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.

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.

Located in Southeastern Hillsborough County, Alafia River State Park was donated to the State in 1996 by Cytec Industries. The Park consists of 6,344 acres. Prior to acquisition by the State, the property was a phosphate mine called Lonesome Mine, named after the nearby community of Fort Lonesome, which was itself named after a Frontier outpost of the U.S. Army that occupied the site during the Third Seminole War.

Currently Alafia River State Park offers camping, and with help from numerous clubs and individual volunteers we also offer off-road biking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, picnicking, canoeing and kayaking.

Alafia River State Park currently offers camping in our new 30-site campground. Facilities include water, 50 amp electrical service, independent dump station, restroom facilities with showers and ADA accessible picnic shelters. Pets are welcome.

Official Universal Symbol of Accessibility 3 ADA accessible campsites are available. Campground restroom facilities are ADA accessible.

Pet Camping

Pet camping is available at ----------------Alafia River State Park. Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.

Primitive Camping

Primitive, group camping is available. Please call the park for more information.

RV Camping

RV camping is available in our new 30-site campground. Facilities include water, 50 amp electrical service, independent dump station, restroom facilities with showers and ADA accessible picnic shelters. Pets are welcome.

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.