The US Postal Service recognizes Lutz, Florida, as an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County. Approximately 22 miles north of Tampa, this suburban community offers residents and visitors various attractions, activities, and adventures. It started when a small train depot was built here in the late 1800s and has grown into a vibrant community of over 20,000 people. W. P. Lutz, for whom the town is named, was a prominent banker and entrepreneur who helped shape its early history. He brought the railroad here and built a general store, the first school, and other businesses.
People began to move into the rural community from Tampa in the early 1960s, and the town was officially incorporated in 1965. From its humble beginnings, Lutz has become an ideal place to live, work, and play. This bustling suburb is home to various shops, restaurants, parks, lakes, churches, schools, and other attractions.
If you are looking for outdoor recreation, Lutz is the perfect place. The town is home to two major parks: Lutz Sports Complex and Lutz Lake Fern County Park. The sports complex features soccer, baseball, softball, and basketball fields, a playground, picnic pavilions, and walking trails. At Lutz Lake Fern County Park, visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and more. The park also houses a community center and tree-filled nature trails.
For culture, history, and entertainment, Lutz has plenty to offer. The town hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including an annual Arts & Crafts Fest in February, the Taste of Lutz in May, and the Christmas Parade in December. There are also several museums, galleries, and historical sites, such as the Lutz Veterans Memorial Park, the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, and the Lutz Children's Museum. Visit Beef 'O' Brady's for a delicious meal and live music or the Lutz Library for books, movies, and more.
Campgrounds Near Lutz, Florida
Cypress Campground and RV Park is one of the best campgrounds near Lutz, with 155 sites with full hookups. These RV sites are also back-in and pull-through enabled. You will have to pay a monthly rate of $450 to $925 to stay at the RV park. The campground also has a swimming pool, laundry facility, and dog park for your convenience. You will love the park's excellent cell reception and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Visit Dunedin RV Resort which is conveniently close to the beach, and enjoy its friendly management. This campground near Lutz has 233 sites with full hookups. You will enjoy the park's pool and showers. Pets are allowed, and the sites have excellent cell reception. If you are military personnel, you will enjoy the military discount provided.
Sun Lake RV Resort is another great option near Lutz, with a cozy clubhouse. Enjoy its bathhouse with hot showers, a heated pool, a laundry facility, and a patio. You can access the campground on a boat with electric motors. This park is a great location for fishing and kayaking. You will love the free Wi-Fi, cable TV connection, and excellent cell reception at the campground.
State Parks Near Lutz, Florida
Visit Hillsborough River State Park, which is about 22 miles away from Lutz. This park has the perfect blend of natural beauty and history. There are nature trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on the Hillsborough River. The stunning waterfall in the park is a sight to behold. Explore the historic military fort built in 1824 and learn about its fascinating past. There are many picnic areas and camping spots in the park as well.
You will drive 45 minutes from Lutz to experience Colt Creek State Park's 5000-acre natural Florida habitat. Hike through one of its many trails and witness the beauty of the park's diverse wildlife and lush greenery. There is a five-mile loop trail where you can go bird watching and wildlife viewing. If you are lucky, you may find some rare species of birds and plants, like the Florida sparrows. Canoeing, kayaking, camping, and fishing are also some activities that you can enjoy on it several lakes. The park has a playground and picnic areas, and it is open year-round.
Visit Alafia River State Park, which is perfect for mountain bikers. Located about 41 miles away from Lutz, this 7,733-acre park has some of the best trails for biking and hiking. You can enjoy its rugged terrain and explore the varied wildlife in its mangrove swamps, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks. Camping, fishing, and kayaking are some activities you can enjoy here. Visit the nature center, where you will find many species of birds and animals like bald eagles, deer, bobcats, and turkeys.
National Sites Near Lutz, Florida
Learn the history of Florida and the United States by visiting De Soto National Memorial, just 66 miles from Lutz. This memorial is dedicated to the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and his exploration of the southeastern United States. You can go on a guided tour of the memorial and learn about the Native American societies that De Soto encountered. There are also many nature trails in the park to experience the beauty of Florida's natural environment.
Canaveral National Seashore is great for wildlife watching, fishing, and swimming. It is located on the east coast of Florida, about 145 miles away from Lutz. There are 25 miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes, which allows you to witness some of the rarest species, like sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees, in their natural habitats. There are also many trails for hiking and camping spots in the park. You can also enjoy kayaking and fishing on the Indian River Lagoon. Visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex next to the park and learn about America's space exploration.
Fort Matanzas National Monument is located 183 miles away from Lutz. The Spanish built the fort in 1742 to protect St. Augustine and its harbor from enemies. There are guided tours where you can explore the fort and learn about its construction and history. Explore the many nature trails for walking and biking, where you can witness the rich diversity of plants and animals like sharks, sea turtles, and rays in their natural habitat. Anastasia Island allows you to witness its stunning dunes, landscapes, wildlife, and nature.
National Forests Near Lutz, Florida
Ocala National Forest is located about 105 miles away from Lutz. This 387,000-acre national forest is known for its pristine lakes and rivers, dense hardwood forests, and its population of rare species like the black bear and Florida panther. Enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking in its many lakes and rivers. There are also trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Florida Trail is the longest trail that passes through the park. You can explore its varied wildlife and vegetation on this trail.
Visit Osceola National Forest, located just 170 miles from Lutz. This 237,000-acre national forest is known for its longleaf pines and magnolia swamps. It was the site of the largest state civil war battle in Florida. Explore the many trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through its pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and cypress swamps. You can also go camping, fishing and swimming in its many lakes and rivers. You will see red-cocked woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, and wild turkeys on the forest trails.
Apalachicola National Forest is located 318 miles away from Lutz. This 632,890-acre national forest is known for its dense forests of longleaf pine and bald cypress. Drive along Apalachicola Savannahs Scenic Byway and explore the vast array of wildlife and vegetation. There are hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding trails. Enjoy bird watching as you explore the vast array of migratory birds in the park. You can also go fishing, swimming, and canoeing in its many lakes and rivers. The forest has many campgrounds and day-use areas for picnicking.
