Little Manatee River 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.

Alafia River State Park

Hardee Lakes Park

Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.

 Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.

 Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.

 Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.



Hillsborough River State Park

The park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites. Each site is equipped with 50-amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. The sites in Palmetto Ridge also have sewer hook-ups. A dump station is located near Old Prairie Campground. Laundry facilities are available to all campers in Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. All campsites are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers.

Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt-based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel-based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining restrooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers.

The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake, Myakka Outpost, a fishing deck and Wi-Fi.

Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle, a small playground and Myakka Friends Gift Shop. Well-behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds, up to four per site.

There are six primitive campgrounds (Mossy Hammock, Bee Island, Honore, Panther Point, Oak Grove and Prairie) located along the hiking trails for backpackers. These rustic settings provide campers with a fire pit and post to hang items. Each campground has three campsites, and a maximum of four people may be on each site. Only Bee Island, Oak Grove and Prairie have water pumps. Water at these sites is not potable; it requires boiling/chemical treatment. Other sites do not have water; you must bring your own. The terrain is primarily prairie, and dehydration is possible even on the coolest days. 

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest parks with 37,000 acres of its own. Home to the officially designated “Wild and Scenic” Myakka River, this state park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers who are looking to get closer to the natural, diverse Florida wildlife. 

 Choose from one of over 80 campsites while Myakka State Park camping and get ready to explore!

 Bring your kayak and make your way through a variety of waterways where you can spot american alligators, snook, ospreys, and countless species of birds. 

 Embark on one of many hiking trails to explore more of the unique environments found within Myakka River State Park. Trek to the highlands to get a look at Florida’s traditional wetlands where marshes, cypress dome trees, and grazing birds will welcome you. Go even deeper to reach the diverse array of grasses, wildflowers, and vines that grow freely in the park’s protected dry prairies. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you! Short shrubs in the dry prairies allow visitors to see for miles in any direction. 

 You’ll also want to bring the camera atop the Canopy Walkway at Myakka River. Just a short walk from the main road, this suspension bridge provides a panoramic view of the entire park from a unique vantage point above the tree canopy. Every camper can find what they’re looking for at this Florida park.



Myakka River State Park

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Washburn Campground is an equestrian and primitive camping available.
Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.


Washburn Equestrian Area and Primitive Campground

A free camping reservation is required and must be displayed.

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Equestrian and primitive camping available.
Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.


Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

Equestrian, group and primitive campsites.
Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
A free reservation is required and must be displayed on dashboard at campground.

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The Best Camping in College Chase, Florida

Top College Chase Campgrounds

Little Manatee River State Park

Alafia River State Park

Hardee Lakes Park

Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

Washburn Equestrian Area and Primitive Campground

Hillsborough River State Park

Cypress Creek Preserve

Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

Myakka River State Park

Serenova Tract Campsites

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