Tampa Bay Rays RV Camping Guide
Head to Florida for a Rays game where the weather is warm nearly all the time. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, Tropicana Field is a fun place to visit in St. Petersburg near Tampa Bay.
Event information
One of the youngest teams in Major League Baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays have only been officially franchised since 1998. And they have been at Tropicana Field since day one. Their main rivals are the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, but they have an interleague rivalry with the Miami Marlins.
The Rays are a unique team with an even more unique mascot. Raymond is a large furry blue creature steeped in wonder and mystery. Some say he is a type of sea dog, also known as a Canus Manta Whatthefluffalus. Whatever he is, the fans love him, and so does the team.
Kids love Raymond, and your little ones will love Rays Rookies Kids Club. They get all kinds of benefits such as free game tickets for certain games, free snacks, and fun activities before, during, and after the games. Bring your kids so they can enjoy the fun. You don’t have to live nearby, just be 14 years old and younger for the club.
Tampa Bay Rays Park has some FAN-tastic food and drinks to enjoy as well. From burgers to brats and from pizza to pretzels, there is something for everyone in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Tropicana Field has also been home to horseback riding events, figure skating, weightlifting, tennis, soccer, and many more sporting events. The park even hosted the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and Firestone Grand Prix once. They have also been host to many concerts with stars like New Kids On The Block, Guns N' Roses, Kiss, Van Halen, and the Eagles. But the stadium is mainly known as the home of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Tickets
In the past, tickets for a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game at Tropicana Field have been found for $10 to $60, depending on the time of year, seating, and who the Rays are playing. Some games are more than others if it is a special occasion or post-season games. And if you want VIP or club seats, you will be paying more. Of course, you will get more with those seats, such as free food, beverages, and other perks.
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Transportation
Driving
Surrounded by I-175, I-275, I-375, and US-92, you cannot miss Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The park is less than two miles from Tampa Bay to the east and 12 miles to the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park to the south, where you can see the world’s longest fishing pier. And about 23 miles to the southeast, you can visit Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, and enjoy some boating and fishing fun. Be aware that your route will include one or more bridges as you cross Old Tampa Bay or Tampa Bay; enjoy the views!
Parking areas
Parking for large vehicles such as campervans and RVs is allowed in Lots 2, 6, and 7, which are all within a quarter-mile of Tropicana Field gates. On Sundays, those with four or more passengers may get to park for free. If you arrive in a tow vehicle or smaller campervan, you might be able to get a spot on any of the nine lots, which are all within a half of a mile. Tailgating is permitted with gas grills at any of the nine parking lots, but you must not take up more than one parking space.
Public Transportation
Pinellas County, Florida proudly teams up with Tropicana Field and the Tampa Bay Rays to provide transportation to most games from anywhere in the city. Some of the pickups are on Second Street South between First Avenue and Central and on 16th Street by Third Avenue. They run every 10 minutes starting 90 minutes before the game to an hour afterward.
Where to stay
Onsite
Unfortunately, there is no place to camp at Tropicana Field for Tampa Ray baseball games. Fans are also not allowed to stay overnight in any of the onsite parking lots. You can check with the private lots in the area to see whether they allow RV parking overnight, but it may be best to find a campground nearby instead.
Nearby
You shouldn't have any trouble finding a spot for your RV in one of the many campgrounds near Tampa Bay Rays Stadium. There are eight campgrounds within a 20-mile radius of the park. Most have utilities, restrooms, and campfire grills, but a couple of them are primitive. It’s better to bring your own camp stove or grill just in case.
The St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach KOA Holiday is only 10 miles to the northwest and has over 300 sites that can accommodate rigs up to 60 feet long. The park is right on Long Bayou with a fishing pond, pool, miniature golf, and full utilities. They even have a hot tub, sauna, bike and boat rentals, and so much more you may not ever want to leave.
Getting around
Wheelchair transports and assistance is provided free of charge from your gate to your seat and back. However, this is on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early or be prepared to wait if you need assistance. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome as long as they do not block other seats or walking pathways.
What to pack
Clothing
As with any city in Florida, you need to pack light-colored tee-shirts, tank tops, and shorts because it is going to be hot, especially during baseball season. Most Tampa Ray fans wear tees and jerseys with their favorite player’s name on them with the team colors of blue and yellow. A baseball hat and sunglasses are also a good idea to keep the sun off your head and out of your eyes. And comfortable shoes are a must, just in case you need to do some walking.
Gear
Pack lightly, so you don’t have to worry about carrying around a bag or cooler while you are at the game. Even though you are allowed to bring a bag or soft cooler up to 16 inches, don’t forget that you will have to spend that extra time at the gate for your gear to be inspected. If you really have to have a bag, bring a small one with a strap so you can have your hands free to hold your beer and hot dog.
Health & Safety
Put a couple of liters of water in your bag so you can stay hydrated in the Florida sunshine during the game. Even if you plan to drink beer or other beverages, water is needed to keep you from getting dehydrated. Sunscreen with a hefty SPF is also important to keep from getting sunburned. Grab some lip balm for your lips as well. And if you are going to have a bag, pack a small first-aid kit for minor emergencies.
Where to eat
Cooking
Tailgating is allowed in all Tropicana Field parking lots, so go ahead and bring a gas or propane grill or a camp stove. Charcoal grills are not allowed. Make sure you have enough BBQ sauce, utensils, and plates with you, and be sure to pick up after your crew. How you cook at the campsite depends on what amenities the campground has. If they have an outdoor grill, take advantage of that. Enjoy the Florida sunshine while cooking your campsite favorites.
Restaurants
If you want to enjoy a creative meal with the family or fancy a night on the town, St. Petersburg has more than a dozen restaurants within two miles of Tropicana Field to explore. You’ll find Asian fare, two Italian eateries, a Jamaican place, an oyster bar, and even a British restaurant. If you just want to go through a drive-through for some fast food, there are some of those there, too.
Vendors
Your mouth may be watering before you even get into the park because you can smell the food from miles away. Some people actually go to the ballpark just to eat! On the main field, there are 20 food and drink vendors that have been known to offer anything from Dippin’ Dots to Cuban cuisine. And the 100 Level has 60 places that serve everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to pizza. There are also dozens of merchandise vendors where you can grab a few souvenirs for the folks back home.
Safety
Security
One thing to remember is not to bring a large bag or backpack since these have been restricted in recent years. Rays fans are allowed to bring a bag up to 16 inches, but they will be searched as you enter, so get there early. You don’t want to miss the first pitch if you become delayed for having something you are not supposed to have. If you need a security officer but cannot find one, call 911 if it is an emergency.
Weather
The Tampa Bay area is a hot place to be in the summer, but it is not usually oppressively hot. The average high is 90 degrees, and the average low is often in the mid-70s. It rains a lot in the summer, too. From June to September, you can expect rain or a thunderstorm any afternoon, no matter whether it is sunny or not. However, download a weather app so you can be aware of the forecast at all times.
Medical
Tropicana Field has a clinic on the 100 Level behind home base between Gates 3 and 4. It is called St. Anthony’s Fan Care Clinic and has licensed medical personnel to help with any minor emergency. If needed, they will provide an ambulance to the nearest hospital, which is only about a mile away. And there are several urgent care clinics and pharmacies within a 15-mile radius as well.
