Lithia, Florida sits on the Alafia River floodplain, with an elevation of just 40 feet above sea level, creating diverse wetland ecosystems ideal for wildlife viewing. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be particularly aggressive during summer months, especially near water features at dawn and dusk.
What to do
Paddling the Hillsborough River rapids: The river features Florida's only Class II rapids, accessible from Hillsborough River State Park. "This park just reopened a couple of weeks ago from the hurricanes. They are slowly bringing the sites back up to par, but it is still an awesome place. Everything is kept up, and several short trails to see The only class 2 rapids in Florida. Pretty wild," notes Joe R.
Fossil hunting along Peace River: Visit Thousand Trails Peace River for unique fossil hunting opportunities. "We came here as tent campers. It was a last minute location switch. It was almost exclusively RVs when we were there. That's usually not our thing but we were pleasantly surprised with our site, the friendly people and the river access. We ended up enjoying a party at the pool and the bathrooms were nice," shares Andrea D., who adds "I found a ton of shark teeth."
Astronomy viewing after dark: Upper Hillsborough Preserve offers excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "We camped overnight on a Friday and were the only people in the area. Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails," reports The Longs.
Exploring mangrove waterways: Fort De Soto Campground offers paddling opportunities through mangrove tunnels. "Ft Desoto is hands-down the go-to spot in my local area. The beaches are gorgeous, there are plenty of secret trails, a dog beach, general store, historic walks, boat ramps, kayak access, and much more!" says Alyssa D.
What campers like
Large, private sites: E.G. Simmons Regional Park provides waterfront camping with spacious areas. "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions. Great trails for bike riding and wonderful for saltwater fishing among the mangroves," explains Jeanene A.
Diverse wildlife viewing: Myakka River State Park offers excellent animal sightings. "We arrived at the gate! After hearing of the wilderness preserve we decided to go ahead and get the permit. You drive about a mile down the road from the main state park entrance to find the wilderness preserve entrance which is code protected. After driving back to the parking area, we realized we had the 600 acres to ourselves. We then hiked to the deep hole. There we saw tons of alligators birds and wildlife!" reports Christina L.
Quiet wilderness settings: Withlacoochee River Park provides peaceful glamping near Lithia. "I was really impressed with how nice this campground was. Quiet, spacious sites, and really nice trail system. There were only a few people there on a weekday. Definitely climb the tower for a great view. Close to great kayaking on the Withlacoochee River," writes Jennifer L.
Rolling hills landscape: Lake Louisa State Park offers unusual Florida topography. "The pine point pack in primitive site is in a really nice wooded area. It's less than half a mile from the parking area, and a stream flows close by where you can filter water. The park is very pretty and unique in Central Florida in that it has lots of rolling hills," Billy A. notes.
What you should know
Seasonal insect concerns: Biting insects can be severe during warmer months. "Hot, hot, hot. And not in a good way. Not a lot of shade. Lots of no-see-ums so bring a bug repellent and apply religiously, or else," warns Nate D. about E.G. Simmons Park.
Alligator safety precautions: Multiple parks report gator sightings near camping areas. "Went to drain the tanks yesterday morning and a large sounding gator started to growl territorially at me. So heads up with your pets please," cautions Jenelle J. at Myakka River State Park.
Flooding potential: Upper Hillsborough Preserve and other lowland areas may flood during rainy seasons. "We stayed here for a few nights but our reservations were cut short due to flooding. Small enclosed area for tent and RV camping. Shaded pavilion and a few fire rings," reports Annie C.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Some glamping sites near Lithia have minimal amenities. "There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse. We are in a 24' class C and found a nice private area that was surprisingly level," writes Sue G. about Cypress Creek Preserve.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Fort De Soto offers family-friendly swimming areas. "This campground is a County Park in Pinellas County. Well maintained with some of the best beaches in the US. There are three loops one for guests with pets. BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS! Many sites are waterfront and are mostly well separated. Great bike trails," advises David G.
Playgrounds and activities: E.G. Simmons provides multiple family amenities. "There's some great day use areas, nice park," notes B M., adding "We have stayed here many times the last time we had site # 65 on the water with water and electric hook up & there is a dump station onsite. This is a nice campground with a beach, little island you can wade to we always see Manatees there."
Safety considerations: With wildlife abundant, take proper precautions. "Being close to the water you will have insects and raccoons so be prepared for a great time by being prepared for these pests," warns Jeanene A.
Cabin alternatives for less experienced campers: Withlacoochee River Park offers cabins for families new to glamping. "This park has RV sites, regular tent sites, cabins and primitive camping. I like the regular tent sites, not much of a walk in but secluded. The park includes restrooms and showers and seem to be taken care of," explains Bruce D.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven terrain. "Our site was spacious. It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night. Bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It's nice and dark at night," shares Lorilee S. about Hillsborough River State Park.
Electrical considerations: Monitor power during peak usage times. "We are boondockers so we tend to stay away from very peoplely places... and this is a bit peoply. That said it was very comfortable everything was clean and super convenient. There was 30 amp as well as 50 amp water there's a dump station clean bathrooms nice showers even dedicated dishwashing sinks and a washer and dryer," reports Gail W.
Site selection strategy: At Quail Run RV Park, concrete pads offer stability. "We stayed at Quail Run for a weekend in October as it was close to my son's lacrosse practice location... we were pleasantly surprised with the very nice site with full hook ups and cable. The park is secluded and away from highway noise," notes John G.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging. "There are paved roads but others are not. It had just rained a lot due to Hurricane Eta and there are huge potholes. So go slow!!!!" advises Sherry P. about Peace River.
