Ruskin is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County along the southern shores of Tampa Bay. Established in 1908, the community was named after John Ruskin, an English writer and philosopher. Ruskin was developed by Dr. George McAnelly Miller, a professor at Ruskin College in Missouri, and his wife, Addie Dickman Miller. In 1910, the Millers established a new Ruskin College in their Florida community. George served as the college's president, and Addie served as the vice president. By 1913, Ruskin had experienced significant growth, featuring a general store, a telephone system, a canning factory, and an electrical plant. The community's population continued to increase gradually throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
As of 2023, Ruskin had an approximate population of 32,000. The community is known for its rich agricultural history and much-anticipated annual Ruskin Tomato Festival. The weather is frequently sunny in the Ruskin area, and there are many parks and bodies of water where you can enjoy outdoor recreation. For example, you could explore the lush Wolf Branch Creek Nature Preserve, go birdwatching in the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, or go canoeing at E.G. Simmons Regional Park.
If you're looking for educational fun, spend a memorable day at the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, which offers guided tours and features an intriguing fossil museum. You could also catch a movie while enjoying a tasty burger at the Ruskin Drive-in Theater. Alternatively, switch things up and stop by Hydro Harvest Farms for an afternoon of picking fresh fruits and vegetables while learning about farming. When you and the family get hungry, a couple of excellent restaurants to consider are The Fish House and Los Amigos Restaurant.
One campground to consider is The Tides RV Resort, which boasts 389 full-hookup RV campsites. The campground, located along the gorgeous Gulf Coast, is exclusively for guests 55 years of age or older. There are numerous amenities, including a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, pickleball courts, shuffleboard courts, a fitness center, a library, 100-amp electricity, and many more.
Caladesi RV Park is family-owned and known for being clean and well-maintained. Plus, it's only a short distance from the beach! You can snag a spacious RV campsite, and during your stay, you'll have access to amenities such as propane-filling services, a heated pool, showers, a recreation room, and a large dog park.
You might also consider the Hidden River RV Resort, a large campground featuring 300 RV campsites and a private lake. The campsites include full hookups, and discounts for AAA members and active military members are available. Golfing enthusiasts will be glad to know that the Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club is only a few minutes away, and the nearby Buckhorn Creek offers quality fishing opportunities for eager anglers.
Little Manatee River State Park is a unique natural haven in Wimauma, Florida. As park's namesake river flows through the land, a canopy of shady trees and hanging moss blocks the relentless sun above the water. Visitors often take their kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards out on the river, which is a tranquil and surreal experience. If that's not for you, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the boardwalk, have a relaxing picnic, or even take advantage of the excellent horseback riding and fishing opportunities this park offers.
Nestled on the southern shoreline of Lake Manatee, Lake Manatee State Park was formed when a dam was built across the Manatee River. The park offers a peaceful setting for many recreational activities, including boating, kayaking, freshwater fishing, and canoeing. In addition, there are several miles of off-road biking routes to navigate and 4.5 miles of hiking trails. While you explore these trails, you'll have excellent chances of getting an up-close view of the local wildlife, including bobcats, quail, and gopher tortoises.
Alafia River State Park is a scenic natural sanctuary known as a favorite Florida destination for mountain biking. The park boasts excellent single-track and twisting boardwalk features, providing a thrilling challenge for riders of various skill levels. If you're new to mountain biking, take advantage of the park's equipment rentals. The park also features an expansive network of trails to explore on foot, bike, or horseback. If you prefer water-based recreation, the nearby Alafia River offers prime opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
The De Soto National Memorial is a historical site that commemorates a turning point in Florida's past. The memorial takes you back to 1539 when Hernando de Soto and his Spanish conquistadors made their way through Florida in search of gold. Today, visitors can learn more about the conquistadors and the Native Americans who inhabited the area at the Camp Uzita living history museum. Around the site, you'll also find sun-drenched beaches, scenic hiking trails, and some great boating opportunities.
If you enjoy relaxing on the beach or having fun in the water, the Canaveral National Seashore is worth a visit. The beautiful seashore, located along the breathtaking Atlantic Coast, comprises 25 miles of pristine sandy beaches. During your visit, you can sunbathe, take a leisurely hike along the gentle shoreline, or head out into the waves in your kayak or canoe. The site is close to the Kennedy Space Center, and when rocket launches occur, you can enjoy an incredible view from the seashore. Other attractions along the shoreline include Native American archaeological sites, historic houses, and several nature trails.
The Big Cypress National Preserve encompasses approximately 729,000 acres along Florida's southwestern coast. The preserve is a fantastic area for outdoor recreation, especially hiking and kayaking. As you navigate the site, keep your eyes open for manatees, alligators, sand cranes, and other famous Florida wildlife species. If you are in the mood for a hike, check out great routes like the Gator Hook Trail and the Fire Prairie Trail.
Ocala National Forest is one of many lush forest areas in Florida, encompassing 387,000 acres and featuring a diverse landscape. Highlands, coastal lowlands, swamps, and wetlands are found throughout the forest. There are also several hundred lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, many of which are quite popular for fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and watersports. While hiking excellent routes like the Timucuan Trail and the Davenport Landing Trail, you may spot unique wildlife like gopher tortoises, foxes, bobcats, and otters.
Osceola National Forest is located west of Jacksonville in northern Florida. It is mainly known as part of the area where the largest Civil War battle in Florida history took place. The Battle of Olustee occurred on February 20, 1864, on land that is now partially covered by the national forest. These days, the area is a popular recreational destination where visitors often enjoy hiking, horseback riding, waterskiing, swimming, and fishing. Of the many scenic trails navigating the forest, the Trampled Track Trail and the Osceola Nice Wanderer Trail are two of the best options.
Apalachicola National Forest is situated outside of Florida's state capital of Tallahassee. Within the forest, you can explore unusual natural landmarks, such as the caverns and sinkholes in the Leon Sinks area. Alternatively, you could take a relaxing drive along the Apalachicola Savannahs Scenic Byway, which passes through miles of sub-tropical grasslands. Other favorite activities within and around the 632,890-acre forest include fishing in the Apalachicola River, stargazing, observing the local birds and wildlife, and hiking.
The nearest national park to Ruskin is the 1.5-million-acre stretch of tropical wilderness known as Everglades National Park. The park is one of the country's most unique natural sites and features multiple ecosystems. Across the park's marshy landscape, you'll find pine flatwoods, coastal mangroves, and sawgrass marshes. The park is a superb birdwatching destination and is also inhabited by rare wildlife like manatees, panthers, and crocodiles. Many visitors to the area jump on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a guided airboat tour through the park. If you prefer to do your own thing, consider setting up a backcountry campsite and soaking in the unforgettable scenery.
It takes quite a journey to reach Dry Tortugas National Park, but if you like exploring beautiful remote places, it's undoubtedly worth it. You'll have to travel about 70 miles west of Key West, and you must take a seaplane or a boat to get there. The park comprises seven islands and their coral reefs, and visitors are immediately greeted with a tropical atmosphere and gorgeous ocean views. While exploring the islands, you might even spot a few lounging sea turtles. One of the islands boasts a majestic 19th-century fortress, which is worth checking out. While visiting the park, you can also partake in fishing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and paddling.
Biscayne National Park, located in southeastern Florida, comprises just over 170,000 acres. The park is home to breathtaking coral reefs, pristine waters, and an amazing southern seagrass ecosystem. The area has a reputation as one of the best places in the country for snorkeling and scuba diving, and while diving, you can potentially see a few shallow-water shipwrecks. As you explore the water, be on the lookout for crustaceans, bottlenose dolphins, and many other fascinating sea creatures. Additionally, Biscayne is a world-class destination for fishing and boating. Plus, there's even an on-site contemporary art gallery to explore!
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Ruskin, FL, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Ruskin?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Ruskin from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Ruskin?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
