Lithia, Florida provides a range of camping experiences within Hillsborough County's natural areas. Alafia River State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with full hookups and year-round availability. Nearby, Lithia Springs Conservation Park features tent and RV sites with electric hookups and water access. The area's mixed-use campgrounds typically include amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails, with several parks offering water recreation opportunities on the Alafia River and local springs.
Campground options vary significantly across the region, with most developed sites requiring reservations, especially during winter months when Florida's mild temperatures attract visitors. Many campgrounds maintain year-round operations, though summer brings higher temperatures and increased mosquito activity. Primitive camping is available at locations like Alderman's Ford Conservation Park, which offers a more rustic experience with tent-only sites accessible by hiking or boating in. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though some primitive sites have limited coverage. A camper noted that "Lithia Springs Park is a hidden treasure very close to the city with everything to guarantee a unique experience."
The developed campgrounds near Lithia frequently receive positive reviews for their natural settings and water access. Little Manatee River State Park Campground, located south of Lithia, provides tent, RV, and cabin options with electric hookups and firewood available for purchase. Edward Medard Park offers tent and RV camping with boat-in access and hiking trails. Visitors particularly appreciate the shaded sites available at many locations, which provide relief from Florida's heat. One reviewer mentioned that "the sites are nice and spacious, have really excellent tree coverage (this is a must during Florida summers)." Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout the area's parks, with campers reporting sightings of armadillos, turtles, wading birds, and occasionally alligators in the waterways.
$22 / night
"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."
"For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity"
$24 / night
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
$24 / night
"Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours. Camp sites are bit close to one another but overall amazing experience."
"Very pretty and wooded for Florida. Great to bike around and see everything. Neat to see gators. Will definitely go back."
$24 / night
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting."
"Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back."
$22 / night
"A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."
"This campsite is right outside of Little Manatee River State Park. I even missed the entrance and went to Little Manatee because I missed the turn."
"We were less than an hour away from home at Lazydays RV Resort and it felt like we were on the other side of the planet. Got to spend uninterrupted time with my bride and it was awesome."
"Great location just outside Tampa, Fl. Wonderful facilities and friendly staff. nearby RV dealership is largest in America with huge service department and camping/RV store."
$24 - $109 / night
"It’s also located right off the highway, so you get all the noise. All day and all night. Now, for canoe and kayak trips, I guess it’s a good spot. There’s a lot of folk that come just for that."
"The place is tucked in and has a great vibe."
"Super clean campsites and great easy trail out to the site. Very safe area. The rangers made sure there was plenty of fire wood in the wooden hut."
"This location is utterly beautiful! So many different environments can be seen just walking the trials."
$24 / night
"Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."
"Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying. Has picnic pavilions and several fishing docks"
TravelerThere appears to be new management in the campground. Procedures are completely different and much better than previous visits. It is cleaner and more organized. It is now possible to get a reservation for the full hookup section. The river and woods trails are in great shape. Hopefully they will get the mini golf course turf replaced, it is currently painted concrete and not much fun to play on.
ScoutRelaxing campsite, most sites have water access or view. The raccoons are a little too comfortable they will make their selves at home and borrow anything that you leave open.
TravelerWelcoming staff upon arrival. Park is very clean and well taken care of. Met some great neighbors and enjoyed the quietness. The park is constantly monitored by staff giving you a sense of comfort. Beautiful spring to enjoy a warm day as the water temp is a consistent 72°. Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back.
ScoutLarge, level sites. Can accommodate any size RV. Very active community. 2 activity centers, pool, pickleball, horseshoes, billiards, bingo, entertainment and much more. Clean bathrooms and showers.
GuideStayed here for about a week. They have a heated pool, laundry room, billarads, shuffle board and a meeting room. Like all RV parks. Be discerning of some of the people. But some people were very kind.
Guidethis place has great potential, however, they are in a remodeling phase at the moment location, location, location is its best feature, very kind owner who tried his best to post our state last January
GuideI think the best thing is the size of this place, there usually is always a spot to get in on. There is a nice Little River running through the very edge of the park, but it's difficult to get a spot there. Also, the laundry facility is top notch and the pool is very pleasant, they also have racquetball and some nice short trails to walk on.
GuideI was staying across the Street at 1000 trails, and I thought I would come over here and look at the old locomotive and the log cabin, etc. But as I walked through the park towards the Peace River, I saw hundreds of buzzards, which made this amazing place to visit. I also noticed that there is a sanctuary for animals here as well, and for only 5 bucks you can go and see a nice variety of birds and mammals. Overall, this is definitely a great place to go it's very, very large and it also hosts tent camping as well.
GuideLindsay in the office is great. She will go out of her way to help with anything she can. Sites are hit or miss. Some are spacious; some are cramped. It's in the city if that's your thing.
The Lithia area offers multiple camping options within Tampa's eastern suburbs, positioned along the Alafia River watershed. Most campgrounds maintain year-round availability due to Florida's subtropical climate, though seasonal considerations affect camping experiences differently across sites. The natural landscape features a mix of oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and riverfront environments with minimal elevation changes typical of central Florida.
Mountain biking at Alafia River State Park: The park features extensive mountain biking trails with varying difficulty levels built on former phosphate mining land. A camper noted, "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."
Kayaking at Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River: Rent kayaks or canoes to explore the blackwater river system. "We enjoyed our 3 hour kayak trip and then they very kindly found us a spot to stay for the night. We honestly didn't want to leave," shares a visitor who appreciated the water access.
Hiking to see rapids: Hillsborough River State Park Campground offers hiking trails leading to rare Florida rapids. "There are several short trails to see the only class 2 rapids in Florida. Pretty wild," explains a reviewer who explored the park after it reopened from hurricane damage.
Swimming in natural springs: For $2 per person, visitors can swim in the clear 72-degree spring waters at Lithia Springs Conservation Park. "Very well kept up groundskeeper. Meeting mike at the gate to the park so so nice. The spring area so nice the sound of the breeze through the trees, just wow!" writes one enthusiastic visitor.
Waterfront camping spots: Edward Medard Park offers sites with lake views and boat access. "What a beautiful well kept facility near suburbia. Just a short drive from Tampa and Lakeland areas this first come first served facility is a favorite of locals," reports a camper who enjoyed the lakeside setting.
Natural shade coverage: Many sites feature protective oak canopy, crucial for comfort during hot months. One camper at Little Manatee River State Park Campground mentioned, "Really enjoyed our stay here, good size lot, #10, with electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. Clean dump station. Natural trees providing privacy between lots."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: From birds to aquatic species, many campgrounds offer excellent wildlife observation. "We love it here because we can hike, bike or just relax," explains a Little Manatee River State Park visitor who appreciates the variety of activities and natural setting.
Fishing access: Multiple parks provide opportunities to fish in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. A visitor to Edward Medard Park noted, "Kayaking and fishing on the lake is a blast!" highlighting the recreational opportunities available directly from the campgrounds.
First-come, first-served system: Several campgrounds including Edward Medard Park and Lithia Springs don't accept reservations. "Midweek is best time to visit as weekends fill fast (usually by Thursday night)," advises a regular visitor.
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes can be particularly challenging during summer months. "The mosquitoes were RIDICULOUS! Probably worst mosquitoes in 30 years of camping," warns a visitor to Alafia River State Park, emphasizing the need for proper protection.
Primitive camping options: Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground requires hiking to reach sites. "The camp sites are hike in only. I LOVE this. Bring a manageable pack with everything you need. There is no water, power, or restrooms at the sites," explains a reviewer who enjoyed the seclusion.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River, a camper noted it's "right next to a highway/large road with TONS of traffic noise," which might affect those seeking quiet natural settings.
Playground access: Fort De Soto Campground features family-friendly amenities including playgrounds. "There is a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent."
Beginner-friendly primitive sites: Alderman's Ford offers an entry point for families wanting to try primitive camping. "I stayed with 3 adults and 3 children under the age of 8. We stayed two nights in 40 degree weather. This is a great place for families wanting to start out primitive camping! Super clean campsites and great easy trail out to the site."
Site selection for privacy: Certain loops and areas provide more secluded family camping. At Fort De Soto, a visitor recommended, "I felt that the spaces in the back loop were a little more secluded and were really nice because they were closer to the water."
Winter visits recommended: For families concerned about heat and insects, winter camping provides more comfortable conditions. A Hillsborough River State Park camper noted, "Weather was cool in February that allowed for comfortable hiking and biking."
Site accessibility considerations: Lazydays RV Resort offers convenient access for large rigs but less privacy. "Sites sit 90 degrees to the narrow street, so backing can be tricky, especially with all the vehicles parked along the road perpendicular to the pad entrance," explains an RVer who stayed in a 39-foot fifth wheel.
On-site service availability: RV maintenance needs can be addressed without relocating at some parks. "This is the perfect place to take your RV to be pampered. Their onsite RV services are incredible, they can do just about everything on your RV while set up on the pad."
Utilities and hookup planning: Water pressure and sewer connection locations vary by campground. "Water pressure was above 60 psi, so we needed a reducer. Lazydays was a true resort with a lot of amenities," notes a visitor, highlighting the importance of bringing appropriate equipment.
Off-season advantages: Less crowded conditions benefit RVers during non-peak periods. "We needed a campsite near Tampa FL for a few days to meet friends visiting the area from up north. Good Verizon signal to allow for plenty of streaming," shares an RVer who visited in February.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lithia, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lithia, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 308 campgrounds and RV parks near Lithia, FL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lithia, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lithia, FL is Alafia River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lithia, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Lithia, FL.
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