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The Daytona International Speedway is getting prepped for one of the biggest races of the year… the Daytona 500! On February 26th, thousands of race car fans will flock to the track, and we know many of our Camp USA Renters will be joining them.

If you haven’t planned your RV trip to the Daytona 500 yet, there is still time. Take a look at our guide to some race fun below, along with a few packing tips!

Pre-Race Fun at the Daytona 500

Tailgating is one of the big perks when traveling by RV to the Daytona 500, but this year the pre-race show is not to be missed. Multi-Platnium music act Lady Antebellum will be taking the stage, and you have an opportunity to get VIP access. If you already have your Daytona 500 tickets, you can simply add it on for an additional fee.

UNOH Fanzone

If you are making this year’s Daytona experience a family affair, then don’t forget to check out the UNOH Fanzone. There, you will be able to see some of the races latest stars and a few of the legends. In addition to meet and greets, the up close and personal experience in the pit is well worth the trip. There you will get right into the action and observe how the crews work to make the Daytona 500 one of the most incredible races in the world.

Geico Camping

Now that you know what to expect before the races, you should start thinking about your lodgings. The price of a hotel during this particular weekend will be sky high. Our solution? Camp right at the Daytona International Speedway!

There are a few options available when it comes to RV camping at the speedway, including spots outside of turn 1 and turn 2. This way you can sit back and relax while enjoying the races from the comfort of your Camp USA RV Rental. Just remember that we are only a few weeks out, so you will want to get your spot soon!

Things to Pack

It is always a good idea to refer to the camping guidelines from the Geico Campground (www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com), but we have a few additional tips to help you prep your Daytona Crew.

Florida has been pretty warm so far this season, so remember to bring plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. In addition to fluids, be sure to bring enough chairs to relax in and shade if your RV rental doesn’t come with an awning. Keep in mind that the RV campground is like a community. So, having extra trash bags, cleaning supplies and utensils to share will gain you points with your neighbors.

There you have it, our guide to a few of the fun events that the Daytona 500 has to offer. There is still time to grab your tickets and a Camp USA RV, so pack your bags and give us a call!

Florida is home to some of the most incredible parks and RV campgrounds in the country so the only hard part about creating this list is choosing just 5 of our favorites. From incredible waterfront locations to a resort located right next to Disney’s Magic Kingdom there is truly something for everybody!

1. Long Key State Park | Long Key, FL

Long Key State Park offers some of the most incredible waterfront camping on the entire Atlantic Ocean coastline. The park features 60 waterfront campsites, all with a picnic table and grill, and the park itself includes several trails and kayaking routes, a shallow-water lagoon and excellent fishing throughout.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Long-Key

2. Bahia Honda State Park | Big Pine Key, FL

Bahia Honda State Park is a true tropical paradise. It is located right in the heart of the Florida Keys with picturesque turquoise waters and easy access to the coral reeds. There are also two boat ramps and three campground areas making this a must visit destination for any Florida RV trip.

http://bahiahondapark.com/

3. Grayton Beach State Park | Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Grayton Beach State Park has been recognized as one of the nation’s top beaches because of it’s famous sunsets. Make sure to book your campsite in advanced because with beautiful views, emerald-colored water, numerous nature trails, a salt marsh and excellent accommodations, this park can sell out almost a year in advance.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Grayton-Beach

4. Anastasia State Park | St. Augustine, FL

Anastasia State Park is located in world-famous St. Augustine, FL so naturally there is plenty to do outside of the park. However, Anastasia offers incredible surfing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, nature trails, a tidal salt marsh, plus it is located next to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest Spanish fortress in America.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/anastasia

5. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort | Orlando, FL

Fort Wilderness Resort is located at the one and only Disney World so it goes without saying that this is the most family-friendly location on the list. With amenities galore you will find plenty to do at the campground but lets face it, you’re here for Magic Kingdom and from Fort Wilderness you will have easy access plus you can see the nightly fireworks show right from your RV.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/

Before you know it the Christmas trees will be coming down, New Year’s Resolutions will be made and the 2017 Racing Season will be full throttle here in Florida. The first quarter of next year hosts 3 of the premier racing events for the Sunshine State and the climate controlled comfort of an RV is the only way to experience them. Florida weather during the early months of the year can go from 40 to 80 degrees in the same day but you can sleep at a comfortable 75 either way if you choose an RV instead of tents and sleeping bags for your camping accommodations. Not sure which events you want to take in, check out the information below and choose the ones that are right for you then give Camp USA a call to book your RV!

January 28-29, 2017: Rolex 24 at Daytona

An event that dates back to 1962, the Rolex 24 is a 24-hour marathon race that combines the skill (and will) of the driver and their crew alongside the sheer performance and durability of their vehicles. The Rolex 24 is an experience unlike any other where drivers battle it out from sunrise to sunset in this first IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race of the season. It gets even better because when you park your RV at Daytona, you do so in no other place than the 180-acre infield included first-class waterfront camping along Lake Lloyd. For more information, please visit: Rolex 24 at Daytona

February 26, 2017: Daytona 500

The quintessential race event of the hear is none other than the Daytona 500. The 2016 event sold out so definitely do not sleep on tickets for this race. This is the ultimate event to experience Daytona 500 and our tip is to make sure you get a Fanzone wristband for exclusive looks into the NASCAR garages, autograph sessions, pre-race action and much more. RV Camping spots are already filling up fast, visit here for more info: Daytona 500

March 15-17, 2017: 12 Hours of Sebring

This year marks the 65th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring race and although the race takes place on Saturday, gates open Wednesday, March 15, 2017 and remain open 24 hours a day up through the event so you can experience multiple days of pre-race activities. The RV camping at Sebring offers unprecedented views as the spaces are directly adjacent to the track. Get more info and buy your tickets here: 12 Hours of Sebring

The holidays will be here before you know it, and what better way to enjoy time with family than by heading out in your RV Rental from Camp USA to see some of Florida’s best holiday “hot spots”

#1 St. Augustine, Florida

First stop on our tour is to the Oldest City in America… St. Augustine! Now, if you have been to St. Augustine before, you have most likely taken a stroll through historic downtown to enjoy the beautiful sights. But, during the holidays the city is a whole lot brighter.

This year will mark the 23rd Annual Nights of Lights in St. Augustine! The award winning display runs from mid November until the end of January and is unlike anything you will ever see…including 3 million lights…yes, you heard us right, 3 million. Now, if you are concerned about your little ones not being able to walk the route, there is no need to worry. Trains and Trolley tours are constantly running so that Light goers can enjoy seasonal delights without getting exhausted.

Looking to camp in St. Augustine? Enjoy your stay at North Beach Camp where there is plenty of privacy to surround your RV, and great amenities for your family to enjoy. Book here: www.northbeachcamp.com

#2 Jacksonville, Florida

While you are visiting St. Augustine for the beautiful Nights of Lights display, be sure to add Jacksonville, Florida to your RV route! Jacksonville may not be known for its’ holiday lighting, but they do have an abundance of gingerbread homes. Get into the Christmas spirit at the Gingerbread House Extravaganza from November 30th – December 23rd! Browse beautiful displays of gingerbread homes created by Chefs, Engineers, Architects, Schools and Families! The confectionary creations make for a truly magical experience and will have you craving a few sweets before you get back on the open road.

#3 Orlando, Florida

One of our favorite places to take an RV trip to is Orlando, Florida to enjoy the happiest place on earth…Disney World! Heading to Disney world with your family is always a magical experience, but visiting Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas will be the best present your family can enjoy together. During your stay you can take part in tons of holiday themed events & perks including.. spectacular fireworks, decorations throughout the park, complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, visits from Mickey & Santa and the best part…a light snowfall near Cinderella’s castle!

Continue your holiday vacation in Disney World and relax in your RV at the beautiful Fort Wilderness! Book here: www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

Now that you have a few holiday “hot spots”, are you ready to hit Florida’s open road? Plan your trip with the Team at Camp USA and enjoy affordable RV rentals that will be comfortable for you family and will offer incredible amenities that will make this RV excursion a trip to remember!

Halloween is just around the corner, and we are gearing up our RV’s to hit the open road and visit some of Florida’s best holiday “hot spots”! So, pack up the family and your scaredy pants for some good ole’ haunted fun!

First Stop Orlando!

What better place to start off your haunted RV road trip, then with a few days in Orlando! Florida has so many fun seasonal spots to visit, but Orlando has two of our favorite destinations… Halloween Horror Night & Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween!

Halloween Horror Nights is definitely for the adults in your RV. With mazes and haunted houses that take after smash movie and TV hits like American Horror Story and The Walking Dead…there will be plenty of terrifying mazes and houses to keep you up at night. Luckily, you will have a cozy RV to head back to.

Now, if you are looking for something the whole family can enjoy, then look no further than Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Disney will be decked out in their Halloween decorations and your family will even have the chance to meet some of the Villans of Disney during the party! Keep in mind that the party takes place on selected nights.  

Get your Halloween Horror Tickets here! (www.halloweenhorrornights.com)

Visit Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween here! (www.disneyworld.disney.go.com)

Park your RV here! (www.rvonthego.com/florida/orlando-rv-resort)

Second Stop Brooksville!

Is there anything better than a haunted house? The May-Stringer House was erected around the year 1856. Now a museum, the home is packed with antiques and collectibles from the 1800 & 1900’s, but that isn’t what makes this historic home a haunted Gem in Florida…it is the home’s previous residents. A long line of the May & Saxon families have resided in this historic home, where many of them have passed, including the young Jessie May.

Employees of the museum often find toys in disarray in the morning and have had a few unexplained images in photos, which is why it is known as the most haunted home in Florida. If you are planning a Halloween tour in your RV, this is a must. Be a part of the haunted history by taking their night tour! …this is not for the little ones so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Book your tour by calling 352-799-0129 or email at info@hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com!

Where to stay? Clover Leaf Forest RV Resort! www.rvonthego.com/florida/clover-leaf-forest-rv-resort

Third Stop St. Augustine!

We are going to travel up to Northern Florida for the next Halloween “hot spot”.. St. Augustine! St. Augustine has some incredible history, and with history comes a few haunted tales. One of our favorite Halloween tours is the St. Augustine Ghosts & Graveyards Frightseeing Tour! On this night tour you will head to the “Old Jail”, “Old Drug Store” and Potter’s Wax Museum. The 1hr and 20 minute trolley tour is the perfect way to end your day in the beautiful St. Augustine area… and is a great way to learn about the darker history of this Nation’s oldest city.  

Book your tour here! (www.ghostsandgravestones.com)

Enjoy a night in your RV here! (www.koa.com/campgrounds/st-augustine-beach)

Camp USA is now ready for a Halloween Road Trip! If you are planning a “haunted” adventure for your family, be sure to book your luxury rental from any of our Camp USA locations!

The Fourth of July is just around the corner and that means one thing, FIREWORKS! This month we are going to help you navigate some of the best visual displays and excellent parties as we celebrate our independence in the great state of Florida.

Fireworks at the Fountain (Orlando)

When most people think about amazing fireworks shows in Orlando, they think of Disney World, whose regular performances are nothing short of breathtaking. However, the Fireworks at the Fountain event at Lake Eola Park is an incredible (and more cost effective) alternative. Fireworks at the Fountain is a patriotic celebration of fun, food and fanfare with live entertainment and an area just for kids. The days’ events begin at 4 pm so if you want an ideal viewing spot of the fountain and the fireworks, we recommend getting there nice and early. The fireworks will begin at 9:20 pm.

Local Orlando RV Camping: ORLANDO SE / LAKE WHIPPOORWILL KOA
One of Orlando’s best kept secrets, this campground offers lake view RV sites, private boat ramps, pools, hot tubs, and much more! For more information please visit http://koa.com/campgrounds/orlando-se/.

Pier Park Star Spangled Spectacular (Panama City Beach)

Your Fourth of July shouldn’t be complete without the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast! This family friendly event will include live music and dueling fireworks from the City (Russell-Fields) and County (MBMiller)Piers.The best place for viewing is right on the beach so be sure to bring your beach chairs and enjoy the Star Spangled Spectacular Fireworks Show at Aaron Bessant Park.

Local Panama City Beach RV Camping: PINEGLEN
Pineglen is the perfect RV campground for enjoying the Florida’s Emerald Coast. Nestled away among the palm trees, pine trees and fishing ponds we offer a quiet retreat just minutes Panama City Beach. For more information please visit http://www.pineglenrvpark.com/index.html

Fourth of July Spectacular (Fort Lauderdale)

So you want to see one of USA Today’s 10 Best Fourth of July Fireworks in the USA? Well look no further than Fort Lauderdale’s Fourth of July Spectacular. This celebration will feature a patriotic extravaganza with a kids zone, a DJ and a dazzling fireworks display that will rival some of the best in the world.

Local Fort Lauderdale RV Camping: PARADISE RV
An oldie but a goodie, this park is an extremely well maintained campground that offers unprecedented access to all that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. The spaces and roads are known to be a bit on the narrow side but call ahead first and they will happy to accommodate you and find the best site for your RV. For more information please visit http://paradiserv.com/.

The good ole’ USA is full of amazing state parks, and we are fortunate to have some of the country’s best right in our backyard. A RV offers the perfect opportunity to embrace these incredible parks, spend as much time as you want without breaking the bank on lodging, and truly enjoy luxurious accommodations at the end of each day. Today we are going to highlight our favorite spots in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. From breathtaking waterfalls to epic coastal views, any of these 3 parks would be sure to yield a vacation of a lifetime.

Bahia Honda State Park – Big Pine Key, FL

Once a remote island, Bahia Honda Key is now one of Florida’s southernmost state parks offering some of the most beautiful beaches, sunsets and unparalleled snorkeling experiences. The park provides the perfect balance of nature and modern amenities including kayak and snorkeling gear rentals, a Sand and Sea Nature Center and concessions. Guests will enjoy swimming in the beautiful water alongside sandy beaches were wading birds are commonly seen, fishing, boating, cycling, and much more. With 42 RV ready campsites accommodating a range of vehicle lengths, your dream camping in the Keys adventure is just a click away.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/bahia-honda

Amicalola Falls State Park – Dawsonville, GA

With amazing scenery and numerous hiking trails, Amicalola Falls is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks. The waterfall itself towers at 729 feet, making it the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast. This park has everything to satisfy a true outdoorsman coupled alongside the luxuries of a beautiful lodge and scenic mountain-view restaurant, Maple Restaurant. Some popular activities of Amicalola Falls State Park included hiking (with over 12 miles of trails, including the Canyon Climbers Club and access to the Appalachian Trail), trout fishing, geocaching and many other family centric activities. The 829 acre facility features numerous accommodations from hotel rooms to cottages to 25 campsites ready for you and your RV.

http://gastateparks.org/AmicalolaFalls

Fall Creek Falls State Park – Spencer, TN

Tennessee’s largest and most visited state park is Fall Creek Falls State Park, with over 26,000 acres of cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and incredible scenery. The park is perfect for a family adventure with four playgrounds, horse stables, and an Olympic-size swimming pool. It is also equally suited for a couples getaway with more than 34 miles of trails including 2 overnight long distance trails as well as a challenging 18-hole golf course. Fall Creek Falls features an inn with 145 hotel rooms, a restaurant, extensive meeting space, 30 cabins and 222 campsites, making it the perfect place to park and enjoy your RV rental.

http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/fall-creek-falls