Alafia River State Park

The basics

Alafia River State Park has plenty of activities available, though you’ll find many people visiting are either mountain biking or horseback riding on the trails. The bike trails are IMBA Epic-designated, and there’s a full-service bike shop on-site. For equestrians, there are 20 miles of riding trails plus 12 equestrian-designated campsites with barn access. The park also offers standard outdoor recreation options like hiking, fishing, paddling, boating, and picnicking.

Things to know before you go

• Be aware of bobcats, snakes, and alligators that may be present in the forest or near the water.

• Bicyclists are required to wear helmets; if you don’t have one, you can rent one from the ranger station.

• There are 24 lakes in the park, many of which are suited for activities like boating and canoeing.

How to get there

Alafia River State Park is located in Lithia, approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) from downtown Tampa. The hour-long drive is best made in a private car by taking State Road 60 to South County Road 39. You’ll find the entrance on CR 39, not Jameson Road as some GPS software often incorrectly suggests.

When to get there

More wildlife is visible in Alafia River State Park in the mornings than in the afternoon. Weekends have substantially more visitors than weekdays, so you should visit between Monday and Wednesday for a quieter, less-crowded experience. Although the park closes at sundown, you can arrive before 11pm if camping overnight.

Camping at Alafia River State Park

Experience Alafia River State Park under the stars when you spend the night at one of its campsites. Primitive and RV camping spots are available, but if you want to stay in style, consider glamping. These luxury tent rentals are available year-round and include amenities like a kitchen station, fire pit, potable water, a queen-size memory foam mattress, fans, solar power, and outdoor seating.