Disney theme parks. The campground offers pools, a waterslide, and various activities. |
Blackwater River State Park | Enjoy the scenic river with clear, tea-coloured water, bluffs, and white-sand beaches. The park is ideal for tubing, paddling, hiking, and fishing. |
Blowing Rocks Preserve | See a rocky shoreline with limestone outcroppings where waves crash and shoot into the air. Explore coastal trails and watch for dolphins and sea turtles. |
Here's some helpful advice for taking your family in an RV to Florida's theme parks:
Plan Ahead: Study theme park websites and maps to prioritise rides and attractions. Purchase tickets in advance to save money and time and beat the queues. Buy timed tickets for the big rides.
Fort Wilderness Resort: Staying at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, has an RV campground on its property and offers free transport to the Disney theme parks. The resort has swimming pools, stores, restaurants, and various outdoor activities. Renting a golf cart is recommended for getting around the campground.
Plan Non-Park Days: Plan plenty of non-park days to save money and relax more.
Pack Snacks and Drinks: Theme park food can be expensive, so bring your own snacks and drinks.
Safety: If you have children who tend to wander off, pin information about the parents/guardians (and a cell phone number) to their clothing. Decide upon an easily identifiable landmark where you can meet if anyone gets separated. Use walkie-talkies or tracking on mobile phones.
Be Flexible: Keep in mind that the weather, crowds, and ride availability can affect your plan, so be prepared to adjust as needed. Do the most popular rides early in the morning, moving to the back of the park first. Use peak times in the early afternoon for eating, shopping, and shows.
Book Early: Reservations at popular parks in Florida can be hard to come by if you don't book well ahead of time.
Big Sur: Experience the dramatic coastline, including McWay Falls.
Monterey: Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and historic Cannery Row.
Santa Cruz: Enjoy the boardwalk, beaches, and redwood forests.
Yosemite National Park: Hike among giant sequoias and marvel at iconic landmarks like Half Dome.
Napa Valley: Indulge in wine tasting at world-renowned vineyards. Some vineyards offer overnight camping.
Unique Coastal Towns and Memorable Stops
Santa Monica Pier: A historic landmark with retro rides, an arcade, and an aquarium.
Golden Gate Bridge: Walk or bike across the bridge for stunning views.
Pismo Beach: Known for its historic pier and Monarch Butterfly Grove (October-February).
Santa Barbara: Admire the Spanish colonial architecture and enjoy waterfront dining.
Natural Hidden Spots
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (Cambria): Hike along the coastal bluffs and watch for whales.
Cayucos Tide Pools: Explore abundant marine life during low tide.
Ragged Point: Hike the Black Swift Trail to a hidden waterfall and black sand beach.
Historical Attractions
Dunes Centre (Guadalupe): Discover artefacts from the 1923 film "The Ten Commandments."
Swinging Bridge (Arroyo Grande): A historic suspension bridge built in 1875.
Unusual Experiences
Marley Family Seawoods (Cayucos): Take a seaweed foraging tour.
Piedras Blancas Light Station: Tour an operating lighthouse and spot wildlife.
Hidden Gem Beaches Along the Pacific Coast Highway
Pico Creek Beach (San Simeon): A unique surf spot.
Leffingwell Landing (Cambria): Ideal for tide pool exploration and sunset views.
Sandspit Beach (Montaña de Oro State Park): A secluded beach with Morro Rock views.
Coon Creek Beach (Montaña de Oro): Accessible via a trail, featuring sea caves.
Oso Flaco Lake & Beach: A transition from farmland to dunes, perfect for bird-watching.
Secret Beaches
Shark Fin Cove (Davenport): Features a distinctive shark fin-shaped rock and a cave.
Dunes Beach (Half Moon Bay): Less crowded and great for fishing and picnicking.
Pro Tip: Always check local access restrictions and tide conditions before visiting these secluded beaches.
Preparing for Your Trip:
Book in advance, especially during peak seasons
Plan your route using tools like [Google Maps] or RV-specific apps.
Use RV-friendly apps like Campendium or AllStays for parking and campsite locations.
Driving and Parking:
Be mindful of RV dimensions, particularly for bridges and tunnels.
Familiarise yourself with the vehicle's features before departure.
One-Way (28 Days) | Things to see: |
San Jose to Seattle | Redwoods National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Portland, Olympic National Park |
San Jose to Las Vegas | Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon |
Return (28 Days) | Things to see: |
San Jose - Big Sur - Los Angeles - San Diego - San Jose | Pacific Coast Highway views, Santa Monica Pier, San Diego Zoo |
San Jose - Lake Tahoe - Napa Valley - San Francisco - San Jose | Lake Tahoe, wine tasting in Napa Valley, Golden Gate Bridge |
28-Day National Park Road Trip | Things to see: |
Week 1-2: | California's Natural Wonders and Desert Landscapes: Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Death Valley National Park |
Week 3: | Utah's Red Rock Country: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park |
Week 4: | Grand Canyon and Pacific Coast: Grand Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs, Pacific Coast Highway |
Plan Your Route: Use a detailed map or GPS navigation system to plan your route and identify points of interest. It is always useful to have an actual map in case of phone battery failure or no signal.
Book Campgrounds in Advance: Especially during peak seasons, it's advisable to book campsites well in advance.
Pack Essentials: Bring essential items like warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, and first-aid supplies.
Stay Hydrated: The desert climate can be harsh, so drink plenty of water.
Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife and avoid feeding them.
Practice Leave No Trace Principles: Minimise your impact on the environment by packing out all trash and leaving campsites clean.
By following these tips and exploring the suggested itinerary, you can create an unforgettable road trip through some of America's most stunning national parks.
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First-Time RV Driving Tips
Modern RVs have automatic transmissions, backup cameras, and GPS.
RV rentals can save money on accommodations and dining out.
Book campsites in advance, especially in popular areas.
Where to Camp Near San Jose
RV Parks: San Jose KOA offers amenities like hookups and Wi-Fi.
State Parks: Mt. Madonna County Park provides affordable, scenic spots.
Wild Camping: Use apps like Overlander to find legal camping areas.
Top Sites Around San Jose
Tech Museum of Innovation
Winchester Mystery House
San Pedro Square Market
Events to Visit in San Jose
San Jose Jazz Festival (August)
Cinequest Film Festival (March)
Christmas in the Park (December)
Getting Around San Jose
Use apps like Google Maps or offline tools like Maps.me.
San Jose offers public transport options including buses and light rail.
Consider bike rentals for exploring downtown areas.
Eat, Drink, Shop in San Jose
Eat: Try Vietnamese cuisine at Pho Kim Long or Mexican favorites at El Taco de Oro.
Drink: Visit local breweries like Hapa's Brewing Company.
Shop: Explore the Santana Row shopping district.
Ready to plan your trip? Renting an RV to visit San Jose provides freedom and flexibility. Whether you’re exploring California’s stunning landscapes or its vibrant cities, a campervan or motorhome is your perfect travel companion. Get a quote or make a booking request today to start your unforgettable adventure.
