Looking to hit the open road in your RV? Craving sunshine, beaches, and attractions? Then set your sights on one of these RV Parks near Tampa, Florida.
This vibrant Gulf Coast city has exploded into an RV haven. With endless options for parks, exploring, and family fun, Tampa calls to free-spirited travelers.
What makes Tampa such a prime destination? Which parks should you pick for your vacation base? Are safety and cell service covered?
This article peeks into Tampa's RV scene. We'll spotlight can't-miss parks, attractions, and smart tips. Fasten your seatbelt and get ready to ride.
Tampa offers adventure, beauty, and memories waiting to be made.
Top RV Parks Near Tampa For Easy Adventure Access
Whether you're looking for a place to park your RV for a short weekend getaway or a long-term stay, Tampa has something for everyone.
Tampa puts you close to endless adventures like thrilling theme parks, natural wonders, and sparkling shores. Base yourself at one of these prime parks:
1. Bay Bayou RV Resort- Serene Creekside Haven Still Near The Action
This park is located on the banks of Double Branch Creek and offers a peaceful and scenic setting for your RV vacation.
Each of the 300 full-size sites has a patio, picnic table, and all the utility hook-ups you need. Free Wi-Fi is available all over the park and in the clubhouse.
The spacious clubhouse hosts activities like dancing and bingo year-round. It's a place where guests make friends and often return year after year.
There are fishing docks, kayaking routes, and various game courts for outdoor fun. There's also a special park for your dogs.
Want to relax? Enjoy the large heated pool and Tiki Hut. The clubhouse also has a TV and exercise gear.
Daily cleaning keeps the public areas spotless. The park was named the 2023 Florida RV Park of the Year, showing its high quality.
Sports games, beaches, theme parks, and more are just minutes away, making Bay Bayou a convenient base for all kinds of activities.
Bay Bayou isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a community. With activities, comfort, and a great location, it’s a top choice for your next RV vacation. Thank you for considering Bay Bayou as your home away from home!
2. Tampa East RV Resort- Urban Oasis With Quick Highway Access
Just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Tampa, Tampa East RV Resort makes city attractions easily accessible while offering a relaxing setting for your RV stay.
The park also has three swimming pools, a hot tub, and game courts for activities like shuffleboard and pickleball. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
Choose from premium RV sites with full hookups with 30- or 50-amp electric options. Each site has roomy pads that can fit large RVs with slide-outs, and they come with a picnic table and Wi-Fi.
This pet-friendly park has restroom and shower facilities, a mail center, and a laundromat. Propane is also available for purchase.
For those looking to stay active, the resort offers a fitness center with planned activities to keep you engaged. Your pets will also love the open spaces and playground.
Being close to Tampa means easy access to exciting venues like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and LEGOLAND, all within a one-hour drive. Local attractions like the Museum of Science & Industry are just a quick trip away.
3. Hillsborough River State Park- Lush Riverfront Sites Immersed In Nature
Located just 15 miles north of downtown Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and city dwellers alike.
This expansive park features over 100 campgrounds set along the palm-lined Hillsborough River, offering both back-in and pull-through options with partial hookups for electricity and water.
Clean restrooms, hot showers, and a dump station add to the convenience.
Visitors can venture onto seven miles of nature trails to explore diverse ecosystems such as pine flatwoods, floodplain swamps, and hydric hammocks. The park is unique in Florida for its Class II river rapids, perfect for canoeing or kayaking.
For the more adventurous, geo-seeking is an interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that utilizes GPS devices.
Fishing aficionados will find the Hillsborough River rich with bass, bream, and catfish, although fishing licenses may be required.
Families and groups can picnic under historic pavilions built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
For those who seek the outdoors without compromising on comfort, the park also offers glamping services through Timberline Glamping.
This includes a comfy bed and air conditioning, blending the thrill of camping with home-like luxuries.
Visit Hillsborough River State Park for a memorable mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historic charm just minutes away from Tampa's urban center.
Why Choose Tampa, Florida for RV Camping
This vibrant city has something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to exciting attractions and outdoor adventures.
Here are a few reasons why Tampa is an excellent choice for your next RV camping trip:
Soak Up Tampa's Beach Vibes
Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida, which means it has easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state.
From Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach, there are miles of white sand and crystal-clear water to explore.
It's always beach season in Tampa! Relax on award-winning beaches spanning miles of pristine sand. Don't miss:
- family-friendly Clearwater Beach
- lively St. Pete Beach scene
- shelling and water sports at Fort De Soto Park
Wildlife Encounters Await
Tampa is also located on the Gulf of Mexico, which means you can enjoy stunning sunsets and breathtaking views of the water.
The Gulf is home to a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.
Get up close with exotic marine life on boat tours or kayaking adventures. Top spots include:
- Dolphin-spotting on Tampa Bay
- Manatee sightings at Crystal River
- Scalloping off Anclote Key
Also read: Where To See Dolphins In Florida: Your Ultimate Guide
Thrills and Entertainment for All Ages
Tampa is surrounded by natural beauty, including numerous parks and nature preserves.
You can go hiking, biking, or birdwatching at places like Lettuce Lake Park or the Hillsborough River State Park.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at zip-lining or rock climbing.
Also read: 8 Scenic Hiking Trails in Florida for Nature Lovers
Exciting Attractions
Tampa is home to some of the most exciting attractions in Florida, including Busch Gardens and Adventure Island.
You can also visit the Florida Aquarium, the Lowry Park Zoo, or the Museum of Science and Industry. There are plenty of options for family-friendly fun in Tampa.
Also read: Explore The Vizcaya Museum And Gardens: A Timeless Retreat In Florida
Travel Convenience
Tampa is easily accessible by car, making it a convenient destination for RV camping. You can also find plenty of amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants, to make your trip more comfortable.
When Safety Counts - Tampa Parks Deliver
When it comes to RV parks, safety and security are of utmost importance.
Fortunately, Tampa RV parks take these matters seriously and offer a variety of measures to ensure the safety and security of their guests.
One of the most common security measures in Tampa RV parks is gated entrances. These gates are typically locked at night and require a key or code for entry, ensuring that only authorized individuals are able to enter the park.
In addition to gated entrances, many RV parks also have security personnel on-site. These individuals are trained to monitor the park and respond quickly to any security issues that may arise.
Some RV parks even have security patrols that make rounds throughout the park on a regular basis.
Another important aspect of safety in Tampa RV parks is order. RV parks often have strict rules and regulations in place to ensure that guests are respectful of each other's space and property.
These rules may include quiet hours, restrictions on the number of guests allowed on a site, and guidelines for the use of common areas such as pools and playgrounds.
It's also worth noting that many Tampa RV parks have surveillance cameras installed throughout the park. These cameras can help deter criminal activity and provide valuable evidence in the event of an incident.
Reliable Connectivity Keeps You Adventuring
Fortunately, many RV parks in Tampa offer good cell reception and WiFi.
RVers who need strong cell reception can opt for parks that are close to cell towers or that have cell boosters installed.
For example, Hidden River RV Resort has a cell tower nearby and offers strong cell reception for most carriers. Similarly, River Vista RV Village has a cell booster installed, ensuring reliable cell service for its guests.
For those who need WiFi, many RV parks in Tampa offer free WiFi to their guests. However, it's important to note that the quality of WiFi can vary depending on the park and the number of guests using it.
Some parks, like Cypress Campground & RV Park, have upgraded their WiFi systems to offer faster speeds and better coverage.
For RVers who need to work online or stream movies, investing in a personal hotspot or WiFi extender may be worth ensuring a reliable connection.
Hit the Road to Tampa's RV Adventureland
With its vibrant city attractions, stunning beaches, and access to wildlife encounters and outdoor fun, Tampa truly is a paradise for RV travelers.
The area offers a wide variety of parks to accommodate every type of RV vacation.
Top-notch amenities and security measures give peace of mind, while excellent cell and WiFi connectivity keep you plugged in.
With balmy weather year-round, there's never a bad time to hit the road to Tampa.
Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an extended stay, Tampa has an amazing array of attractions and adventures waiting.
So pack up the RV and come experience the best of Florida's Gulf Coast. Your Tampa RV vacation starts now!
Also read: 5 Unique Camping Experiences in Florida