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Established Camping

Alafia River State Park Campground

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

The park gates close at sunset. If you plan to arrive late please, contact the park prior to 5 p.m. on the day of your arrival.
Check in time is 3 p.m. Check out time is 1 p.m.

For everyone's enjoyment, including pets, please observe the pet camping rules found in the complete Florida State Parks Pet Policy, click here.

Pets are not allowed in any state park cabins or cabin areas.

Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park where visitors are normally allowed.

No one younger than 18 may camp overnight unless accompanied by a responsible adult, who will remain onsite for the period rented.

GPS Navigation IssuesSome mapping software is leading visitors to a fictitious entrance for the Park. The main park entrance leading to the ranger station and campground is located on County Road 39, NOT on Jameson Road. Please call the park office at 813-672-5320 if you require directions.

Alafia River State Park Campground, near Lithia, Florida, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With spacious campsites that offer plenty of room between them, it’s a great place to set up camp and kick back around the fire.

This campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-kept bathrooms and showers, which visitors appreciate after a day of biking or hiking. Many campers rave about the mountain biking trails nearby, with one reviewer noting, “Amazing place to camp if you want to catch a thrill on your bike in FL.” If you’re into biking, you’ll find the trails here are crafted for some serious fun, featuring hills that are a rarity in Florida.

While the park is small, it’s perfect for a relaxing getaway. The night sky is a real treat, allowing you to soak in the stars without the interference of city lights. Just remember, if you’re planning to gather firewood, you’ll need to bring your own, as that’s not allowed here. Whether you’re camping in a tent, RV, or cabin, Alafia River State Park Campground offers a laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

Description

State Park

Standing out from the relatively flat topography of Central Florida is Alafia River State Park, a reclaimed phosphate mine with some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This makes it a hot spot for mountain bikers, who traverse the scenic and challenging International Mountain Bike Association trails.

Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.

Canoeing and fishing opportunities are available along the South Prong of the Alafia River with some lakes scattered throughout the park.

The park also offers picnic pavilions, a playground, a full-facility campground and a full-service bike shop.

Family campground is suitable for RVers and tent campers. Campers will find water and electrical hookups at each of the 30 campsites. Clean restrooms feature solar-heated showers. There are two large picnic pavilions in the campground.

Equestrian campers have access to 12 sites with equestrian designation and tie-outs for horses. Equestrian campers can access the barn, which is a short walk from the campground. There are 12 stables and 6 paddocks available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Extra parking for trailers can be accessed near the barn area. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.

For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

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Location

Alafia River State Park Campground is located in Florida

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the South take I-75 North to exit 240 and go east on State Road 674. Continue on State Road 674 for approximately 15 miles and turn left at the flashing light onto County Road 39. Continue for approximately five miles, the main park entrance will be on the right. From the North take I-75 South to exit 257 and go east on State Road 60. Continue to County Road 640 (Lithia Pinecrest Road) and go right. Go 11 miles and turn right at County Road 39. Continue to the park entrance on left.

Address

14326 S.County Road 39
Lithia, FL 33547

Coordinates

27.7791168744539 N
82.1402218883831 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Cabins
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

19 Reviews

Reviewed May. 10, 2023

Lots of space

Very spacious camp sites with lots of room between sites. Very clean bath house.

Site19
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Paul M., May 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Paul M., May 10, 2023
Reviewed Jan. 29, 2023

Great State Park for relaxing and mountain biking

Small state park, with really large sites and great facilities. The only thing missing are sewer hookups. Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars. We have stayed at most of the state parks in Florida. We liked this one a lot.

Site20
Month of VisitJanuary
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2021

Camping near the best mountain bike trails in FL

Amazing place to camp if you want to catch a thrill on your bike in FL. You can bring your own bikes but we like to rent the ones there because they are made for that specific terrain (sand,stumps, etc). The biking trails are man crafted meaning HILLS in FL!

All in all a great place for an adventure and camping was quaint. Nothing special, open spaces, clean.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Rishi  B., November 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Rishi  B., November 1, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed May. 3, 2021

Good for biking

The only things to do at the campground are biking and hose back riding. The campsites are spread out. Campfires were permitted. No sewer connections.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Richard , May 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Richard , May 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Richard , May 3, 2021
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2021

Simple, convenient

We only booked for a night, were unaware of the no gathering firewood rule so had to grab some alternatives from Publix. Was used to primitive camping so didn't consider it may be different. So be prepared, and research ahead. Other than that was pretty.

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Shady

We booked three nights at this park. Shady, and wide sites. We have a 2020 Tiffin Allegro 36 LA. We had site 28 at first, couldn’t get any power! Ranger then moved us to site 13. Again no power. It was 95 degrees, and real feel 110. In other words, HOT! The only way we could stay the night was to REMOVE our surge protector and plug into 30 amp! In the morning, we told the Ranger we had to leave due to this problem with power. He then told us, many other people have complained about it! This SHOULD be properly represented in their page!

Reviewed Nov. 26, 2019

Great experience!

First time camping and it was an amazing experience. Great place to go mountain biking and hiking. Also, the Rangers were very friendly at all times. Definitely recommend this place!

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2019

Beautiful

Well we just got here but it is beautiful so far. Love the site, sunset, and stars. Low water pressure.

  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Bryan  , September 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Bryan  , September 28, 2019
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2018

getting better

stayed for a weekend again. the trees are getting bigger for better shade. camping area is small. bathrooms are nice. dose have a biking area if thats what you do.

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2018

Trail Blazing!

This park is close to home for me, I come here often for the Mountain Biking and the awesome humans. The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here. Pup friendly at the campsites as well.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Jennifer T., August 29, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2018

Affordable but unremarkable

The biggest draw with this place is the price - it's pretty cheap for a Florida State park. But it's basically a large field with a small lake in the middle, and campsites scattered around it. No hiking or activities or anything. That said, it was well kept and made for a fine overnight stop for us on our way to Tampa.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Jessica C., August 4, 2018
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2017

Beautiful trails

I was probably the only hiker at this park and there were a ton of mountain bikers. I loved that they had a ton of different trails to choose from, some just hiking or biking, and some mixed ones. Really well kept. Saw a few deer. The rangers were super nice so that’s always a bonus!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Elizabeth G., October 8, 2017
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Elizabeth G., October 8, 2017
  • Review photo of Alafia River State Park Campground by Elizabeth G., October 8, 2017
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Apr. 4, 2017

Nice campground with some drawbacks

Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents. However, sites are not shaded at all and because of the quarry and stagnant water the mosquitoes were RIDICULOUS! Probably worst mosquitoes in 30 years of camping.

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2016

Birds and Bikes

This is such an awesome place! I go here every year to see all of the various birds that migrate here, as well as to enjoy alittle bit of mountain biking. This place always seems clean, and full of happy individuals, I love coming here!

Reviewed May. 13, 2015

My Review

For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Alafia River State Park Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Alafia River State Park Campground has 50 amp electric hookups and water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Alafia River State Park Campground?

    Alafia River State Park Campground allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Alafia River State Park Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Alafia River State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Alafia River State Park Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Alafia River State Park Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Alafia River State Park Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Alafia River State Park Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Alafia River State Park Campground?

    There are 29 campsites at Alafia River State Park Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts