Family-Friendly RV Trips near Tampa, FL: 4 Unforgettable Destinations

There’s something magical about piling into an RV with your kids, snacks in hand, playlist ready, and a weekend of adventure ahead. Whether it’s your first time RVing or you’re seasoned road-trippers, family RV trips near Tampa, FL offer a perfect blend of nature, fun, and togetherness—with no airports, long lines, or hotel check-ins to worry about.

Here are four unforgettable family destinations just a short drive from Tampa, complete with kid-friendly attractions, RV parks with full hookups, and tips on prepping your RV rental for the journey.

1. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park – Weeki Wachee, FL

Drive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Mermaids, springs, and paddleboarding—Weeki Wachee Springs is a Florida original that’ll wow kids and adults alike. Families can enjoy a live underwater mermaid show (yes, really), take a boat tour, or float down the crystal-clear spring in a kayak or tube.

Family-Friendly Highlights:

• Mermaid shows at Buccaneer Bay
  
  
• Natural water slides and a white-sand beach
  
  
• Kayaking and wildlife spotting
  
  

Nearby RV Park:
Mary’s Fish Camp on the River offers a charming, family-run RV campground right on the Weeki Wachee River. Full hookups and riverfront views make this a kid-approved basecamp.

2. Fort De Soto Park – Tierra Verde, FL

Drive Time: 45 minutes

This waterfront park is perfect for family RV trips near Tampa, FL with its calm beaches, biking trails, and massive playgrounds. Bring bikes and fishing gear—the whole family will stay busy for days.

Family-Friendly Highlights:

• Huge shaded playgrounds
  
  
• Bike and kayak rentals
  
  
• Calm waters perfect for young swimmers
  
  

RV Camping Tip:
Fort De Soto’s campground has family-friendly amenities like clean restrooms, full hookups, and sites close to water. Reservations fill up fast—book early!

3. Myakka River State Park – Sarasota, FL

Drive Time: 1.5 hours

This nature-lover’s paradise is a hidden gem for families. Myakka River State Park offers airboat tours, a canopy walkway above the treetops, and plenty of wildlife viewing (alligators included).

Family-Friendly Highlights:

• Canopy walkway & observation tower
  
  
• Airboat rides for spotting gators
  
  
• Hiking and family nature trails
  
  

Where to Stay:
The park’s RV campground is quiet and shaded, with electric and water hookups and space for larger rigs. It’s rustic enough to feel like an adventure but has the comforts parents appreciate.

4. Rainbow Springs State Park – Dunnellon, FL

Drive Time: 2 hours

If you’re looking for tubing, waterfalls, and tropical beauty, Rainbow Springs delivers. The spring-fed river stays 72°F year-round, perfect for a cool float with the kids on hot Florida days.

Family-Friendly Highlights:

• Inner tubing down the Rainbow River
  
  
• Waterfall trails and botanical gardens
  
  
• Picnic areas and swimming zones
  
  

RV Camping Nearby:
Rainbow Springs Campground offers full-hookup RV sites with easy access to tubing rentals and shuttle service to the river. It’s an easy, safe option for families who want nature and comfort.

Prepping Your RV Rental for a Family Trip

To make the most of your family RV trips near Tampa, FL, here are a few preparation tips:

• Choose the Right RV: Opt for a Class C motorhome or travel trailer with enough sleeping space, ideally with a bunk bed setup or convertible dinette.
  
  
• Pack Smart: Bring kid favorites—games, books, snacks, and portable fans. Don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen!
  
  
• Plan Meals Ahead: Pre-pack simple meals and campfire treats like hot dogs and s’mores.
  
  
• Practice Setup: If it’s your first RV trip, do a quick run-through on using hookups and setting up camp before you hit the road.
  
  

Start Your Family RV Adventure Today

The Tampa area is surrounded by incredible destinations perfect for building lasting memories with your kids. With swimming holes, mermaids, gators, and beach days just a short drive away, there’s never been a better time to plan a trip.

Ready to get rolling?
Browse family-sized RVs today at Tampa RV Rentals—the best local option for clean, fully-equipped RVs that make family travel a breeze.
Your next unforgettable family road trip is waiting. Let’s hit the road.