The best RV rentals in Tampa, FL

Since one of the biggest reasons people rent RVs in Tampa is to spend more time outside, it makes sense to find an RV campground that enhances your camping experience when you aren't out exploring the area.

Hillsborough River State Park is approximately 30 miles from Tampa and the place to stay if you want to spend time at the campground. Here, campers can bike, fish, paddle, and swim. The park is also home to Fort Foster State Historic Site, a replica of the location where soldiers loaded up on field supplies and defended the Hillsborough River bridge crossing during the Second Seminole War. The campsites at Hillsborough River State Park accommodate campers and motorhomes smaller than 50 feet in length. Each space has water, electricity, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Registered campers have access to the dump station and on-site laundry facilities.

To find the best RV parks in Tampa near attractions like ZooTampa, Busch Gardens, and the Florida Aquarium, look to the city's full-service RV resorts. Lazydays RV Resort in Tampa is a family-friendly campground with generous on-site amenities like paved sites, full hookups, and a pickleball court. You won't have to go far to refuel your bellies or your RV because the campground has a Cracker Barrel Restaurant and Flying J Travel Center on site.

Do you want a campground near the ocean? Fort De Soto Park is located on one of the five keys close to the Shell Key Preserve. The campground accommodates small campervans and popup trailers as well as large fifth wheels and motorhomes. The park has restrooms with showers and a dump station, and each camping site has water and electrical hookups. Fort De Soto Park is an excellent location for bird watching and paddling.

In Tampa, you won't run out of opportunities to see and learn about some of Florida's native animals and marine life. ZooTampa at Lowry Park has exhibits featuring animals like the American alligator, Florida panther, river otter, and the manatee. To see a larger concentration of aquatic species, visit the Florida Aquarium, where the underwater exhibits showcase a variety of fresh and saltwater marine life. In case the zoo and aquarium don't fill your manatee-viewing bucket list, stop by some of Tampa's manatee viewing areas to see the lovable sea cows in their native environment. During the winter, the best places to look for manatees are the Manatee Viewing Center or the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Since oversized parking isn't guaranteed, it's best to leave your RV at the campground or call before your visit to ask about RV parking.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of Florida's most loved and oldest roadside attractions. The park is home to live mermaid shows and the deepest freshwater caves in the country. Since 1947, the Weeki Wachee Mermaids have captivated visitors' hearts. Weeki Wachee has several other fun park attractions like the Buccaneer Bay spring-fed water park and a riverboat cruise. It's possible to spend the whole day close to the water, paddling, snorkeling and swimming.

The Tampa Bay area supports an active lifestyle, and it's not hard to find things to do outside. The Tampa Riverwalk has something for everyone. Walk or rent a bike and take a 2.4-mile self-guided tour of Tampa's public art. For an entertaining tour of the Riverwalk, hop aboard the narrated Pirate Water Taxi and cruise the Hillsborough River. Or keep your sea legs dry and have a snack near Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and watch the kids play. The park features two splash pads, a dog park, a playground, and food vendors.

Does your family flip over roller coasters and water rides? Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Adventure Island Water Park. Both amusement parks consistently top Tampa's list of favorite attractions. Plus, it's easy and convenient to take your rental camper with you and park onsite. RV parking is available at both locations, and nothing sounds better than a lunchtime nap in the RV!