Contact Information
14326 South County Road 39
Lithia, Florida 33547
Phone: 813-672-5320
Alafia River State Park opened to the public
in February 1998. The park consists of over 6,000
acres with approximately 12 miles of shoreline along
the South Prong Alafia River. The land was formerly
used for phosphate mining and was donated to the
Florida State Parks in 1996. As a relatively new
addition to the Florida State Parks, Alafia River
State Park offers some of Florida's unique recreational
opportunities. The Park offers off road bicycling,
horseback riding, hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking,
bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. Eight distinct
natural communities in addition to ruderal and developed
areas are present at Alafia River State Park, they
are; scrub, xeric hammock, floodplain swamp, baygall,
bottomland forest, upland mixed forest hydric hammock,
and blackwater stream.
Hours of Operation
8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Coming from the North (Tampa) Take I-75 south to
State Road 60, head east approximately 12 miles
to County Road 39. Go south on County Road 39 approximately
13 miles until you reach the entrance to the park
located on the left side of roadway. Coming from
the South (Sarasota). Take I-75 north to U.S. 301.
Go north on U.S. 301 to County Road 674. Go east
on County Road 674 to County Road 39. Go north on
County Road 39 5 miles until you reach the entrance
of the park on the right side of roadway.
ACTIVITIES
Full Facility Camping
Alafia River State Park currently offers camping
in our new 30-site campground with facilities. Water
and 50 amp electrical service is available at each
site.
Pets are welcome.
Bicycling
With unique topography that offers some of the most
radical elevation changes in Florida, the Alafia
off- road bicycling trails are the most challenging
in the area. There are three major loops - BLACK
LOOP is very technical with steep drops and strenuous
climbs and is for the advanced rider. BLUE LOOP,
Requires the skills of an intermediate rider on
short sections. GREEN LOOP, the easiest of the trails,
but still challenging, for experienced beginners.
Helmets are required on the trails.
Canoeing
Canoeing and Kayaking are a popular activities in
the Alafia River and the reclaimed lakes. Currently
Alafia River State Park does not offer canoe rentals.
Fishing
Alafia River State Park offers numerous lakes for
fishing. Bass, bluegill and catfish are among the
fish that you may catch. Catch and Release is recommended
for Large Mouth Bass. A fishing license is required
for all freshwater fishing for people 16 and older.
Horse Trails
Riders can enjoy a relaxing day of approximately
20 miles of equestrian trails. The horse trails
are well marked and wind around lakes, over hills
and through wooded areas. The blue trail is a perimeter
loop, the white trail runs north and south, the
green trail runs east and west, and the yellow trail
is an island loop.
Picnicking
You can enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch with a beautiful
view. There is also a playground available for the
children.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible on all the trails,
the picnic area, from the many lakes and the Alafia
River so bring your binoculars.
