One Tank Trip for Central Florida Camping

Sponsored By:
Bay Bayou RV Resort www.baybayou.com [email protected]
One of the nicest things about a trip through Florida is the year-round good weather. While it’s a bit humid for some tastes, one can avoid the harsh winter conditions that often put a damper on vacation fun. If you are looking to take a quick weekend getaway, you might want to stop along these beautiful locations & attractions on your one tank trips journey through the Central part of Florida.
One of the most popular travel destinations is Daytona Beach, which has been drawing vacationers since the late 1800s. It’s not difficult to see why. Investors from all over have created a paradise for those looking to get away from it all. There are miles of sandy beaches, award-winning golf courses, and let’s not forget that Daytona is the birthplace of NASCAR. The Daytona International Speedway is a haven for racing fans from all over the globe, and in addition to pulse-pounding stock car races, you can get behind the wheel in an incredibly lifelike simulator that enables you to experience what it’s like to rocket around the track at 200+ mph. That’ll get your motor going!
There’s far more to Daytona than just pure adrenaline-laced adventure. Lighthouse aficionados make pilgrimages to the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, which is a quick 10-mile drive south from Daytona Beach. Built in the late 19th century, this one is a particular favorite, as it’s the tallest lighthouse in Florida and offers a breathtaking view of the coast from 175 feet.
From there, it’s on to Orlando, a 50-mile jaunt on the westbound I-4. Orlando’s reputation as a premier family vacation spot is well deserved, with attractions like Universal Studios Florida, Sea World, and of course, the all-encompassing Disney extravaganza. Visitors have their pick of Disney World, the adjoining EPCOT center that represents every nation and culture on the globe (sort of a life-sized version of Disney’s “It’s a Small World” ride), and the newest additions, Disney-MGM Studios and the Animal Kingdom. The “Studios” park highlights the Hollywood era of the 30s and 40s, but offers high-tech rides and attractions that will please visitors from all decades. The Animal Kingdom is a majestic habitat spreading across 500 acres, and is home to nearly 2,000 animals from over 200 individual species. The park has been designed to get you as up-close-and-personal with the animals as possible while still maintaining safety. The dining experiences at the Animal Kingdom are second-to-none when it comes to variety. Here you can enjoy exotic entrees from all over the world, prepared by award-winning chefs, but don’t worry; none of the animals in the park are on the menu. A day spent at the Animal Kingdom will provide you with happy memories that will last a lifetime.
Heading further west for 2 miles on the I-4 brings you to the US-441-S. Stay on the 441 for 12 miles and you’ll find yourself in Kissimmee, famous for having the best freshwater fishing in the world. Some of the prime places to drop a line are Lakes Kissimmee and Tohopekaliga, and of course the Kissimmee River. You’ll find plenty of places to pull over, get in some sunny Central Florida camping, and stay until you’ve caught your quota or until you’re good and ready to leave, whichever comes first. When that time comes, you might want to check out the Osceola Center for the Arts, which features an ever-changing array of exhibits and events, with an overall eye towards promoting interest in creative arts such as painting, sculpting, and theater. If you’ve got the time, sign up for a class and take home a one-of-a kind handcrafted souvenir of your visit.
Your next port of call is Tampa, which you can get to by taking the US-17-S for 10 miles, where you’ll merge with the westbound I-4 and cruise for almost 60 miles. Tampa plays host city for Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium, both of which are excellent places to spend a day. But for that “little something different,” seek out Ybor City, which is a historic section of Tampa that’s devoted to the Cuban lifestyle and culture. All the festivity and spice of Havana can be found right here; it’s a perfect place to dine on some of the tastiest food you’ll ever eat, and dance the night away to live authentic Cuban music. It’s the closest you’ll ever get to the real thing without a passport.
St. Petersburg is a 20-mile straight shot from Tampa on the southbound I-275, and makes for a pleasant side trip. The Pinellas Trail is a paved trail that runs from Largo Park to Seminole Park, and runs through more than 30 miles of lush greenery, such as live oaks teeming with Spanish moss, along with numerous streams and waterways. It’s an optimum place to pull over and stretch your legs after being on the road.
St. Pete’s is also home to the longest pier in Florida, which extends more than a quarter-mile into Tampa Bay. Originally built at the turn of the 20th century, the pier is now a five-story structure teeming with restaurants, shops, and galleries for your enjoyment. For the lover of surrealist artwork, the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience never-before-seen paintings and sketches from the mind of one of art history’s most offbeat masters.
A 14-mile journey north on the US-19 connects you with the westbound FL-60. Three short miles later and you’ll find yourself in Clearwater, which is considered the home of Florida’s beaches. Pull over and enjoy the sand and surf, or unleash your inner swashbuckler by setting sail with Captain Memo and his merry band of pirates. Memo’s authentic recreation of a pirate vessel takes you on a 2-hour cruise offshore, where you’ll be treated to steel drum music and libations of your choice, while searching for dolphins. Knowin’ Memo and his crew of cutthroats and wenches, ye might even be seein’ a mermaid or two, says I. Aaaarrrr!
This article was only one of many other exciting one tank trips also found in Woodall's 2010 North American Campground Directory. Enjoy an eventful weekend getaway of Central Florida camping and experience it all on just one tank of gas.
Other Area Sponsors in Florida: Myakka RV Resort Quail Run RV Park The Great Outdoors RV-Nature & Golf Resort Turtle Beach Campground at Turtle Beach Park Camp Florida Resort Woodall's Recommended Central Florida RV Campgrounds