Alafia River State Park

Explore Features & Activities

Park History & Nature

Alafia River State Park is a former phosphate mine in southeastern Hillsborough County. The reclaimed mine altered the landscape and created new landforms such as several small lakes and steep grades popular with mountain bikers who enjoy challenging trails.

The south prong of the Alafia River is a blackwater stream that flows through the park. The stream, bordered by red maple, swamp tupelo, and water hickory trees is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Alafia River State Park's 7,714 acres were donated to the State in 1996 by Cytec Industries and opened to the public in 1998. Today, the park is a top destination for mountain bikers, equestrians, and nature lovers alike.

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Features & Activities

Experience Renowned Trails

Alafia River State Park features top-ranked trails with construction and maintenance funded by Friends of Alafia (FoA) with labor provided by our Alafia Trail Crew (ATC).

Mountain Biking Trails

Mountain Biking Trails

Explore over 20 miles of exciting trails that range from beginner to expert and include options for adaptive riders. Alafia River State Park also hosts a number of Florida's most revered mountain biking events.

Equestrian Trails

Equestrian Trails

ARSP's horse trails are an equestrian favorite among both riders and buggy drivers. Trails feature 20 miles of varied terrain and range from heavily forested to picturesque vistas overlooking prairies and lakes.

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

Alafia River State Park's trail system offers hiking, off-road running, or leisurely outdoor strolls on better than 25 miles of mixed-use trails with an additional 8 miles of hiking-only designated trails.

Features & Activities

Let's Go Camping

Alafia River State Park offers one of Florida's top camping experiences. The park's 30 campsites are scenically placed along Lake Alafia with access to recently renovated and ADA accessible bathhouses.

Full Facility Camping

Full Facility Camping

Full facility camping at Alafia River State Park includes spacious paved campsites outfitted with 20/30/50 amp electric service, water hook-up, picnic table, and fire ring. Available dump-station is also on-site.

Equestrian Camping

Equestrian Camping

Alafia River State Park offers 12 full-facility and equestrian-equipped campsites. The park’s nearby barn, paddocks, and trail systems combine to position ARSP as one of Florida's top equestrian destinations.

Primitive Camping

Primitive Camping

Camping is available for organized groups. The sites are primitive and do not have running water, electricity or restrooms. The camping area is located along a hiking trail and requires a 2-mile hike (round trip).

Features & Activities

Head Out for a Ride

In addition to trails and camping, Alafia River State Park also offers a range of equestrian features that are both constructed and maintained with help from the Friends of Alafia.

 

12-Stall Barn

12-Stall Barn

Equestrian campers who prefer to stable their horses enjoy access to a conveniently located and thoughtfully constructed 12-stall barn. Barn space is available on a first come first served basis without any additional charge.

Available Paddocks

Available Paddocks

Adjacent to the barn, visitors utilize the park's six recently constructed paddocks. Construction was funded by the Friends of Alafia with ongoing maintenance provided by volunteer member labor.

Trail Amenities

Trail Amenities

Riders and buggy drivers enjoy special trail features such as equestrian picnic grounds, fishing areas, and conveniently placed tie rails. Equestrian amenities are also funded in partnership with Friends of Alafia.

Features & Activities

Outdoor Fun for Everyone

From paddling down the river, fishing numerous lakes, or exploring the diverse vegetation and wildlife, Alafia River State Park truly has the perfect outdoor activity for everyone.

Geocaching

Geocaching

Calling all explorers and treasure hunters! Alafia River State Park maintains 12 caches scattered along the trail system. Geocaching is a fun outdoor activity suitable for all age groups and experience levels.

Birding & Wildlife Viewing

Birding & Wildlife Viewing

Alafia River State Park offers year-round birding and general wildlife viewing. Sightings are possible on all the trails, the picnic area, and from the many lakes and the Alafia River, so bring your binoculars!

Bring Your Best Pals

Bring Your Best Pals

Pets love a day at Alafia River State Park too! Just remember that all furry friends must be safely kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash. Please ensure pets are well behaved and under owner control at all times.

Features & Activities

Family Picnicking & Fun

Whether for overnight campers or day visitors looking to enjoy a relaxing picnic at one of two large pavilions or play outdoor games, Alafia River State Park has the perfect facilities for great family fun.

Fun & Games

Fun & Games

Kids love Alafia River State Park's fun, well-maintained playground equipped with two swing sets and numerous slides. Outdoor volleyball area and horseshoe pits are also available. Pickup game anyone?

Amphitheater

Amphitheater

Looking for a scenic, lakeside venue to put on your favorite camp performance or need the perfect outdoor space for a class, meeting, or seminar? Head down to the amphitheater and enjoy the show.

Clean & Modern Bathrooms

Clean & Modern Bathrooms

Well-maintained and ADA accessible restroom facilities are available at the trailhead and within the campground area. A bike washing station is also conveniently located at the park trailhead.

Plan Your Park Visit

Alafia River State Park is open from dawn thru sundown 365 days a year.

Friends of Alafia

Friends of Alafia is a nonprofit Citizen Support Organization (CSO) established to protect, preserve, and support Alafia River State Park.