This Upscale RV Resort Sits Near Some Of The Gulf Coast's Top-Rated Beaches

For those who don't consider camping a luxury experience, a stay at the right RV resort proves that a vacation in a travel trailer or motorhome can certainly be a five-star experience. The Tides RV Resort is located in Palmetto, Florida, between a lake and a bay on the Gulf of Mexico. Besides its picturesque views of the water, the spot makes for the perfect warm-weather destination any time of year. Average highs in the winter usually hover around the low 70s, while temperatures in the summer can reach nearly 90 degrees.

The Tides RV Resort is the ideal place to park your vehicle and enjoy a calm and relaxing environment. The property is geared toward adults aged 55 and older, though guests younger than that are also welcome. In either case, don't expect to find children running around or loud groups of partying travelers disrupting your stay.

The resort also boasts plenty of space — 95 acres, to be exact — so you don't have to limit yourself to the inside of your RV or a tiny picnic table next to your hookup. With all the amenities the property has to offer, you probably wouldn't want to anyway.

The Tides is called a resort for a reason — many of the amenities you might find in the world's most luxurious resorts are available just steps from where you park your RV. Soak up the sun at the large outdoor swimming pool or pamper yourself at the on-site spa. Or, mix and mingle with other guests while enjoying scheduled events and activities, including yoga classes and movie nights. You can stay active by taking advantage of the resort's fishing gear, pickleball court, gym, dog park, and other facilities.

You'll find plenty of fun and useful amenities in and around the clubhouse, including a business center, laundry facility, library, and an abundance of comfy chairs and tables for playing board games or having a cup of coffee. With all these comforts, many visitors come annually for long-term stays, and it's a particularly popular destination for snowbirds (northerners who head south every winter to escape the cold).

Unsurprisingly, The Tides RV Resort doesn't skimp on its RV hookups. The sites are up to 100 feet deep, offering ample room for your luxury RV, car, and other outdoor items, such as portable dining spaces. Additionally, each hookup offers electricity, water, sewage, and trash services. Cable and Wi-Fi are also included for all guests.

While there's plenty to do on the grounds of The Tides RV Resort, there's even more to do outside the property. The RV park is conveniently located near top-rated beaches, stunning nature spots, shopping, and charming towns. For one of the best vacation spots in the state, drive 40 minutes south to Siesta Key. There, you'll find Siesta Key Beach, often regarded as one of the top beach destinations in the entire world.

For more outdoor fun, explore Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, located just six minutes from The Tides. The park is a haven for active adventurers, offering 2,000 acres of space for trail hiking, kayaking, and fishing. When you need a break from nature, consider a day trip to St. Petersburg, accessible from the Palmetto area via the breathtaking Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Tampa and even Orlando are also within driving distance of The Tides. To stock up on delicious goodies and souvenirs, head to St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, a coastal shopping and dining hotspot with a slightly upscale flair.