Ever wished you could pick up your house or apartment and move it to a beautiful beach where you could step out your front door and into powdery white sand or lush tropical vegetation? Well, if you have an RV, you can! It’s easy to forget that there are many exotic destinations within the United States, so you’re just a road trip away from plunging your feet into the warm sand and sipping something topped with a colorful paper umbrella. Here are four tropical, RV friendly getaways you can find right here in the U.S.A:
Sarasota, FL
If you’re looking for a vacation on the keys, but don’t want to head so far south, Sarasota is the answer. Turtle Beach Campground is right on the Gulf of Mexico in Siesta Key. In fact, every RV site is within 700 feet of the water. Hookups are available for an extra fee, but long walks on the beach and stunning sunrises and sunsets are free. Back on the shore, Sarasota Bar RV Park strikes the perfect balance between beach access and great dining, shopping, and activities in town.
The Hawaiian Islands
This one is admittedly a bit of a cheat, since you can’t drive your RV from the lower 48 to Hawaii. But if you’re already there, or if you’re willing to rent an RV during your trip (VW vans are a local favorite), Hawaii offers an unforgettable RV vacation. Malaekahana Campground on Oahu’s North Shore has no hookups but it does have full amenities, and is close to some of the best surfing in the world. Get the most out of your RV by letting it take you to the tropics. With great destinations like these right in the U.S., your relaxing beach getaway is closer than you think.
South Padre Island, Texas
There’s no need to go south of the border to enjoy a vacation along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Just head to the southern tip of Texas. This barrier island boasts 34 miles of gorgeous beach, so it’s relatively easy to find an affordable RV park with great access to sand and surf. It’s also a popular spring break destination, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling around that time of year and looking for a quiet getaway.
When choosing where to set up camp, consider Isla Blanca Park on the island’s southern tip, featuring 600 RV spaces, full hookups, and free Wi-Fi, or Port Isabel Park Center, which offers full hookups and amenities in a small town away from the hustle and bustle of busier tourist areas.
The Florida Keys
You could easily spend several weeks exploring the unique wonders of the Keys. If the sight of the ocean makes you want to dive in, head to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo, where you can snorkel and swim, hop in a canoe or glass-bottomed boat, or stay on land and explore the forests and mangrove swamps. If you want a taste of cosmopolitan life, opt for the mainland and try Marco Island KOA in Naples. Take a short walk or bike ride from your RV to the downtown area and see how South Florida locals do night life.
