Manager's Message

Enjoying Florida's outdoors is the natural thing to do, so why not spend some time at Alafia River State Park? The clear nights are perfect to enjoy the fall skies while camping in Alafia River's family campground. Campers will find clean restroom facilities with solar-heated showers and two large picnic pavilions, along with electric and water at each of the 30 campsites.

The park also offers many challenging off-road mountain bicycle trails and horseback riding trails. If you prefer, you can also hike to one of the many lakes to enjoy a day of fishing, relaxation or bird-watching.

Current trail conditions as of 11/2/09:

BIKE: All off-road mountain bicycle trails are open and in good condition.

EQUESTRIAN: All horse trails are open and in great condition.

All horse trails will be CLOSED November 22, 2009 until 2:00 pm due to the X-Country Marathon.

- Coy E. Helms Jr., Park Manager

Welcome to Alafia River State Park

This park offers some of the most challenging off-road bicycling trails in Florida. Once the site of a phosphate mine, the reclaimed land has unique topography that offers some of the most radical elevation changes in Florida. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of trails that travel through mixed hardwood forests, pine flatwoods, and rolling hills. Bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of wildlife along the trails. Scattered lakes and the south prong of the Alafia River provide opportunities for canoeing and fishing. Picnic pavilions, a playground, horseshoe pit, and volleyball court are available. For overnight stays, the park has a full-facility campground and equestrian friendly campsites. Located 10 miles southeast of Tampa on County Road 39.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Alafia River State Park, please call 813-672-5320.

Book Your Vacation Spot Now!

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

From the South - Take I-75 North to exit #240. At exit #240, turn Right (East) onto SR 674. Keep straight on SR 674 for approximately 15 miles. Turn Left (North) at flashing light, onto CR 39 for approximately 5 miles. The main park entrance is on the Right side. From the North - Take I-75 South to exit #246. At exit #246, turn Right (East) onto Big Bend Road. Keep straight on Big Bend Road for approximately 1 mile. Turn Right (South) onto U.S. 301. Keep straight on U.S. 301 for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn Left (East) onto CR 672. Follow CR 672 for approximately 12 miles. Turn Left (North) onto CR 39. Keep straight on CR 39 for approximately 1.5 miles. The main park entrance in on the Right side. From the East - Take I-4 West to exit #22. Turn Left onto Park Road. Follow Park Road for approximately 2.5 miles. Bear right onto 39B. Turn Left onto SR 39 (James Redman Parkway). Continue on SR/CR 39 for approximately 15.2 miles. The main park entrance will be on the Left side.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$5.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Equestrian Fees

$7.00 Daily Equestrian Fee, per horse, per day, up to two horses, plus tax. - or

$15.00 per tow vehicle and trailer, 9 persons maximum – per day, plus tax.

Camping Fee:

$22.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity. Daily equestrian fees still apply to Equestrian campers. The daily equestrian fees are NOT included in the camping fees.

Alafia River State Park

14326 South County Road 39
Lithia, Florida 33547
Phone: 813-672-5320
Fax: Contact Park for Number