RV Parks In Riverview, Florida
27.8661° N, 82.3265° W
Quick Overview
Riverview sits in Hillsborough County between the Selmon Expressway and the Alafia River, with I-75 and US-301 as the two arteries that define daily life. The town has grown fast over the past decade, but for an RVer the headline is access: you are 15 minutes from downtown Tampa, 30 minutes from Gulf beaches, and an hour from Sarasota or Orlando theme parks. Riverview punches above its weight as a Tampa Bay base. Hidden River RV Community is the marquee in-town resort with full hookups, pool, fitness center, and pickleball courts, designed to accommodate 45-foot rigs with pull-throughs. West of town, Bay Bayou RV Resort on Double Branch Creek was the 2023 Florida RV Park of the Year and runs the most amenity-rich operation in the area. North in Seffner, Lazydays RV Resort sits adjacent to the Lazydays dealership and service center, which makes it the natural choice when you need work done while you stay.
If you want the public-land option, two strong Florida State Parks sit within 20 miles. Alafia River State Park in Lithia is a reclaimed phosphate-mining landscape with steep hills, rugged single-track mountain biking, and paddling, the closest thing to hill country greater Tampa offers. Little Manatee River State Park in Wimauma is the quieter alternative with paddling on a designated Outstanding Florida Water. Both have water and electric sites plus on-site dump stations and book 11 months out for winter weekends.
November through April is the headline season here. Snowbird demand at the private resorts is so strong that prime winter weeks book 6 to 9 months ahead, and Florida State Park reservations for January and February release at 8am eastern and disappear in the first hour. We come for the Apollo Beach manatees in winter, the downtown Tampa Riverwalk and Florida Aquarium on rainy days, and the beach run to Fort De Soto on the south end of St Petersburg. Summer is hot, humid, and storm-prone but cheaper, and resort pools are at their best.
From the RVingLife Shop
Gear for Your Trip to Riverview
All Dump Stations Near Riverview
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Creek RV Resort | 1.4 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Hidden River | 2.3 mi | 4.0 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Park At Palm Grove | 4.4 mi | 4.0 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Bethesda RV Park | 9.1 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Citrus Hills RV Park | 9.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Famcamp Office Macdill Afb RV Park | 10.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lazydays RV Resort | 10.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Abbeys Wigwam RV Park | 11.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lone Pine RV Park | 11.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Tampa East | 11.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Rice Creek RV Resort
1.4 miHidden River
2.3 miPark At Palm Grove
4.4 miBethesda RV Park
9.1 miCitrus Hills RV Park
9.9 miFamcamp Office Macdill Afb RV Park
10.1 miLazydays RV Resort
10.2 miAbbeys Wigwam RV Park
11.4 miLone Pine RV Park
11.6 miTampa East
11.7 miTraveling to Riverview by RV
I-75 is the spine of any Riverview trip, with exits 246 (Big Bend Road) and 250 (Gibsonton) the closest to town. From the north, you typically come in via I-75 from Brandon or I-4 from Orlando; from the south, I-75 from Sarasota and Naples. US-301 runs north-south through Riverview as the main local artery and connects to the Selmon Expressway for downtown Tampa access. All of these routes handle big rigs comfortably with no low bridges or weight limits relevant to typical RVs.
For fly-and-rent trips, Tampa International Airport is 22 miles northwest, with rental fleet centers in the airport area. Sarasota Bradenton International is 45 miles south. If you are headed to the Gulf beaches, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the iconic crossing and has dedicated lanes for high-profile vehicles in high winds; check Florida 511 before crossing if a tropical system is in the gulf. Avoid I-75 northbound during weekday afternoon rush; US-301 is the better local alternative south of Brandon. Cell coverage is reliable on all major carriers throughout the Tampa Bay metro.
Useful Links
Find additional dump stations near Riverview
Browse RV parks and campgrounds in Florida
Helpful articles for RV travelers
Navigate to Riverview, FL
National Weather Service forecast
Recreation.gov campground search
Find emergency medical care nearby
Find grocery shopping nearby
Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Riverview, Florida, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Riverview
The public-versus-private gap is the main cost story for Riverview RV camping. Florida State Parks like Alafia River and Little Manatee River run about $24 to $30 per night plus a small reservation fee with water and electric, the best value within range. Private full-hookup resorts run $70 to $130 a night in winter snowbird season, with monthly rates that bring the effective cost down to a much friendlier number. Summer rates can drop 30 to 40 percent across the private side; if you can handle the heat, summer is the budget play.
Add the Florida sales tax to private stays, which the resorts collect at the counter. Snowbird monthly rates at Hidden River, Bay Bayou, and Lazydays often include reduced electric pass-through rates, but check what the deal actually covers. Propane is competitively priced at the U-Haul and Tractor Supply locations in Brandon; truck stops along I-75 have the cheapest diesel. Plan a Costco or Sam's Club run in Brandon for the best bulk pricing. Florida-friendly costs include the Mosquito Joe option if you camp deeper in pine flatwoods between May and October.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Riverview
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Best Time to Visit Riverview by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
54F - 72F
Crowds: High
Snowbird high season. Book the major private resorts (Hidden River, Bay Bayou, Lazydays) 6 to 9 months ahead. Florida State Park winter weekends release 11 months out and fill in the first hour.
Spring
Mar - May
62F - 82F
Crowds: High
March and early April are excellent and busy. Pollen heavy in March. Mosquitoes ramp up by late April.
Summer
Jun - Aug
74F - 90F
Crowds: Low
Hot humid Florida summer with daily afternoon thunderstorms. Private resorts run summer specials and state parks usually have weekday availability.
Fall
Sep - Oct
66F - 82F
Crowds: Medium
Hurricane season runs through November; check the NHC five-day outlook. October and November are the relief months when humidity drops.
Explore the Riverview Area
Book private resort snowbird stays the previous spring or summer; the calendar opens earlier than you would guess and the best winter weeks at Hidden River and Bay Bayou are gone by late June. For state parks, set a calendar reminder for the 11-month booking window at 8am eastern; that is when the prime winter weekends release. If you miss them, scan cancellations daily, especially Sunday and Monday nights when people change plans. The Apollo Beach Manatee Viewing Center is the best free wildlife stop in winter; weekends get busy by 10am, so go early.
Summer thunderstorm timing is reliable here: late afternoon, almost daily. Secure awnings every afternoon, plan grocery and dump runs for morning, and watch lightning before pulling slides. Hurricane season planning is real; build a 48-hour evacuation buffer into any August or September trip and keep an inland destination identified. For day-trip variety, alternate Tampa Riverwalk and downtown for urban days, Fort De Soto or Honeymoon Island for beach days, and Alafia River State Park for outdoor active days. The mix is exactly why we keep coming back to Riverview as a base.
National Parks Nearby
Other Cities in Florida
RV Tips & Articles
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Riverview
What are the best RV parks in Riverview, FL?
Hidden River RV Community is the marquee in-town pick, with full hookups, pool, fitness center, pickleball, and big-rig pull-throughs in a year-round resort format. West of Riverview, Bay Bayou RV Resort on Double Branch Creek was the 2023 Florida RV Park of the Year and has the most amenities. North in Seffner, Lazydays RV Resort is the obvious base if you want quick access to a major service center and dealership. For state-park camping, Alafia River and Little Manatee River are both within 20 miles.
Do Riverview RV parks have full hookups (water, electric, sewer)?
Yes at the private resorts. Hidden River RV Community, Bay Bayou RV Resort, and Lazydays RV Resort all offer 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer at every site, plus extras like cable and Wi-Fi at most. The two state parks within day-trip range, Alafia River and Little Manatee River, have water and electric plus on-site dump stations but no sewer at the site, which is normal for Florida State Parks. Plan to dump on the way out rather than expecting a sewer at your campsite at a public park.
How much does RV camping cost in Riverview?
Private resorts in the Riverview and Tampa Bay area run roughly $70 to $130 per night in winter snowbird season, with monthly rates that bring the effective cost down significantly. Summer rates can drop 30 to 40 percent. Florida State Parks like Alafia River and Little Manatee River run about $24 to $30 a night plus a small reservation fee, a much better value if you do not need full hookups. Add the Florida sales tax on private stays and budget for premium amenities like pickleball court fees at the higher-end resorts.
How far ahead do I need to reserve an RV site in Riverview?
For winter (December through March) snowbird stays at the major private resorts, plan 6 to 9 months ahead; Hidden River and Bay Bayou fill that far out and the best sites go first. Florida State Parks open reservations 11 months out and the prime winter weeks at Alafia River and Little Manatee River release at 8am eastern; popular weekends are gone in the first hour. Summer and early fall are dramatically easier; most parks have availability a few days ahead, though heat keeps the resort scene quiet.
When is the best time to RV camp in Riverview?
November through April is the headline season: highs in the 70s, low humidity, no afternoon thunderstorms, and the Apollo Beach manatees in winter. December through March is peak snowbird season with the highest prices and the toughest availability; October, November, and April are our sweet spots with comfortable weather and easier booking. Summer is hot, humid, and prone to daily 4 pm thunderstorms with serious lightning, but the resort pools are at their best and rates drop noticeably. Avoid August and September for the hurricane risk window.
Can big rigs (35 to 40 feet plus) camp near Riverview?
Yes at the major private resorts. Hidden River, Bay Bayou, Lazydays, and River Vista all handle 40 ft+ Class A coaches and big fifth-wheels comfortably with pull-throughs and 50 amp service. Lazydays in particular is designed around large motorcoach owners. The state parks at Alafia River and Little Manatee River have a limited number of big-rig sites; check site length on the Florida State Parks reservation site before booking and consider Bay Bayou or Hidden River as the easier choice for anything over 35 feet.
Are there state parks near Riverview for RV camping?
Yes, two strong options within 20 miles. Alafia River State Park in Lithia is a reclaimed phosphate-mining landscape with hills, rugged single-track mountain biking, and paddling, a true rarity in pancake-flat Florida. Little Manatee River State Park in Wimauma is the quieter alternative with paddling on a designated Outstanding Florida Water and pine-flatwoods hiking. Both offer water and electric sites with on-site dump stations through ReserveAmerica. They book 11 months ahead for winter weekends; both are pleasant value compared to the private resorts.
What are the best attractions near Riverview?
Tampa downtown is 15 miles northwest with the Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay History Center, and the Riverwalk; easy day trip with the tow car. The Apollo Beach Manatee Viewing Center is the standout free winter attraction with hundreds of manatees in the warm-water discharge from November through April. Fort De Soto Park 35 miles southwest has award-winning beaches and a historic fort. Busch Gardens is 20 miles north for the theme-park option. Alafia River State Park is the local outdoor pick with biking, paddling, and unusual Florida topography.
Are there free or first-come campgrounds near Riverview?
Free RV camping is essentially nonexistent in the Tampa Bay area; the urbanization is too dense and most public land is permit-only state and county park camping. A handful of state-park sites at Alafia River and Little Manatee River release first-come if unreserved by mid-morning, but planning around that is risky in winter. The Withlacoochee State Forest 60 miles north has dispersed camping with a permit if you want a no-frills option. For most Riverview-area RVers the math points to a paid private resort or a state park stay.
Is the area open year-round for RV camping?
Yes. Hidden River, Bay Bayou, Lazydays, and River Vista all operate year-round, and Florida State Parks like Alafia River and Little Manatee River stay open through the calendar. Summer brings reduced demand, summer specials at the private resorts, and the easier booking window if you can handle the heat and humidity that define the warm months in the Tampa Bay area. The main practical seasonal limit is hurricane preparedness in August and September; some resorts close briefly during named-storm threats and most will rebook stays with reasonable notice when a storm is forecast.
How do I plan around Florida hurricane season in an RV?
Hurricane season runs June through November with peak risk August through October. Build a 48-hour evacuation buffer into any late-summer plan, keep a 200-mile inland destination identified, and watch the National Hurricane Center five-day outlook before booking. Most Tampa Bay private resorts will refund or rebook with reasonable notice during a named-storm threat. Tampa International Airport closes ahead of significant storms; I-75 northbound clogs early. Locals tend to leave 24 hours before official evacuation orders rather than waiting; we recommend the same.
Are RV parks near Riverview pet-friendly?
Yes, almost universally. Hidden River, Bay Bayou, Lazydays, and River Vista all welcome dogs with on-site dog parks and the typical leash and clean-up rules; some have breed restrictions for the larger or higher-liability breeds, so call ahead if you travel with one. The Florida State Parks at Alafia River and Little Manatee River allow pets in the campground on a 6-foot leash with the usual rules about not leaving them unattended. Pet fees at private resorts are typically $2 to $5 per pet per night when applicable.
Are there RV resorts in Riverview with pools, pickleball, and clubhouse amenities?
Yes; this is exactly the Tampa Bay specialty. Hidden River RV Community has a swimming pool, fitness center, pickleball courts, and planned activities including cards and bingo. Bay Bayou RV Resort has a heated pool with a tiki hut, fishing docks, billiards, shuffleboard, horseshoes, bocce, dog parks, and a full activities calendar. Lazydays has a pool, dog park, and concierge service for RV repairs. River Vista in Ruskin is a 55+ active resort with the same amenity profile. Plan on resort rates if you want the resort lifestyle.
What are the best RV parks in Riverview, FL?
Hidden River RV Community is the marquee in-town pick, with full hookups, pool, fitness center, pickleball, and big-rig pull-throughs in a year-round resort format. West of Riverview, Bay Bayou RV Resort on Double Branch Creek was the 2023 Florida RV Park of the Year and has the most amenities. North in Seffner, Lazydays RV Resort is the obvious base if you want quick access to a major service center and dealership. For state-park camping, Alafia River and Little Manatee River are both within 20 miles.
Do Riverview RV parks have full hookups (water, electric, sewer)?
Yes at the private resorts. Hidden River RV Community, Bay Bayou RV Resort, and Lazydays RV Resort all offer 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer at every site, plus extras like cable and Wi-Fi at most. The two state parks within day-trip range, Alafia River and Little Manatee River, have water and electric plus on-site dump stations but no sewer at the site, which is normal for Florida State Parks. Plan to dump on the way out rather than expecting a sewer at your campsite at a public park.
How much does RV camping cost in Riverview?
Private resorts in the Riverview and Tampa Bay area run roughly $70 to $130 per night in winter snowbird season, with monthly rates that bring the effective cost down significantly. Summer rates can drop 30 to 40 percent. Florida State Parks like Alafia River and Little Manatee River run about $24 to $30 a night plus a small reservation fee, a much better value if you do not need full hookups. Add the Florida sales tax on private stays and budget for premium amenities like pickleball court fees at the higher-end resorts.
How far ahead do I need to reserve an RV site in Riverview?
For winter (December through March) snowbird stays at the major private resorts, plan 6 to 9 months ahead; Hidden River and Bay Bayou fill that far out and the best sites go first. Florida State Parks open reservations 11 months out and the prime winter weeks at Alafia River and Little Manatee River release at 8am eastern; popular weekends are gone in the first hour. Summer and early fall are dramatically easier; most parks have availability a few days ahead, though heat keeps the resort scene quiet.
When is the best time to RV camp in Riverview?
November through April is the headline season: highs in the 70s, low humidity, no afternoon thunderstorms, and the Apollo Beach manatees in winter. December through March is peak snowbird season with the highest prices and the toughest availability; October, November, and April are our sweet spots with comfortable weather and easier booking. Summer is hot, humid, and prone to daily 4 pm thunderstorms with serious lightning, but the resort pools are at their best and rates drop noticeably. Avoid August and September for the hurricane risk window.
Can big rigs (35 to 40 feet plus) camp near Riverview?
Yes at the major private resorts. Hidden River, Bay Bayou, Lazydays, and River Vista all handle 40 ft+ Class A coaches and big fifth-wheels comfortably with pull-throughs and 50 amp service. Lazydays in particular is designed around large motorcoach owners. The state parks at Alafia River and Little Manatee River have a limited number of big-rig sites; check site length on the Florida State Parks reservation site before booking and consider Bay Bayou or Hidden River as the easier choice for anything over 35 feet.
Are there state parks near Riverview for RV camping?
Yes, two strong options within 20 miles. Alafia River State Park in Lithia is a reclaimed phosphate-mining landscape with hills, rugged single-track mountain biking, and paddling, a true rarity in pancake-flat Florida. Little Manatee River State Park in Wimauma is the quieter alternative with paddling on a designated Outstanding Florida Water and pine-flatwoods hiking. Both offer water and electric sites with on-site dump stations through ReserveAmerica. They book 11 months ahead for winter weekends; both are pleasant value compared to the private resorts.
What are the best attractions near Riverview?
Tampa downtown is 15 miles northwest with the Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay History Center, and the Riverwalk; easy day trip with the tow car. The Apollo Beach Manatee Viewing Center is the standout free winter attraction with hundreds of manatees in the warm-water discharge from November through April. Fort De Soto Park 35 miles southwest has award-winning beaches and a historic fort. Busch Gardens is 20 miles north for the theme-park option. Alafia River State Park is the local outdoor pick with biking, paddling, and unusual Florida topography.
Are there free or first-come campgrounds near Riverview?
Free RV camping is essentially nonexistent in the Tampa Bay area; the urbanization is too dense and most public land is permit-only state and county park camping. A handful of state-park sites at Alafia River and Little Manatee River release first-come if unreserved by mid-morning, but planning around that is risky in winter. The Withlacoochee State Forest 60 miles north has dispersed camping with a permit if you want a no-frills option. For most Riverview-area RVers the math points to a paid private resort or a state park stay.
Is the area open year-round for RV camping?
Yes. Hidden River, Bay Bayou, Lazydays, and River Vista all operate year-round, and Florida State Parks like Alafia River and Little Manatee River stay open through the calendar. Summer brings reduced demand, summer specials at the private resorts, and the easier booking window if you can handle the heat and humidity that define the warm months in the Tampa Bay area. The main practical seasonal limit is hurricane preparedness in August and September; some resorts close briefly during named-storm threats and most will rebook stays with reasonable notice when a storm is forecast.
How do I plan around Florida hurricane season in an RV?
Hurricane season runs June through November with peak risk August through October. Build a 48-hour evacuation buffer into any late-summer plan, keep a 200-mile inland destination identified, and watch the National Hurricane Center five-day outlook before booking. Most Tampa Bay private resorts will refund or rebook with reasonable notice during a named-storm threat. Tampa International Airport closes ahead of significant storms; I-75 northbound clogs early. Locals tend to leave 24 hours before official evacuation orders rather than waiting; we recommend the same.
Are RV parks near Riverview pet-friendly?
Yes, almost universally. Hidden River, Bay Bayou, Lazydays, and River Vista all welcome dogs with on-site dog parks and the typical leash and clean-up rules; some have breed restrictions for the larger or higher-liability breeds, so call ahead if you travel with one. The Florida State Parks at Alafia River and Little Manatee River allow pets in the campground on a 6-foot leash with the usual rules about not leaving them unattended. Pet fees at private resorts are typically $2 to $5 per pet per night when applicable.
Are there RV resorts in Riverview with pools, pickleball, and clubhouse amenities?
Yes; this is exactly the Tampa Bay specialty. Hidden River RV Community has a swimming pool, fitness center, pickleball courts, and planned activities including cards and bingo. Bay Bayou RV Resort has a heated pool with a tiki hut, fishing docks, billiards, shuffleboard, horseshoes, bocce, dog parks, and a full activities calendar. Lazydays has a pool, dog park, and concierge service for RV repairs. River Vista in Ruskin is a 55+ active resort with the same amenity profile. Plan on resort rates if you want the resort lifestyle.
What is the highest-rated dump station in Riverview?
The highest-rated station is E.G. Simmons County Park with a rating of 4.5/5 stars.
Are there free dump stations in Riverview?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Riverview.
All Dump Stations Near Riverview (123)
RV Park with Dump StationsCypress Campground & RV Park
RV ParkRegister Chevrolet RV Center
RV ParkRoyal Oaks RV
RV ParkCentral Park MH & RV Resort
RV ParkCamp Inn RV Resort
RV ParkCamp Central RV Parks - North
RV ParkCamp Central RV Parks - South
RV Park




