The Surf RV Resort | Palmetto, Florida
The Surf RV Resort | Palmetto, Florida
Upscale RV living with a lively, welcoming community—where something’s always happening.
If you love an RV resort that feels social, active, and genuinely welcoming, The Surf RV Resort might be your spot. Located just a couple of miles from The Tides RV Resort in Palmetto, Florida, this sister property offers a very similar level of quality—but with a noticeably stronger community vibe.
From the moment we arrived, it felt like people energetic and welcoming.
A True Community Feel
What stood out immediately at The Surf was how engaged everyone seemed. There were always people around—chatting, playing games, or jumping into activities together.
Pickleball courts were buzzing, yet there were plenty of open courts thanks to the larger setup
A live country band was playing one night and drew a great crowd
Card games were going on in another room (Left, Right, Center-Easy to learn and really fun!)
People didn’t just observe—they invited us to join
One morning we walked by a room full of sewing machines with a packed class
Others were playing pool, ping pong, or simply hanging out and socializing
It felt friendly, inclusive, and easy to plug into—no awkward “newcomer” energy at all.
Spacious, Big-Rig Friendly Sites
Like its sister property, The Surf is well laid out and easy to navigate, even for larger rigs.
The sites are paved, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, making arrival and setup smooth and stress-free. It’s clear this park was built with comfort and usability in mind.
A Surprisingly Great Fitness Setup
For an RV resort, the gym here really impressed us.
The fitness center includes:
2 ellipticals
3 treadmills
Stationary bikes
Free weights and strength machines
A dedicated yoga/stretching room
This is one of the better RV park gyms we’ve seen—and a big plus if staying active on the road matters to you.
Resort Amenities You’ll Actually Use
The Surf offers a great mix of relaxation, recreation, and social space:
Multiple pickleball courts
Clubhouse with large resort pool, bar, hot tub, bathrooms, daily activities, and events
Game rooms with pool and ping pong
Fitness center + yoga/stretching room
Social gathering spaces that actually get used
Pet-friendly atmosphere
This park feels especially popular with longer-term guests. We’d estimate around 30% full-timers but, they don’t have a lot of statues or knickknacks all over. The RV lots are kept neat and resort feeling. See my video.
Same Great Location, Easy Exploring
Just like The Tides, The Surf is ideally positioned for exploring the area.
🚗 Bradenton Riverwalk – A great spot for a casual bike ride or scenic walk along the water.
🚗 Tampa (about 30 minutes north) – Perfect if you’re attending events like the Tampa RV SuperShow or spending time in the city.
🚗 Sarasota (about 30 minutes south) – Great for dining, shopping, beaches, and that coastal-chic vibe.
And yes—Woody’s River Roo is still a must. Fun, lively, right on the river, with live music and a great local crowd. Go early on game nights—it fills up fast.
Lengths of Stay
The Surf offers daily, weekly, monthly, and annual stays, making it a great option whether you’re passing through or settling in for a while.
Our Honest Take
While The Tides is beautifully polished and resort-like, The Surf felt more like our vibe.
It’s still upscale and well maintained—but it leans more into connection, activity, and community. We’ll be honest parks that allow long-term stays usually aren’t our favorite, but The Surf was a pleasant surprise. Even with plenty of full-timers, the park stays clean, organized, and well maintained, and it never felt cluttered or “trailer-park-ish” in the slightest.
If you enjoy pickleball, group activities, live music, and walking into a room where people actually say hello and invite you in, The Surf really delivers.
If you’re deciding between the two sister properties, here’s the simple breakdown:
The Tides: polished, relaxing, classic resort feel
The Surf: social, energetic, community-driven
Both are great with resort amenities—but if you’re looking for a place that feels alive, welcoming, and easy to connect, The Surf RV Resort is a standout.