Alafia River State Park

14326 S County Rd 39, Lithia, FL 33547, USA

Address:	14326 S County Rd 39, Lithia, FL 33547, USA
Phone:	+1 813-672-5320
Site:	floridastateparks.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Ted Lehmann

We arrived at Alafia River State Park near Lithia, FL on January 15, 2016 for a ten day stay. We had heard that a new bathroom was under construction, and the workmen there assured us that, in all liklihood, it would be open in a day, and the portable toilets and showers removed. As I write this on 1/21, the new bathroom has finally opened, fresh, clean and a welcome addition to this very pleasant park. The sites on the two camping circles are large, have been cleared to provide sufficient shade, but are not deep in the woods. We have a good shot at the satellite as well as superb over-the-air television, for what thats worth these days. Its quiet, friendly, and neat. The park is deep in the country, about thirty minutes south of Plant City and east of Tampa. Nearby shopping of all kinds is easily accessible. Within the park, there are many bike trails and lots of hiking. There are stables available for horses and one of the two camping loops is designated as horse friendly, although there have been only a few horses here while weve been here. Florida State Parks, more generally, are a delight to stay in. The only difficulty is the need to make reservations eleven months before coming if you expect to be able to stay the two week maximum. Most parks are full during the winter season. Weve already determined to stay here again next year and will be making our reservation in a few weeks.

Sarah Kent

Great for light hiking with unique trails but even better for mountain biking. Most of the trails are short for hiking but the Agrico trail is very unique in this area! The pits that were dug out here a long time ago make for some very interesting hilly ups and downs! Sandy trails with lots of wild animals, wild orange trees, and views of lakes and rivers grace this place. You forget how close suburbia has reached into the nearby acreage. I recommend this for anyone. Even if you dont have a mountain bike, you can rent one and all the gear needed right at the park! Its super busy on weekend mornings so if you want space to bike around its probably best to pick another day. Theres plenty of tree cover available for you in the summer months. Make sure to wear plenty of mosquito repellant and PLEASE do not play in the water- there were at least 12 gators spotted there. This isnt surprising to us Florida folk, but many people were trying their luck at getting close to these cool creatures. Admire them from a distance!

Danan Coleman

Now Florida doesnt exactly have mountains, but this is about as good as it gets! At least as far as I have found. Im speaking of mountain biking by the way, but there is also camping (which the campgrounds looked as boring as you could possibly make campgrounds look), horseback riding, and hiking. Im a mountain biker and there are some great trails. Most of them are loops, so you end more-or-less back where you started, which is really nice because I often run out of water before the end of the trail. There is plenty of diversity in the trails, so you can make it a family biking trip with the little ones, or come as an extreme biker and go in wearing full gear. Ive been here many times and will be back many more until I find something better or closer to me.

Jatzee Torres

Great park trails are pretty clean i did see a few bottles here and there but not clustered together. Amazing bike trails as well as trails for horses. One thing i didnt like i wish the maps and signs would be more clear. U could easly take a wrong turn or get lost if u dont carry a map, the map has a lot of numbers and marks but no description so it can be confusing. Other then that it was amazing wide trails and narrow trails for bikes spent a few hrs hiking and loved it will be coming back for sure. Saw a deer, 3 big turtles and plenty of frogs near ponds. Be ware no entering the river nor ponds they have gators. Had fun tho

Michael Rodriguez

It looks like a great place for bikes but not so friendly for general hikers. Only a small trail for hikers only and its tight. There are tons of other trails out there but those on bikes tend to haul butt around the corners so u dont want to be walking with a dog when that happens. Nothing against the park its just more geared towards biking. The small trail we used had some nice terrain to climb up and down...dogs had a blast. Bring bug spary as the area is swampy and the skeeters are out en force. Nice and shady hike though. Will prolly be back to check the other trails out but without the dogs

Kevin Shutt

SWAMP does an excellent job of maintaining the trails here; the park rangers are the friendliest anywhere and the facilities from the trail head to the campgrounds are excellent! My friend and I go here for mountain biking but if youre into hiking or equestrian, youll love this place. A great modern playground for the children, well-marked trails, clean, lit restrooms, deep sink/vending machines (MTB trail Head), bike wash station, two covered pavilions with about a dozen large, sturdy tables, big grills, concrete pad RV and tent sites, horse barn, amphitheater, horse-friendly camping, etc.

joshua burnett

O.M.G. it was a great experience for first time campers. it was a great practice run for hurricane season. it has clean bathrooms(you have to walk a little to),electric,and water at your site. all i can say is if your sleeping in a tent bring at least a 40 foot outdoor extension cord with you if you need a fan in the tent and to charge cell phone batteries. something to wash dishes in and a hose(if you dont like to have your knees on the ground). dont forget a canopy during rainy season. but remember this is camping and not a hotel. thank you alafia river state park from melissa j burnett

Karen Bechely

Very nice facility with 1 exception. The fire rings are about 3" into the dirt. There is no air flow around it and when it rains (like it did this past weekend) you cant use them at all. We had 4"-5" of rain in our fire pit and if that would have been our means of cooking, we would have been hungry. The fire rings would work a lot better if they were on top of some heat resistant concrete. The water would drain off and it would be usable. No other complaints about the area at all. Its kept up very well and the host was very friendly.

Leah Diamond

One of the best equestrian parks in this area. The trails are beautiful with lakes, hills and trees. The camping has trailer/camper hook up with electric, h20 and nice shower/restroom facilities. Each site has tie outs for horses. There is a brand new barn. The mountain bike folks are very courteous when the trails cross. This is only on the most southern trails. The park has a picnic area on the interior White trail just for horses. I cant say enough good things about Alafia State Park. Feel very fortunate to be only a few miles away.

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