Great Destinations: Airstream Ranch

OK, this isn’t necessarily a “great destination” as much as it is something cool to see while you are on your way to a great destination. All the same, it’s pretty neat.

Airstream Ranch
Airstream Ranch is modeled after the famous Route 66 Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. It is located on Interstate 4 in Seffner (although some websites place it in Dover) which in near Tampa, Florida.
Frank Bates, owner of Bates RV in Venice, Florida, created the Airstream Ranch in 2007 as a tribute to Airstream’s 75^th anniversary. He “planted” seven and a half Airstream trailers in his field. His original plan was to use new trailers, but as the economy took a downturn, he turned to a nearby scrap yard and picked up some junk trailers. He also added a couple that he had sitting on his lot. The trailers range from 16 to 34 feet long and are vintage – 1957 to 1994.
You have to look for it. It is somewhat easy to miss, but it is right off the interstate If you look, you will see it. At this time there is no access, people who want to see the attraction or take photos have to pull over on the shoulder. At one time Bates had intended to put benches near it and allow public access, but that hasn’t happened yet – maybe someday.

Where is Seffner?
Seffner, Florida is a small town located in Hillsborough County and is popular with Tampa commuters. It is about 14 miles east of the Business District of Tampa and about 74 miles west of Orlando along I-4. The community is 3.7 square miles with a population of 7,579. There are a lot of families with children who live there and the median household income is $42,614. It is also home to the Life Fellowship Bird Sanctuary. Busch Gardens and Dinosaur World are within a 15-minute drive.

Campgrounds that are Close to Seffner
There are two campgrounds that are near Seffner which means they are also near the area attractions. These campgrounds are private and not KOA, but they are charming, in a good location, and have good ratings on Google Business.

Lazy Days Resort – Tampa
This pet friendly campground has 300 RV sites with full 50-amp hook-up. The amenities are too many to list here, but aside from the typical offerings like laundry and outdoor activities, it also has some great little extras. Complimentary morning newspaper delivers and complimentary coffer are among some of the cool creature comforts they offer. There is also a restaurant for breakfast and lunch as well as a restaurant/pub. It also has a Flying J, and Cracker Barrel on site. They even offer a shuttle to nearby Hard Rock Casino. The campground’s rates and discounts vary according to the time of year and size of the site.
Lazy Days Resort
6210 County Road 579
Seffner, FL 33584
1-800-350-6731

Sundial Campground and RV Park
This beautiful little campground has 61 full hook-up sites and are located in Plant City, Florida, the Strawberry Capital of the World. Campers enjoy potluck dinners on Saturdays from December through April as well as Bingo and weenie roasts. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities have central air and heat. There is a dump station on site.
Security cameras and lights are also located on the premises to ensure campers’ safety. The manager is also on site. Shade graces the majority of the paved lots, but there are some sunny ones too as well as peaceful gardens that are perfect for relaxing or having a quiet conversation with a friend. The campground has nightly, weekly, and monthly rates and credit cards are accepted.
Sundial Campground and RV Park
3601 N. Paul Buchman Hwy (State Road 39)
Plant City, Florida 33565
813-754-6541