Introduction to RVing in Florida
Spending three months RVing in Florida was an unforgettable experience—a journey full of magical moments, unexpected disasters, and, of course, an unrelenting love for Cuban coffee. From exploring Disney World to driving the iconic Florida road trip to the Florida Keys, and watching manatees in Crystal River, there was a lot to see—and a lot to learn.
If you’re considering full-time RV living or planning a trip across the state, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know. I’ll share our experience, break down where we stayed, what we spent, and highlight the best RV parks in Florida for your own adventure.
Month 1: Gainesville – A Slow Start but Great Skating
📍 Stayed at: Gainesville RV Park – $700/month
We started our journey in Gainesville, but to be honest, it wasn’t our favorite. We stayed at Gainsville RV, management was excellent. They were accommodating and kind, which made our stay much easier. Unfortunately, the park itself didn’t offer much in terms of RV camping in Florida activities.
Highlight of the Month
The skating rink! If you’re in the area, don’t miss it. My kids loved it, and I may have gotten carried away pretending to be an Olympic-level skater (spoiler: I’m not).
Would I Stay in Gainesville Again?
Maybe! But next time, I’d opt for a different park. If you’re planning Florida RV travel, do some research on the best RV parks in Florida to avoid an underwhelming start to your trip.
Month 2: Orlando & The Florida Keys – The Most Expensive & Most Fun Month
Orlando: Disney Magic & A Peppa Pig Birthday
📍 Stayed at: Thousand Trails RV Resort (Clermont) – Highly recommended!
Clerment and Orlando was all about Disney magic. We spent two weeks at Thousand Trails Orlando—a fantastic RV park that made a great base for visiting the parks. This family-friendly site was well-maintained, and considering Orlando’s high prices, it was a steal. It’s a huge park with lots and lots of amenities. One of the must see things I recommend is going to Clermont waterfront and eating on the beach! they have many option to choose from but our fav was fresh catch of the day at Salt Shack on the Lake!
We also spend the day at Lake Hiawatha Preserve. Highly Recommend, they have a dog park, kids playground, and its next in front of pier where people were fishing.
✨ Highlight of the Month: My daughter’s 3rd birthday at Peppa Pig Theme Park. This toddler-friendly park was perfect for her. From gentle rides to adorable shows, she had a blast!
Would I Stay in Orlando Again?
Absolutely—but only for special occasions. It’s touristy, expensive, and crowded, but it’s Disney! If you’re heading to Florida, it’s worth experiencing at least once.
The Florida Keys: Heaven, But Bring Bug Spray (A LOT of Bug Spray)
📍 Stayed at: Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key (1-week stay, 20% off discount!)
The Florida Keys were breathtaking. Gorgeous white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and that tropical island vibe you’ve been dreaming of. But let me tell you, the mosquitoes and no-see-ums are no joke. RV camping in Florida can be a challenge if you’re not prepared for this. But let me tell you, the mosquitoes and no-see-ums are no joke. If you’re RVing in the Keys, you need a heavy-duty bug spray like [this one] to keep them away
Free & Fun Things to Do in Sugarloaf Key
✔️ Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm – Free and surprisingly fun for the kids!
✔️ Walking around Key West – It’s crowded, but the charm is undeniable.
✔️ Drinking Cuban coffee – Every café sells it, and it’s always delicious!
✔️ Butterfly Conservatory! So Beautiful and fun to hang out for 15 minutes in… seriously ititss tiny but fun!
Things We Skipped (No Regrets)
🚫 Southernmost Point photo – We opted for a distant shot, avoiding the long lines.
this was snapped at a cafe! you are welcome! 🙂
🚫 Late-night outings – The Keys can get rowdy, and it’s not toddler-friendly.
Would I Stay in The Keys Again?
Yes! But I would plan ahead for the crowds and insects. Always bring extra bug spray!
Month 3: Tampa & Crystal River – The Breakdown
Tampa: Repairs, Scams & Our RV Disaster Month
📍 Stayed at: TT Terra Ceia (Thousand Trails)
By the time we reached Tampa, our RV was in serious need of repairs. And unfortunately, we ran into a scam situation with a so-called repair technician (company called WINGING IT RV REPAIR, ugh beware of this guy) . It wasn’t our ideal stop on this Florida road trip.
Would I Stay in Tampa Again?
Nope. After everything that went wrong, Tampa wasn’t the place for us. We’ll be skipping it in the future.
Crystal River: The Manatees Saved the Month
📍 Stayed at: Various Harvest Hosts locations
After the chaos of Tampa, Crystal River was a peaceful reprieve. We had the incredible experience of seeing manatees up close, which totally made up for the previous month’s disasters. The spring-fed rivers are crystal-clear, and the manatees are gentle giants that will steal your heart.
Would I Stay in Crystal River Again?
Yes, Crystal River was the perfect peaceful stop after the chaos of Tampa.
How Much We Spent in 3 Months on RVing in Florida
💰 Camping & RV Park Costs: ~$700–$1,500/month
💰 Fuel Costs: ~$400–$600/month
💰 Food & Groceries: ~$700–$900/month We saved a ton on food by cooking in the RV instead of eating out. Some RV kitchen essentials I swear by: my [Instant Pot](for quick meals), [Collapsible Kitchenware] (for storage), and [Magnetic Spice Rack](because Florida humidity makes everything sticky otherwise!).
💰 Activities & Attractions: ~$500–$1,200 (Orlando & The Keys added up fast)
💰 RV Repairs (Tampa Disaster Edition): $$$ (It was quite the unexpected cost!)
💰 Miscellaneous Costs: ~$200/month (laundry, tolls, small repairs, etc.)
📌 Total Estimated Cost for 3 Months: $6,000–$9,000
Final Thoughts: Would I Go RVing in Florida for 3 Months Again?
Yes… but differently! Here’s what I would change:
✔️ Book major attractions (like Dry Tortugas) WAY in advance.
✔️ Spend more time in Crystal River, less in Tampa.
✔️ Stay on top of RV maintenance to avoid costly repairs.
✔️ Budget extra for unexpected expenses.
✔️ Take a lifetime supply of bug spray to the Keys.
Frequently Asked Questions About RVing in Florida
1. What is the best time of year for RVing in Florida?
The best time for RVing in Florida is during the fall or winter. The weather is cooler, and the crowds are smaller, which makes it easier to find best RV parks in Florida without booking months in advance.
2. What are the best RV parks in Florida?
Some top recommendations include:
- Thousand Trails Orlando
- Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key
- Gainesville RV Park
These parks are all family-friendly and provide easy access to major attractions like Disney and the Florida Keys.
3. How much does it cost to RVing in Florida for a month?
The cost varies depending on location, but on average, expect to pay between $700 and $1,500 per month for camping or RV parks in Florida.
4. Is RVing in Florida a good option for full-time RV living?
Absolutely! Florida is one of the best places for full-time RV living, thanks to the year-round warm weather and abundance of parks and campgrounds. However, you’ll need to keep an eye on the humidity in summer.
5. How do I prepare for RVing in Florida during summer?
To prepare for summer RVing in Florida, pack plenty of water, bug spray, and sunscreen. Keep your RV’s air conditioning in top shape, as the heat can be intense, especially in the Keys.
Author
