The great state of Florida is home to beautiful beaches, landmarks and history. General RV is making it’s mark in the Florida territory first with it’s Jacksonville location and next with General RV in Tampa, Florida which opened in October of 2014. In honor of our new locations and our valued Florida RV customers we put together a list of some of our “must see” spots to visit when RVing through Florida. Check out General RV Florida’s list of the 7 Wonders Of Florida and start your journey….
Florida Keys & Key West
The islands of the Florida Keys are unlike any other place in the United States. From the tropical climate to some of the most prestigious coral reefs in the world, some refer to it as the “American Caribbean”. The Florida Keys start with Key Largo ending with Key West, with hundreds of beautiful islands in between!
In Key Largo “the dive capitol of the world” you can experience beautiful botanical gardens, snorkeling some of the greatest water scenery, visit the unique Jules Undersea Hotel, eco-tours, sport fishing and more.
Next stop,Islamorada “the sportfishing capitol of the world”. Islamorada is a village of Islands’ situated between the saltwater wilderness of Everglades National Park in one direction and the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef and the deep blue waters of the Florida Straits in the other. Here you can experience beautiful beaches, catch shark and Tarpon feeding at the Islamorada Fish Company or go on a fishing charter with some of the most experienced captains in the world.
Marathon Key is a great destination when looking to RV with the family. Known for it’s boating and family oriented nature the kids will never be bored in Marathon Key. Annual seafood festivals and waterside restaurants that harvest fresh fish, lobster and stone crab claws from local waters. Another place to visit when in Marathon is the five-acre Pigeon Key. Venture back in time to a tiny island that played a tremendous role in the Florida Keys as a home base for workers building the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad. If you are traveling the keys and seeking family fun, Marathon Key is the destination for you.
Last but not least is the Southernmost Island in the United States, Key West. If you are planning an RV trip to Key West make sure to check out the RV rules and regulations prior to your visit. Key West is full of historic and beautiful architecture, world famous ship wrecks & museums, the Ernest Hemmingway house and some of the best snorkeling the United States has to offer. Make sure to visit the nightly Sunset Festival that takes place on the pier; full of street performers, vendors, live music and one of the most stunning sunsets in the world!
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Campground|Features|City|Price
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park|The first undersea park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. The coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring most visitors to the park. 47 campsites for both tent and RV campers with water, sewer hookup, and electricity: 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 volt. Each site also has a picnic table and grill. A dump station is available.|Key Largo|$
Knights Key RV Resort & Marina|Casual island campground with spacious sites, beautiful ocean views & dockage. Boaters have easy access to the Atlantic or Bay from our harbor. Watch the sun set over the 7-Mile Bridge from our awesome private beach. We are within 3 miles of shopping, dive shops, charter boats & boat rentals. Ocean view RV sites include a table, water and electric.|Marathon|$$
Long Key State Park|The closest campground to the Florida Reefs in Islamorada. Some of the best bonefishing in the Keys is found here. Full-facility campsites overlook the Atlantic Ocean. 60 campsites all overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, ground grill, water and electricity. Three restrooms, with hot showers, are centrally located. Also provided is a dump station.|Islamorada|$
Bahia Honda State Park|Known for beautiful beaches, magnificent sunsets and excellent snorkeling. Visitors can picnic on the beach and take a swim or relax and enjoy the balmy sea breezes that caress the shores year-round. Anglers can fish from shore or bring a boat and launch at the boat ramp. Kayaks and snorkeling gear can be rented. Boat trips to the reef for a snorkeling excursion are available. RV sites include picnic table, electricity, water and grill.|Big Pine Key|$
Boyds Campground|Relax in our Lower Keys Campground with your Camper, RV, or Tent facing the beautiful oceanfront. We’re only minutes from Duval Street. Relax lounging by the pool, or enjoy area snorkeling, fishing, diving and beaches. Featuring oceanfront campsites, free WiFi, 30 & 50 amp hookups and 24 hour security.|Key West|$$$
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Seven Mile Bridge
Driving through the Florida Keys is far from your typical “roadtrip”. During your 110 mile drive on the Overseas Highway you will experience panoramic ocean views, 42 bridges and 43 islands known as Keys each having their own unique character. The Seven Mile Bridge is the longest of all the 42 bridges and at one time in the world. The bridge connects the Middle Keys, Knight’s Key to the Lower Keys and Little Duck Key. Whether you are in an RV or a convertible the drive on this bridge is sure to be anything but boring!
The Florida Reef
The Florida reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States and the third largest reef system in the world. The two largest and most prestigious among the reefs reside along the coast line of Key Largo & Elliot Key. The Florida Reef extends from the Upper Keys and beyond Key West. You can RV at any one of the Florida Keys great campgrounds or RV parks and experience amazing snorkeling, glass bottom boat tours and historic shipwrecks.
Florida’s Natural Springs
According to the Florida department Of Environmental Protection, Florida may have the largest convergence of freshwater springs on the planet… over 700! Luckily for campers, these springs are located among 21 Florida State Parks; most of which have RV campsites available. These crystal clear bodies of water come in all shapes, sizes and temperatures. With natural springs all over the state of Florida, you can be sure to find the perfect family vacation. Below are some of our favorite RV friendly campgrounds throughout Florida.
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Campground|Features|City|Price
Blue Spring State Park|Known for being a manatee refuge, you can swim, snorkel & scuba in the Blue Spring. 51 campsites which are located in the sand pine scrub and are within walking distance to the spring. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, water, electricity and a grill. A dump station is available in the park. Pets are welcome in camping area.|Orange City|$
Silver Springs State Park|From horse back riding the equestrian trails, to the famous glass bottom boat rides on the Silver Spring this park offers a variety of activities! Fifty-nine spacious sites easily accommodate large camping units. Each site offers water and electric hook-ups with 30 amp service; ten sites offer 50 amp service. All sites have fire ring, a barbecue grill and a picnic table. A separate dump station for holding tanks is located in the park.|Ocala|$
Manatee Springs State Park|Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are also a great spot for swimming. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing and guided tours are just some of the amenities. Camping Electricity & water provided at each site. No sewer hookup, dump station provided. Max. RV length 40 ft.|Chiefland|$
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For a complete list of Florida’s Natural Springs visit www.floridasprings.org
Walt Disney World
You can’t go through life without experiencing Walt Disney World at least once. There is a reason it is the most visited vacation resort in the world! Walt Disney World is comprised of four theme parks, two water parks and four golf courses, just to name a few. A great place for an RV vacation for the entire family.
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Campground|Features|Price
Orlando S.W./Fort Summit KOA|Just minutes from all the theme parks & a shuttle to get you there! “Wow” will be the first thing you will say after just one look at this amazing, amenities-packed KOA in the heart of central Florida. Splash in one of the region’s largest pools after a game of sand volleyball.|$
Tropical Palms Resort & Campground|52 Themed weekends, close to theme parks and unique amenities like miniature gold, bocce ball and more! RV sites include a picnic table and full hookups which include 50amp electrical service, water, sewer and cable TV. We welcome dogs in our Resort and have bark parks and pet baths. Wi-Fi hot spots are available throughout the Resort.|$$
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort|Each campsite is equipped with privacy-enhancing landscaping, water, cable television and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Most campsites also include a sewer hook-up, and some even permit pets. Disney bus transportation, pools, archery, pony rides & more!|$$$
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Everglades
The Everglades are tropical wetlands located across southern Florida. They are one of the largest wetlands in the world. The wetlands and wildlife make the Everglades a huge attraction for birders, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts. Among the millions of species in the Everglades are several endangered species like manatee, American crocodile and the Florida panther. People come from all over to take part in some of the unique activities the Everglades offer such as airboat tours, swamp buggy adventures and kayak/eco adventure tours all of which can get you just inches away from amazing creatures and unbelievably beautiful views of nature.
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Campground|Features|City|Price
Flamingo Campground|Flamingo Campground is located 38 miles from Everglades National Park main park enterance. It has 65 RV sites, 41 with electrical hookup, two dump stations, hiking trails and canoe trails|Flamingo|$
Gator Park Airboat Tours|Looking for even more gator action? Bring your RV to our camp site and stay awhile! Gator Park offers RV parking andcamping space in the heart of the Everglades. Whether you’re looking to make the gators your neighbors for a few days or a few weeks, our RV park provides a home away from home in the Everglades. Full hookups and RV storage are available for all the camp sites.|Miami|$
Trail Lakes Campground|Amenities such as free Wi-Fi, giftshop, guide services and more! RV sites for small and large motorhomes inlcuding 30 amp service and water. Premium site upgrades available that include fire ring and 50 amp.|Ochopee|$
Everglades Isle| Everglades Isle™, a CLASS-A ONLY luxury motor coach retreat, marina, consisting of 61 lushly landscaped and brick paved motor coach sites located near the 10,000 islands of Marco Island, Naples and Sugar Beach. This resort is for folks looking for a luxury experience of the Everglades|Everglades City|$$$
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St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the Nation’s Oldest City and some would say the most charming. St. Augustine is a great escape for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Home to the famous Fountain of Youth, Ripley’s Ghost Train, Carriage Rides and Colonial Quarter it’s a history buffs dream! If history is not your forte, St. Augustine also offers beautiful beaches, eco-tours and fun for the whole family! Below are some of our favorite RV friendly campgrounds in St. Augustine.
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Campground|Features|Price
Anastasia State Park|Anastasia State Park includes more than 1,600 acres featuring four miles of pristine beach, a tidal salt marsh, and a maritime and upland hammock|$
St. Augustine Beach KOA|From your Camping Cabin, RV site or tent site, take a 3/4-mile walk to the ocean or enjoy on-site amenities including a pool, fishing pond, paddleboats and Kamp K9, where your pup can run and play off-leash!|$$
North Beach Camp Resort|Located between the Atlantic Ocean & the North River, scenic St. Augustine Cruises & Restaurant, plus the outdoor activities and facilities we have to offer. Enjoy spectacular sunrises from our oceanside deck plus swimming, surfing and surf fishing!|$$$$
Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort|Located right on St. Augustine Beach this oceanfront resort features a huge swimming pool, tennis courts, game room, shuffleboard and horseshoe pitch as well as a playground with equipment for the little ones. Clean restroom and shower facilities as well as a large laundry are on site.|$$$
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*Sources include www.Wikipedia.com and https://www.fla-keys.com/*
General RV Center is proud to now have 2 RV dealerships in Florida. The original General RV Center is located in Orange Park, Florida. The newest General RV Center opened last year in Tampa, Florida. Visit GeneralRVFlorida.com