Alafia River State Park

813-672-5320

For camping reservations, call ReserveAmerica at 800-326-3521.

• Take I-75 south to Exit 246
• Turn right and head east on Big Bend Road for about 1 mile
• Turn right and head south on U.S. 301 for 1.5 miles
• Turn left and head east on County Road 672 for 12 miles
• Turn left and head north on County Road 39 for 1.5 miles
• The main park entrance will be on the right side.

• Take I-75 north to Exit 240
• Turn right and head east on State Road 674 for 15 miles
• Turn left at flashing light and head north on County Road 39 for approximately 5 miles
• The main park entrance will be on the right side.

• Take I-4 west to Exit 22
• Turn left on Park Road and continue for approximately 2.5 miles
• Bear right onto 39B
• Turn left on State Road 39 (James Redman Parkway) and continue for approximately 15.2 miles
• The main park entrance will be on the left side.

• Admission Fees
  • Vehicles with two to eight people: $4
  • Single occupant vehicle: $3
  • Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit: $1
• Daily Equestrian Fees
  • $60 per horse, up to two horses, per day, plus tax
  • $14 per tow vehicle and trailer, eight person maximum, per day, plus tax
• Camping Fees
  • $18.00 a night, plus tax
Daily equestrian fees still apply to Equestrian campers; the daily equestrian fees are NOT included in the camping rates.

Alafia River State Park, found near the unincorporated community of Lithia in southeastern Hillsborough County, is well-known for its unique and dramatic topography which provides some of the most challenging off-road bicycling trails in Florida. The rolling hills and radical elevation changes found here are in part due to the fact that the area was once home to a phosphate mine called Lonesome Mine.

The 6,344-acre Alafia River State Park was donated to the state in 1996 by Cytec Industries. Lonesome Mine was named after the nearby community of Fort Lonesome, which named after a frontier outpost of the U.S. Army that occupied the site during the Third Seminole War.

Favorite park activities include:

• Bicycling - Alafia River State Park features three major loops, including the green loop, for beginners with some experience; the blue loop, which requires the skills of an intermediate rider; and the black loop, which boasts steep drops and strenuous climbs for advanced riders. The trails were created and maintained by volunteers from the Southwest Association of Mountain Bike Peddlers.
• Canoeing and Kayaking - Although the park does not currently offer canoe and kayak rentals, visitors enjoy canoeing and kayaking in the reclaimed lakes and South Prong of the Alafia River, a blackwater stream skirted by red maple, swamp tupelo and water hickory trees.
• Fishing - There are a number of lakes where anglers can fish for largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Catch and release is recommended for largemouth Bass. A fishing license is required for all freshwater fishing for people 16 and older.
• Camping - Camping facilities include water, 50 amp electrical service, independent dump station, restroom facilities with solar-heated showers and three ADA-accessible campsites as well as picnic shelters. Pets are welcome.
• Hiking - Hikers are free to explore the 20 miles of shared-use trails which meander through mixed hardwood forests, pine flatwoods and rolling hills.
• Horse Trails - Equestrians can enjoy 20 miles of well-marked trails winding around lakes, over hills and through wooded areas. Volunteers of the Triple B Riding Club help maintain the trails. Riders must furnish their own horse. Proof of current Negative Coggins is required.

Alafia River State Park also offers picnicking with pavilions, a playground, volleyball area and horseshoe pits; wildlife viewing and bird-watching opportunities and both primitive and RV camping options.