Discover three iconic campervan itineraries starting from Fort Lauderdale, the "Venice of America" with its navigable canals and endless beaches. Suitable for durations of 7-10 days, 14 days, and 21 days, they explore authentic Florida by van, with nature campgrounds and smooth coastal roads. Each route emphasizes Fort Lauderdale as the ideal base for must-see campervan getaways.
7-10 days: South Coast and Everglades
Start from Fort Lauderdale for a compact campervan circuit along Florida's south coast. Days 1-2: settle on Fort Lauderdale Beach or Las Olas Beach, enjoy Venetian gondolas and campgrounds like Jonathan Dickinson State Park nearby. Days 3-4: drive to the Keys via Key Largo for snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, park your van in Marathon. Day 5: Everglades National Park with Anhinga Trail and airboat to see alligators, campgrounds like Long Pine Key. Days 6-7: Naples and Sanibel Island for shell beaches and kayaking in mangroves at Tarpon Bay, return via Fort Lauderdale. Days 8-10: Orlando for theme parks if time allows, otherwise extend in Fort Lauderdale with Pompano Beach for fishing. Ideal for a first campervan road trip, with easy roads and justified nature stops due to the unique proximity of the Everglades.
14 days: Complete Coastal Loop
From Fort Lauderdale, embark on a 14-day campervan road trip covering Florida's beaches and nature. Days 1-3: Fort Lauderdale and surroundings, Las Olas Boulevard, quiet Dania Beach, local campgrounds. Days 4-6: Keys to Key West for legendary sunsets, return via Everglades and Shark Valley. Days 7-8: Sanibel and Captiva for shell collecting, Naples beaches. Days 9-10: Sarasota and St. Petersburg for arts and calm beaches. Days 11-12: Crystal River to the north for manatees kayaking early in the morning, riverside campgrounds. Day 13: Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Day 14: return to Fort Lauderdale via Palm Beach. This loop justifies outings by the van accessibility to iconic sites like Crystal River, with regular stops for campervan autonomy.
21 days: Florida in Depth
Driving your campervan from Fort Lauderdale, explore Florida's beaches to theme parks in 21 days. Days 1-4: in-depth Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, water taxi canals, nearby Everglades campgrounds. Days 5-8: complete Keys (Key Largo, Marathon, Key West), then Everglades with Pa-hay-okee Overlook. Days 9-12: Sanibel, Fort Myers beaches, Sarasota bays. Days 13-16: Orlando Disney and Universal, family campgrounds. Days 17-19: Crystal River manatees, historic St. Augustine to the northeast, a must for its colonial charm accessible by van. Day 20: Cape Canaveral Kennedy Space Center. Day 21: Palm Beach and return to Fort Lauderdale. Perfect for total immersion, the northern detours justified by the optimal campervan road loop and the variety of wildlife/flora.