Football Is Even More Fun in Florida Traveling in an RV
Are you a big time college football fan? Do any of your favorite schools come from the Sunshine State? Even if you’re not a Florida college football fan, the state has some of the biggest names in major college football. It’s also a fabulous place to visit with your RV.
Even if you don’t own your own rig, traveling Florida in an RV rental is a special kind of vacation. Behind the wheel of an RV in Florida, you’ve got a list of possible college football tailgating opportunities to add to your RV bucket list.
Let’s explore the prospects of an RV road trip. We’ll begin in the panhandle, and then travel down the Gulf Coast of Florida, talking about three of the best Florida college football tailgating spots in the country with some RV tips for enjoying the fun from your rig.
RV Tailgating at Florida State University
We’ll begin your Florida college football tailgating road trip in the panhandle. A visit to the State Capital in Tallahassee provides a pair of opportunities to tailgate at an NCAA football game. The biggest attraction is of course the Florida State University Seminoles.
The Seminoles are a decorated major college NCAA football program. FSU has won multiple NCAA National titles, plus they’re a consistent front-runner in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Tailgating outside Doak Campbell Stadium is an event every football fan should experience.
Doak Campbell Stadium has multiple parking lots. Another of our important RV tips is to be certain to check RV restrictions prior to heading off for Tallahassee. However, there are booster lots and sufficient space for large or small RVs. While you’re in Tallahassee, FSU isn’t the only college football tailgating opportunity in Tallahassee.
The Florida A&M Rattlers participate in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Series (FCS). The Rattlers are a perennial powerhouse in the black college conferences. FAMU is the first historically black college to have an NCAA football program.
After a special game day experience in the state capitol, you can pull you rig into the naturally spectacular surroundings at the Suwannee River State Park. After enjoying the RV luxury and beauty in Florida’s panhandle, you’ll be ready to head south towards Gator Nation.
RV Tailgating at the University of Florida
Like FSU, the University of Florida is an extremely successful NCAA football program. Besides their annual rivalry game with the Seminoles, the Gators are part of one of the strongest conferences in major college football.
Each year, UF invites a select schedule of Southeastern Conference rivals to Gainesville. Beyond the thrill of having a tremendous college football experience, you can also participate in the legendary pregame college football tailgating extravaganza with the Gator Nation.
The surroundings around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium leading up to a Gator game are packed full of excitement. Tailgating at the University of Florida is a ritual rivaled by few major college football programs. It goes beyond the quality of football.
Gainesville has historically been a fun town to visit. It’s no different, traveling through the state on a college football tailgating adventure. To complete your RV traveling journey along Florida’s Gulf Coast, we’d recommend heading for the coast after leaving downtown Gainesville.
RV camping at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is the perfect overnight before you head south along the coast. This is one of Florida’s most spectacular state parks. There are RV campsites, plus a host of fun activities.
Blue Springs State Park has snorkeling and swimming areas, plus wildlife viewing of many of Florida’s natural species. There is a nature trail with picnic areas, plus clean public restrooms. This is the perfect RV overnight stop before heading to our third college football tailgating choice.
RV Tailgating at the University of South Florida
You can make the leisurely drive along Florida’s spectacular Gulf Coast from Tallahassee down to Tampa. There is only one school to tailgate at, but it’s a visit well worth the stop. The University of South Florida Bulls play their home games in Tampa.
The Bulls play at the home of the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raymond James Stadium. Tailgating at the Ray Jay is a super-charged experience, not only for the Buc’s games, but for every USF Bull college battle.
Another reason to venture the rest of the way south to the Tampa Bay area is the abundance of RV camping opportunities. There is a pair of beautiful state parks with a half an hour of downtown Tampa.
Hillsborough River State Park is only a few miles from Raymond James Stadium. Campsites can handle a limited number of RVs up to 50-feet. Hillsborough State Park amenities include; hiking, fishing, and even horseback riding rentals.
Just across Tampa Bay in Manatee County is another of Florida’s state park gems. Little Manatee River State Park is one of the most pristine black water preserves in the world. There are 30 campsites with full hookups.
Traveling along Florida’s Gulf Coast is fun no matter what vehicle you choose. However, in your own RV, or a rental rig, the experience is all the more spectacular. When you take your journey in the fall, there are some special college football experiences you won’t want to miss. Take these suggestions and RV tips to enjoy some great college football, plus witness Florida’s natural beauty. You won’t be sorry.
