RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Palm River-Clair Mel, FL
241 campgrounds and RV Parks near Palm River-Clair Mel, FL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
241 campgrounds
45827 campsites
276 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $35,319/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Palm River-Clair Mel, FL
Florida Park Tampa
Tampa, FL (5 miles away)
Hidden River RV Resort
Riverview, FL (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(320 sites)
+4
Lazydays RV Resort
Seffner, FL (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(299 sites)
+8
Tampa RV Park Camp Nebraska
Tampa, FL (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(86 sites)
+3
Happy Travelers RV Park
Thonotosassa, FL (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(224 sites)
+10
McCormick Lakes RV Park
Seffner, FL (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
Tampa East
Dover, FL (11 miles away)
Tampa East RV Resort
Dover, FL (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(694 sites)
+7
Spanish Main RV Resort
Thonotosassa, FL (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(280 sites)
+4
Southern Aire RV Park
Thonotosassa, FL (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(450 sites)
+4
Citrus Hills RV Park
Dover, FL (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(283 sites)
+6
Lone Pine RV Park
Ruskin, FL (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+2
Most common amenities
Laundry Pet friendly Showers Internet Pool Toilets Tables Dump station RV storage Cable TV
Campgrounds near Palm River-Clair Mel
Palm River-Clair Mel sits just east of downtown Tampa along the Palm River and Tampa Bay, putting RV travelers within a short drive of both urban attractions and Hillsborough County's inland parks. The area works well as a base camp: I-75, I-4, and the Selmon Expressway all meet nearby, so day trips to Gulf beaches, Busch Gardens, and Central Florida theme parks are straightforward.
Campground options near Palm River-Clair Mel range from full-service resort properties to smaller, no-frills RV parks. Lazydays RV Resort sits directly off I-4 in Seffner on a 126-acre property and is one of the largest RV destinations in the region, catering to big rigs with full hookups. Hidden River RV Resort offers a quieter, tree-shaded setting east of the city, while Happy Travelers RV Park and Tampa RV Park Camp Nebraska serve travelers who want basic hookups closer to central Tampa.
Florida Park Tampa rounds out the nearby options for travelers looking to stay close to the bay without committing to a resort-style stay.
Things to do near Palm River-Clair Mel
The Tampa Bay area gives RV travelers a wide mix of activities. Families typically head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and the Florida Aquarium downtown. The Tampa Riverwalk connects several museums and restaurants along the Hillsborough River and is stroller-friendly.
For outdoor plans, Alafia River State Park and Hillsborough River State Park both sit within a short drive and offer paddling, hiking, and swimming holes. Fort De Soto Park on the Gulf side has a dog beach, kayak rentals, and shoreline biking trails.
Day trips reach further: Orlando is about 90 minutes east, and Crystal River for manatee viewing is roughly 90 minutes north. St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach, and the Skyway Fishing Pier are all under an hour away.
Camping spots and RV parks near Palm River-Clair Mel, FL
Seasonal patterns and when to visit Palm River-Clair Mel
- spring
March - May
82° / 64°F 65 mmWarm and dry; good shoulder-season window
- summer
June - August
90° / 75°F 190 mmWet season with daily afternoon thunderstorms
- fall
September - November
84° / 68°F 90 mmHurricane risk peaks; watch NHC forecasts
- winter
December - February
73° / 55°F 66 mmPeak snowbird season; mild and dry, book early
The Tampa Bay area has two basic seasons: a hot and wet season from May through October, and a mild and dry season from November through April. Peak RV season runs from January through March, when snowbirds fill private parks and daytime highs sit in the comfortable seventies. Sites at popular resorts often book months in advance for this window, and monthly rates typically require a longer lead time.
Late spring is a shoulder season with warm, dry weather before the summer storm pattern sets in. From June through September, heavy afternoon thunderstorms are a near-daily occurrence, usually building in the late afternoon. Nearly two-thirds of the annual precipitation falls in the months of June through September.
Fall overlaps with the peak of Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November. RV travelers coming August through October should monitor National Hurricane Center forecasts and confirm cancellation policies before booking.
Top Hosts near Palm River-Clair Mel, FL
moises56 trips - Joined Nov 2020
All good nice setup support person
Safraz K. - Jul 2024
Everything worked perfectly! Moises is a great host, he responded to all my questions and calls and even provided his personal camping app, which is a great find if you are into off grid cool safe camping spots to discover. It's not fancy on the outside, but the price is good and all the features are functional.
Mina H. - Mar 2024
Chris21 trips - Joined Oct 2020
Chris is great and so is the van!! Definitely will rent again!
Sarabeth H. - Jun 2026
Excellent Campervan Experience We recently rented a campervan to travel to Savannah and Northern Georgia. We had a great time, thanks to the excellent orientation provided by Morgan. We truly had everything we needed, from a French Press to start our days out right to a comfy bed that accommodated two adults comfortably. It was an amazing experience, with all the comforts of home while still being able to connect with nature. Morgan was a phenomenal host and we can't recommend him highly enough!
Omar D. - Mar 2026
How to book campgrounds near Palm River-Clair Mel
Most private RV parks in the Tampa area, including Lazydays RV Resort, Hidden River RV Resort, Happy Travelers RV Park, Tampa RV Park Camp Nebraska, and Florida Park Tampa, take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Winter stays and monthly rates often require deposits and should be locked in several months out.
For state park camping, the Florida State Parks reservation system opens sites on a rolling window: eleven months in advance for Florida residents and ten months for non-residents. Hillsborough River State Park and Alafia River State Park both fill quickly for weekends and school breaks. Hillsborough County parks handle their own reservations through the county's recreation portal.
RV travelers should confirm site length, hookup type (30-amp versus 50-amp), and pet policies at the time of booking, since these vary widely between properties.
What to expect on the ground
Most private parks near Palm River-Clair Mel are paved or hard-packed with level pads and full hookups. Resort-style properties add pools, laundry, clubhouses, and planned activities, while smaller parks focus on basic power, water, and sewer connections. Cell service is reliable across the metro area.
Summer visitors should plan for high humidity, biting insects near wetland areas, and daily thunderstorms that can knock out power briefly. Awnings should be retracted when storms approach, since gust fronts move fast. Mosquito repellent and sun protection are essentials from May through October.
Traffic on I-4 and I-75 backs up during weekday commute hours and around theme park exits on weekends. Travelers towing longer rigs should plan arrivals and departures outside of rush windows.
Own an RV? Earn up to $35,319/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Palm River-Clair Mel, FL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Palm River-Clair Mel, FL?
RV rental in Palm River-Clair Mel is often more affordable than a hotel near Tampa or Brandon. Travel trailers typically average around $125 to $175 per night, while motorhomes generally range from $175 to $275 per night, with many hosts offering weekly or monthly discounts. To find a cheap RV rental in Palm River-Clair Mel, use the price filter and consider shoulder months like April, May, or September when demand softens after snowbird season. Pro tip: booking a travel trailer with delivery often costs less than driving a motorhome yourself because you skip the fuel burn on I-75 and the Selmon Expressway.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Palm%20River-Clair%20Mel%2C%20FloridaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Palm River-Clair Mel, FL?
Great news for first-time renters: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Palm River-Clair Mel, FL. Florida does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement for motorhomes or travel trailers available on RVezy, including Class A rigs used for personal travel. You will need to be 25 or older to be an approved driver, and RVezy verifies your ID securely through the platform before your trip starts. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home-country license. No DMV trip, no skills test, no surprises before you head toward the Courtney Campbell Causeway and the beaches.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs insurance and roadside assistance included with my Palm River-Clair Mel RV rental?
Yes, every RV rental in Palm River-Clair Mel booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance built into your reservation. You choose your protection level at checkout, not the host, so you can match the coverage to your trip. If you get a flat on the Selmon Expressway or need a jump start at Hillsborough River State Park, one call to roadside assistance dispatches help any time, day or night. Coverage details, including what is and is not covered, are outlined on the RVezy insurance and protection page so you can review before booking.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat if I need to cancel my Palm River-Clair Mel RV rental?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy, not the individual host, sets a standardized cancellation policy for every rental. There is a grace-period window after booking where you can cancel for a full refund, and additional refund tiers apply depending on how far out from your trip you cancel. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or provides travel credit so you are not left scrambling. If your plans shift, log in, open your booking, and follow the cancellation steps, or reach out to RVezy support to walk through your options.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Palm River-Clair Mel?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in Palm River-Clair Mel is easy to find. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see listings from hosts who welcome dogs and cats. Once you arrive, your pup will love the area: Davis Islands Dog Park sits right on the water in downtown Tampa, Picnic Island Beach Dog Park allows leash-free Gulf swimming, and Hillsborough County campgrounds allow up to two cats or dogs per site. Bring vaccination records, a tie-out, and a collapsible water bowl for Florida's heat. Pro tip: many hosts charge a small pet cleaning fee, so message them through the listing before booking to confirm any specifics.
hcfl.gov/residents/parks-and-leisure/camping/camping-faqsCan I get the RV delivered to my campground or vacation rental near Palm River-Clair Mel?
Yes, RV delivery in Palm River-Clair Mel is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers who would rather skip driving a 30-foot motorhome through Tampa traffic. Many hosts will deliver and set up your RV at a campground like Hillsborough River State Park, a relative's driveway, or a tailgate spot near Raymond James Stadium. They will level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. Delivery fees are set by the host and depend on distance, so use the Delivery filter and compare a few listings. It is the easiest way to enjoy an RV trip in Palm River-Clair Mel without ever getting behind the wheel.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Palm%20River-Clair%20Mel%2C%20FloridaHow far can I drive on a Palm River-Clair Mel RV trip?
Your mileage depends on the host's policy, and many offer generous daily allowances or even RV rental with unlimited mileage. Some hosts include 100-150 free miles per day with a small per-mile charge after that, while others bundle in higher caps for long trips. From Palm River-Clair Mel you're perfectly positioned: Clearwater Beach is 30 miles west, Anna Maria Island is 50 miles south, the Kennedy Space Center is 130 miles east, the Florida Keys are about 290 miles south, and Walt Disney World in Orlando is just 75 miles up I-4. Filter for unlimited-mileage listings if you're planning a longer loop, and confirm the policy in the listing details before booking.
fdot.gov/Where are the best campgrounds near Palm River-Clair Mel?
You're surrounded by some of Florida's best RV camping. Hillsborough River State Park, just 20 miles northeast in Thonotosassa, offers full-hookup sites along a swift, scenic river plus the Fort Foster historic replica. Lithia Springs Park, run by Hillsborough County about 25 miles southeast, has shaded RV sites near a crystal-clear natural spring. Lazydays RV Resort in Seffner is famous nationwide and just 10 miles east. For beach lovers, Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County is roughly 30 miles southwest with waterfront sites. Book Florida State Parks 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica, especially for winter, and reserve Hillsborough County parks up to 6 months ahead.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hillsborough-river-state-parkWhen is the best time to rent an RV in Palm River-Clair Mel?
The smart-money answer for Palm River-Clair Mel is late October through April, when daytime temperatures sit in the 70s and humidity drops to comfortable levels. This is peak snowbird season, so book your motorhome rental in Palm River-Clair Mel 2-3 months ahead for the best selection. Summer (June through September) brings 90 degree heat, daily afternoon thunderstorms, and Atlantic hurricane season, but it's also when you'll find the lowest rates and easy last-minute availability. Spring break in March is busy and beach-bound, so reserve early. Local insider tip: February's Florida State Fair and Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa are incredible times to camp nearby with the family.
weather.gov/tbw/I've never driven an RV before. Is that okay?
Yes, first time renting an RV is exactly who RVezy is built for. Every host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through the propane, water systems, slide-outs, leveling, and dump procedures so you leave feeling confident. You can also message any host through the listing before booking to ask questions about driving the specific rig. If you're nervous about Tampa's busy interstates like I-4 and I-75, choose a smaller Class C motorhome or travel trailer, or pick delivery so the host parks it for you. Pro tip: practice in a quiet parking lot like the Florida State Fairgrounds lot before heading out on your first big drive.
flhsmv.gov/safety-center/What happens if something goes wrong on the road during my Palm River-Clair Mel RV trip?
You are covered around the clock. Every RV rental on RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so whether you have a flat tire on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a dead battery at a Brandon parking lot, or a mechanical hiccup heading toward the Everglades, one phone call dispatches help. Your host is also a direct resource for quirks specific to their RV, like which breaker controls the converter, so save their number in your phone before you leave. RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after every trip. Most issues are minor and resolved quickly so you can get back to enjoying Florida.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Palm River-Clair Mel RV rental out of Florida or across the border?
Yes, an RV road trip from Palm River-Clair Mel can absolutely cross state lines. Popular routes include I-10 west to New Orleans (about 640 miles), I-95 north to Savannah and Charleston, and a scenic loop through the Smoky Mountains. Cross-border travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the host and your protection plan, so confirm in writing through the RVezy messaging system before booking. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because the protection plan does not extend there. If you are planning a multi-state trip, message the host upfront about mileage allowances so you can budget accordingly.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on a Florida RV trip?
Fuel is one of the easier expenses to predict for your RV trip from Palm River-Clair Mel. Class B campervans typically get 18-22 mpg, Class C motorhomes return 8-12 mpg, and large Class A rigs run 6-10 mpg. Florida gas prices typically run a bit below the national average, with diesel slightly higher. A 200 mile round trip to Anna Maria Island in a Class C would cost roughly $60-80 in gas. Use the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest stations along I-4 or US-41, and avoid filling up right next to Tampa International Airport where prices spike. Travel trailers paired with a host's truck often deliver the best miles-per-dollar value.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Palm River-Clair Mel?
Booking early is the single best way to lock in your favorite spot. Florida State Parks like Hillsborough River and nearby Myakka River open reservations 11 months out through the ReserveAmerica system and waterfront sites can fill within minutes of release, especially for winter months. Hillsborough County parks such as Lithia Springs and Edward Medard accept reservations up to 6 months ahead through their online portal. Private RV resorts like Lazydays and Bay Bayou typically book 2-3 months out for peak snowbird season (November through April). Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for exactly 11 months before your dates and log in at 8 AM Eastern when the booking window opens.
floridastateparks.org/learn/reservationsWhat are driving conditions like around Palm River-Clair Mel?
Driving an RV in the Tampa Bay area is very manageable with a little planning. Palm River-Clair Mel sits right next to the Selmon Expressway and I-75, both wide, well-marked, and RV-friendly. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge to the south is dramatic but exposed to wind, so check the Florida 511 site for high-wind warnings on storm days. Avoid the low-clearance Bayshore Boulevard underpasses in downtown Tampa with tall rigs. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can drop heavy rain quickly, so pull off if visibility drops. The terrain is famously flat, which makes for relaxed driving and great fuel economy, no white-knuckle mountain passes here.
fl511.com/What hookups and amenities will I find at campgrounds near Palm River-Clair Mel?
Local campgrounds are well-equipped for an easy RV camping Palm River-Clair Mel experience. Most private resorts like Lazydays, Bay Bayou, and Tampa East offer full hookups (30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer at the site), free Wi-Fi, laundry, pools, and propane refills on site. Florida State Parks such as Hillsborough River provide electric and water at sites plus a central dump station, but no sewer hookup at individual pads. Hillsborough County parks usually have water and electric. Fresh-water fill stations and dump stations are widely available, and you can find locations through the free Sanidumps or RV Dump Stations apps for spots along your route.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hillsborough-river-state-parkWhat's actually inside an RV rental from Palm River-Clair Mel?
You'll be impressed by how well-equipped modern RVs are. Most rentals on RVezy come fully stocked with a queen or king bed, a kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink, cookware), a bathroom with shower and toilet, climate control with roof-mount AC tuned for Florida heat, and seatbelts for every traveling passenger. Many include flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth stereos, outdoor awnings, and even generators for boondocking. Wi-Fi is usually via your own hotspot or campground network. Each listing has a detailed amenities list, photos, and a sleeps count, so filter by what matters most to your family. Linens, kitchenware, and outdoor chairs are often included or available as low-cost add-ons.
rvia.org/What add-ons and pickup logistics should I plan for?
Hosts offer a menu of useful add-ons that make your Palm River-Clair Mel RV trip smoother. Popular extras include linen and towel packages ($25-75), kitchen kits, outdoor chairs and grills, bike racks, generators, propane refills, and Starlink Wi-Fi. Some hosts include these free; others charge a small fee, all clearly listed on the listing page. Pickup typically happens at the host's home in or near Palm River-Clair Mel, with a 30-60 minute orientation walkthrough. Drop-off usually requires returning the RV clean, with a full propane tank and emptied black/gray tanks (or paying a dump fee). Pro tip: schedule a midday pickup so you can grocery shop at the nearby Brandon Town Center before heading out.
visittampabay.com/How does payment and the security deposit work for a Palm River-Clair Mel RV rental?
Payment is straightforward and secure. When you book your RV rental in Palm River-Clair Mel through RVezy, you pay the rental cost, taxes, and fees directly on the platform with a credit or debit card, with no cash exchanged with the host. A refundable security deposit is held separately on your card before the trip starts, typically a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on the RV, and it is released back to you after the host confirms a clean, damage-free return. To avoid holdups, take date-stamped photos of the RV interior and exterior at pickup and drop-off, return it with the agreed fuel and propane levels, and empty the tanks if your host requires it.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Palm River-Clair Mel during hurricane season?
Yes, you can plan a summer or fall RV trip from Palm River-Clair Mel, just travel informed. Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and storms in the Tampa Bay area are typically tracked days in advance by the National Hurricane Center. RVezy's standardized cancellation policy considers named-storm evacuations, and Hillsborough County issues clear evacuation-zone guidance when a system threatens the coast. Sign up for HCFL Alert notifications before your trip, watch the National Weather Service Tampa Bay forecast, and keep a backup inland campground like Hillsborough River State Park or Lithia Springs in mind. Most summer trips go off without a hitch, and you will often score the lowest rates of the year.
nhc.noaa.gov/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Tampa, FLMiami, FLGainesville, FLFort Myers, FLBranford, FLConway, FLGoldenrod, FLSt. Petersburg, FLFruit Cove, FLDunedin, FLCoral Terrace, FLPalmona Park, FLDoral, FLOdessa, FLGreater Carrollwood, FLBell, FLDeBary, FLCelebration, FLRio Pinar, FLBelleview, FLMinneola, FLDelray Beach, FLOak Ridge, FLSilver Springs, FL