What It’s Like to Rent an RV in Tampa, FL
I never thought I’d be the “RV vacation” type. Hotels, airports, Uber rides—that was more my speed. But after a chaotic airline cancellation last spring, my husband and I decided to try something totally new: renting an RV for a weekend escape.
Spoiler alert: It turned out to be one of our favorite trips ever. And for anyone considering an RV rental in Tampa, FL, let me walk you through what the whole experience was like—from booking to bringing it back.
1. Booking the RV (Easier Than Expected)
We started our search online and landed on Tampa RV Rentals, the local territory manager’s site. Right away, I noticed how well-organized it was. You could filter by size, style, or number of beds, and every listing included photos, floorplans, and amenities.
After a quick chat with the team, they helped us choose a mid-sized Class C motorhome that fit our needs—big enough for two adults and our golden retriever, but not intimidating for first-timers. The whole reservation process took maybe 15 minutes. They even offered trip planning tips and a packing list, which I clung to like a lifeline.
2. Pickup Day (Where the Nerves Turned into Excitement)
We met the local manager in Tampa on a sunny Friday morning. I was a little anxious about the walkthrough—what if I didn’t understand how to use the hookups or manage the power?
Thankfully, the manager was incredibly patient. He walked us through everything from how to operate the slide-outs to emptying the tanks (not as gross as I feared, I promise). He gave us a printed cheat sheet and even shared a quick video tutorial just in case we forgot something on the road.
By the time we pulled away from the lot, we felt surprisingly confident. And even more importantly—excited.
3. Hitting the Road (Yes, You Can Drive It!)
Neither of us had driven anything bigger than an SUV before, but the RV handled beautifully. It had backup cameras, lane assist, and felt solid without being overwhelming.
We headed to Fort De Soto Park for the weekend—about 45 minutes from Tampa—which gave us a mix of beach time and campground relaxation. Along the way, we stopped for lunch at a roadside BBQ shack and marveled at how freeing it was not to be tied to a strict hotel check-in.
RV life gives you the luxury of time and spontaneity. We arrived at our reserved site, plugged in the hookups (which worked exactly as we were shown), and toasted our first evening with grilled burgers and a beach sunset.
4. Living in the RV (Surprisingly Comfortable)
This was one of the best parts. The RV had everything: a queen-size bed, a kitchen with a microwave and stove, a small but efficient bathroom, and cold A/C. The dogs loved curling up under the dinette, and we spent evenings playing cards and watching movies on the built-in TV.
Camping—but with hot showers and real mattresses. I could get used to this.
5. Return Day (Quick and Stress-Free)
Returning the RV was just as smooth. We cleaned up, refueled, and followed the easy return checklist from the rental company. The local manager did a quick walkthrough and thanked us with a smile. No surprise fees, no stress—just a friendly goodbye and a promise to see us again.
Final Thoughts: Will We Rent Again?
Absolutely.
Our RV rental in Tampa, FL turned out to be one of the easiest, most enjoyable getaways we’ve had. We explored at our own pace, brought our dog along, and had total freedom to make the trip our own.
If you’re on the fence about trying an RV vacation—especially if you’re a first-timer like us—I can’t recommend it enough.
Ready to try it for yourself?
Head over to Tampa RV Rentals and browse their lineup of family-friendly, pet-friendly, and adventure-ready RVs. The local team made the entire experience stress-free from start to finish.
