Winter Quarters Pasco RV Resort Campground

Camp in an RV near Lutz and make the short drive north to the Cypress Creek Preserve, which sprawls across 7,400 acres in the Land O’Lakes region. It was originally purchased to provide flood protection and a public water supply but is also a recreational hub for hiking, off-road cycling, and horseback riding. Follow one of the trails that wind between the preserve’s woodlands and wetlands where woodpeckers, armadillo, and gopher tortoises can be spotted, or cast a fishing line to see what’s biting in the waterways. 

Drive to the southeast, and you’ll arrive at the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, a 16,000-acre area of floodplain forest and uplands along the banks of the Hillsborough River. It’s divided into numerous parks that include the John B Sargeant Park at the confluence of Flint Creek and the Hillsborough River, as well as Morris Bridge Park and the Trout Creek Nature Park. Stretch your legs on the more than 60 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the preserve, go horseback riding through the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area, or paddle beneath the shade of tall cypresses and oaks along the Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail. 

Adjacent to the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is Lettuce Lake Park, a county-run park that’s home to the Audubon Resource Center. Learn about the natural history and native wildlife of the Hillsborough River watershed, then explore along one of the boardwalks that access the preserve’s freshwater wetlands and oak forests. Soak up the views across the park from the elevated observation tower or relax at one of the picnic areas, with an open playing field and children’s playground also within its bounds. 

Lutz campers can pick up grocery supplies at the Collier Commons shopping center, which is home to a large supermarket, home goods, and clothing stores. There are nearby gas stations if you need to fill up your RV rental, as well as plenty of fast-food restaurants and eateries in the immediate surrounds if you want to dine out. 

A highlight of camping at Winter Quarters Pasco RV Resort is its proximity to Tampa, which is packed with engaging museums and cultural attractions to explore. Stroll through the historic Ybor City neighborhood that was settled by Cuban and Spanish cigar-factory workers around the turn of the 20th century and has now transformed into a dining and nightlife hub. You can also get up close to alligators, otters, and Burmese pythons at the Florida Aquarium, delve into the history of the region at the Tampa Bay History Center or take advantage of the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry. 

If you’re traveling with kids, spend a day at Busch Gardens, an African-themed amusement park that’s been entertaining visitors since 1959. It’s renowned for its adrenaline-pumping roller coasters and Serengeti-inspired wildlife exhibits where you can see giraffes, hippos, and elephants up close. Adjacent to Busch Gardens is the water-themed Adventure Island park where you can cool off during the summer months. It’s home to idyllic lagoons inspired by the bayous of the Deep South and the Florida Everglades, as well as a diverse range of water slides and human-made beaches replicating those of the Mexican Gulf. 

Another wildlife destination not to miss is the Big Cat Rescue facility, which is home to more than 80 leopards, tigers, lions, and bobcats that have been saved from big-game hunters, circuses, or neglectful owners. Aside from embarking on a full-day tour to explore the naturally designed habitats, you can also join a night safari to see their nocturnal species in action. 

Whether you want to explore the Gulf Coast wetlands or discover the family-friendly attractions of Tampa, book an RV in Pasco County and start planning your next vacation.