If you want to travel from the St. Jones River to the Caloosahatchee River, then a Dover to Fort Myers road trip might be your idea of a good time. You’ll find plenty of awesome national and state parks along your route, so you’ll get your fill of rivers, lakes, mountains, wetlands, and more. You’ll also travel through some thrilling cities full of top-notch attractions. You’ll even get to explore America’s capital on your road trip from Dover to Fort Myers.
Shenandoah National Park
You can reach Shenandoah National Park by driving an hour and a half west of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This park is known for being home to 100-mile stretches of both Skyline Drive and the Appalachian Trail. There are plenty of places in the park to go hiking, biking, and horseback riding; there are even some trails that allow you to take your pet with you while you explore nature. Mountains, forests, falls, and more await you at this 300-square-mile retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
New River Gorge National Park
In order to reach America’s newest national park, you’ll have to drive west for three and a half hours from Richmond, VA. Whether you’re into rafting, climbing, or general adventuring, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for recreation and exploration at New River Gorge National Park. Plenty of lovely hiking trails crisscross the 70,000 acres of this gorgeous West Virginia park. You can also check out the New River Gorge Bridge, which is one of the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
Congaree National Park
The entrance to Congaree National Park is 45 minutes from Santee, SC. Some of the East Coast’s tallest and oldest trees can be found here; in fact, some of these trees may be more than a thousand years old. You can see these ancient beauties and their fellow old-growth trees by hiking on 10 miles of fairly flat, easy trails. If you’d prefer to get out on the water, you can also explore this swampy national park by boating down the Congaree River.
Everglades National Park
Just because you reach the technical end of your Dover to Fort Myers RV road trip doesn’t mean that you can’t drive a little extra to visit two fantastic Miami-area national parks. The first of these is Everglades National Park, which is an hour and 20 minutes from your final destination. This 1.5-million-acre tropical wilderness is packed with endangered animals, fantastic trails, and numerous great places for boating. Visitors often enjoy exploring the swamplands and marshes via airboat tours, but there are plenty of great paths for you to hike on dry land.
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is two hours and 50 minutes from Fort Myers, but it’s only half an hour from the Everglades. What better way to end your road trip from Dover to Fort Myers than by spending some quality time on or in the waters of Biscayne Bay? The snorkeling and scuba diving are world-class here; boating and fishing are immensely popular as well. While 95 percent of this park is water, there are still a couple of lovely trails in the park that will take you along the shoreline and into the surrounding property.
Pocahontas State Park
Pocahontas State Park is just 10 minutes off of your route as it passes through Chester, VA, so you should add it to your road trip itinerary from Dover to Fort Myers. This 8,000-acre park is home to three lakes, multiple swimming pools, and more than 64 miles of trails. If you want to learn more about the history of this interesting Virginia park, you should drop by the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Approximately 55 minutes west of Selma, NC, is Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. There are plenty of access points to Jordan Lake in the park, so you’ll easily be able to boat and fish. Seven swimming beaches provide you with plenty of room to soak up the sun. If you want to stay dry, you can hike on 14 miles of trails and stop by the visitor center to learn more about the area.
Hunting Island State Park
You pass so close to the South Carolina coast that you should definitely spend some time there on your Dover to Fort Myers RV road trip. Hunting Island State Park is about 55 minutes east of Yemassee, SC. This gorgeous barrier island is home to five miles of beachfront as well as a saltwater lagoon, so there’s no shortage of amazing places to go swimming and sunbathing. You can also drop a line from the fishing pier, climb to the top of the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse, and camp out in your RV at a nice spot with water and electric hookups.
Crooked River State Park
There are plenty of great places to visit on Georgia’s coast, but one great option is Crooked River State Park, which is just 20 minutes east of Kingsland, Georgia. Boating is immensely popular here, but if you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one or even take a guided kayak tour. Unsurprisingly, this area is also awesome for fishing; redfish, flounder, and sheepshead are all abundant here. Biking and hiking are also often pursued here. Be sure to check out the Colonial Coast Birding Trail for some quality bird-watching.
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park is 25 minutes south of North Port, Florida. It’s not too far from your end destination, so it’ll be one of the last stops on your road trip itinerary from Dover to Fort Myers. The Myakka River is a wonderful place to go kayaking or canoeing, and fishing on the river is also a favorite pastime here. Be sure to take a walk on the Myakka Canopy Walkway so that you can see the oak and palm treetops in the park up close and personal.
Six Flags America
Six Flags America is one of two top-notch theme park franchises you’ll get to visit on your road trip from Dover to Fort Myers. At this exciting Six Flags park that’s 10 minutes south of Mitchellville, MD, you’ll get to experience rides like BATWING Coaster, Firebird, The Mind Eraser, and SUPERMAN: Ride of Steel.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
Just before you cross the Potomac River into Virginia, you should head 20 minutes from Oxon Hill, MD, into Washington, D.C., to visit Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. You’ll be able to see some of the 2,700 animals from 390 species that make their home here. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at Panda Plaza.
U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum
Just 10 minutes west of your route as it goes through Cape Fear, NC, is the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum. At this museum, you can learn about over 80 years of history regarding Army Airborne and Special Operations forces. Exhibits detailing the Airborne’s roles in everything from World War II to the War on Terror are on display.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
If you drive just a dozen minutes east of St. Mary’s, GA, you’ll reach the Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center, from which you can take a ferry to Cumberland Island. This large Georgia barrier island is home to pristine beaches, untamed marshes, and maritime forests. Hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and more are all possible at this stunning national seashore.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the second well-known theme park you’ll have the chance to explore on your Dover to Fort Myers RV road trip. At this park, 10 minutes west of your route as it passes through Tampa, FL, you can ride great attractions like Tigris, Cheetah Hunt, and Cobra’s Curse.
Washington, D.C.
Georgetown, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Archives Museum, and more await you in America’s capital. Plenty of great dump stations and campgrounds are near this popular tourist destination.
Richmond, Virginia
In Virginia’s capital, you can visit awesome places like Maymont, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and Carytown. There are multiple dump stations and campgrounds you can use in this area.
Savannah, Georgia
Georgia’s oldest city is home to quality attractions like Bonaventure Cemetery, Forsyth Park, and the American Prohibition Museum. This coastal town contains plenty of nice dump stations and campgrounds.
Jacksonville, Florida
In Jacksonville, you can visit places like Bronson Motor Speedway and the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. There are many top-notch dump stations and campgrounds close by.
Tampa, Florida
When visiting Tampa, be sure to drop by fun places like the Florida Aquarium and Big Cat Rescue. You’ll be able to find some quality dump stations and campgrounds nearby.
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Dover to Fort Myers, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Dover or Fort Myers.
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