Alafia River State Park in Florida, USA - map and visitor information

Alafia River State Park in Lithia, Florida, combines a former phosphate-mining landscape with mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Mining left hills and steep grades that make route choice important. Plan a bike ride separately from a walk or equestrian outing, and use the County Road 39 entrance for the ranger station and campground.

Highlights of the reclaimed landscape

• Choose a mountain-bike route that matches your skills, from beginner terrain to advanced riding.
• Explore hilly hiking and equestrian routes through forest, flatwoods, and lakes.
• Combine a day outing with a reserved tent, RV, or equestrian campsite.

Plan your route and equipment

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Steep trails and lakeside wildlife

All cyclists on park trails must wear helmets. Choose a route that matches your experience and inspect its current condition before riding. The ranger station has loan helmets; ask about availability. A beginner designation does not mean that every adaptive bicycle or rider can use the route.

Watch for alligators around the river and lakes. Observe wildlife from permitted routes without approaching animals or burrows. Keep your route and equipment appropriate to the activity rather than treating a bike trail as a shared walking path.

Follow the route-specific pet rules

Pets are not allowed on bike trails. They may use hiking routes, including the Turtle Two Track multiuse trail, while confined, leashed, or otherwise under physical control. Pick up pet waste. Service animals are allowed throughout the park. Leave plants and natural objects in place.

Book the right type of campsite

Use the reservation service linked by Florida State Parks or call 800-326-3521 for family camping. Equestrian campsites have their own designation and horse tie-outs. Stables and paddocks operate on a first-come basis, so booking a campsite does not reserve every horse facility.

The primitive group area serves eligible organized groups, with a minimum of six people and one chaperone for every ten youth. Reserve at least 30 days ahead through the ranger station. Ask the park about pavilion rental separately. The activity and facility guide explains these different arrangements.

County Road 39 and separate trail access

The main visitor address is 14326 South County Road 39, Lithia, FL 33547. Use the County Road 39 entrance for the ranger station and campground. Some navigation systems direct visitors to Jameson Road, which is not that entrance. Check your arrival point before following the final directions.

Use the official visitor map to distinguish cycling routes, shared-use routes, and camping areas. The South Prong river approach and Thatcher Road boat ramp are separate from the main campground entrance.

Nearby parks for another outing

• Little Manatee River State Park: An onward road option near U.S. Highway 301 and Lightfoot Road in southwestern Hillsborough County.
• Hillsborough River State Park: A separate regional trip at 15402 U.S. Highway 301 North, Thonotosassa. Confirm access before setting out.

Choose biking, shared-use trails, or a picnic

Mountain-bike routes range from beginner to advanced, with steep grades left by mining. A bike shop offers rentals, repairs, and lessons. Check provider hours and equipment availability separately from park hours.

Hikers and equestrians have about 20 miles of hilly routes through mixed hardwood forest, pine flatwoods, and lakes. Select a suitable section instead of treating that network total as one required outing. Picnic tables, grills, and a nearby playground provide a shorter visit option.

Camping services and accessible features

The family campground supports tents and RVs, with water and electrical hookups, restrooms, and solar-heated showers. Equestrian sites have access to the barn area. Picnic-area restrooms are separate from campground bathhouses, which serve registered campers or visitors who pay a separate shower charge.

The operator identifies accessible campsites, parking, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and selected bike, hiking, and equestrian trails. Confirm the exact route, campsite, and equipment needs before booking; the designation does not cover every trail.

About Alafia River State Park

From phosphate mining to recreation

The state acquired the property in December 1996. Its former phosphate-mining use altered the terrain that later supported recreation and restoration. Hills, depressions, and lakes help explain why this landscape differs from a flat woodland outing.

Forest, flatwoods, and water habitats

The park supports white-tailed deer, river otters, foxes, bobcats, and gopher tortoises. Herons and egrets use waterside habitat, while roseate spoonbills sometimes forage along the shore. Sightings vary; keep your distance and stay on permitted routes.

Contact Alafia River State Park

Call 813-672-5320 for trail access, arrival instructions, group camping, and pavilion questions. Read the current park notices before traveling.