Alafia River State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Mountain bikers from all over Florida come to Alafia River State Park to ride. With incredible single-track and twisting boardwalk features, the challenging trails deliver some of the biggest thrills in the state. The park sits east of Tampa on the site of a former phosphate mine, which creates steep inclines and difficult routes. You can also see the park from a canoe or kayak on the Alafia River. No matter how you’re planning to explore, Florida’s balmy weather makes it possible any month of the year. Since Clearwater Beach is just 50 miles west, you can even throw in a day at the beach.
Spring 60-85 F
Summer 75-91 F
Fall 60-85 F
Winter 50-75 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Alafia River State Park
After a day of hiking or mountain biking at Alafia River State Park, your RV is a cozy place to en0joy a comfortable night’s sleep. If you want to experience the convenience of RV camping but don’t own a motorhome, consider an RV rental. That way, you can pick a model with all of the features you need for a luxury camping trip.
Alafia River State Park Campground
The bike trails are a quick ride from your campsite at the Alafia River State Park campground. With 30 spots, each equipped with water and electricity, this campground welcomes RVs and tents. Enjoy the hot showers and clean bathrooms, and feel free to take your dinner to the large picnic area. The park also offers an equestrian campground.
Lazydays RV Resort
After a day of intense mountain biking, return to your manicured site at Lazydays RV Resort for an evening of relaxation. The park offers 300 sites, each equipped with full hookups and 50-amp electricity service. Cool off with a swim in the pool or soak your muscles in the hot tub; they’re covered by a screened enclosure, so it’s always clean and fresh. Post photos and videos from your trip using the free Wi-Fi network and chill out with your favorite show before bed using the cable TV service. This campground also offers activities for kids and adults, exceptional dog facilities, an on-site restaurant, and more. Rates start at $33 per night.
Hidden River RV Resort
If you’re 55 or older, you’ll love the beautiful Hidden River RV Resort. With its sprawling grounds and upscale facilities, this is the perfect spot to relax after a day of adventure. It caters to RVs, so every site has full hookups and pull-through access. Meet other campers by joining in on one of the planned events, or relax at your grassy site. Within the park, you’ll find Wi-Fi service, hot showers, and restrooms. When you need propane, it’s available for sale in the park office. Bring your boat and launch from the boat ramp or take a swim in the beautiful pool. Rates vary by season.
What to Do at
Alafia River State Park
Inside Alafia River State Park
Alafia River State Park is known for its exceptional mountain biking, so bring your helmet and prepare for steep trails and challenging features. You can also rent gear from the bike shop in the park and borrow a helmet from the ranger station. In hot weather, launch your canoe or kayak onto the Alafia River or paddle into the 24 lakes that are scattered throughout the grounds. If you’re an angler, head straight to the Thatcher Road Bridge and fish from the pier. The park’s extensive trail network is open to hikers and equestrians. While you’re out, try geocaching or bird-watching, or bring your running shoes and get in a workout.
Outside Alafia River State Park
Alafia River State Park is set in a lush green region of Florida. Within an hour, you can get to tiny inland lakes or the beautiful Gulf of Mexico coast. Head into Tampa for a fine-dining experience or enjoy a friendly experience in one of the small towns scattered throughout the countryside around the park.
Restaurants
Smokin' Joe's BBQ & Grill
With its delicious house-made sauces, Smokin' Joe's BBQ & Grill is a haven for meat-lovers. The portions are big, and the sides are incredible. There’s often a line, but it’s well worth the wait.
Type: Barbecue
Location: 10252 County Rd 39, Lithia, FL 33547
Santoras Mexican & Italian Kitchen
Get a pizza or a burrito at Santoras Mexican & Italian Kitchen, which offers a varied menu with something for everyone in the family. It’s less than 10 minutes from the park, making it a great option for takeout.
Type: Mexican, Italian
Location: 7013 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Lithia, FL 33547
Park Square Social
Enjoy the relaxed, friendly vibe at Park Square Social. It’s a particularly great choice if you have dietary restrictions as you’ll find plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Type: American
Location: 16132 Churchview Dr, Lithia, FL 33547
Tim's Cafe
Start your day with an enormous breakfast from Tim's Cafe, which sits just eight miles from the park. With its low-key vibe, you’ll feel comfortable coming in wearing even biking or hiking clothes.
Type: American
Location: 10903 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Lithia, FL 33547
Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery
Sip a craft beer and enjoy an upscale pub appetizer at Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery. With creative menu options like chorizo scotch eggs and sashimi tuna lettuce cups, this is a fun option for beer lovers and foodies alike.
Type: Tavern
Location: 4330 Bell Shoals Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
Shopping
Just Ride Bicycles
If you need a piece of equipment or clothing to enjoy Alafia River State Park to the fullest, stop by Just Ride Bicycles. They carry everything from helmets to bike socks.
Location: 13412 Boyette Rd, Riverview, FL 33569
22 Moons Antiques
With a wide selection of elegant antiques, 22 Moons Antiques is the perfect place for treasure seekers. Pick up art, home decor, and more.
Location: 3102 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
Millie's Gift Shop
With a selection that includes clothing and locally made items, Millie's Gift Shop is a fun place to grab a souvenir of your trip.
Location: 111 S Collins St, Plant City, FL 33563
Picnic Grocery
Just one mile from the park entrance, Picnic Grocery is the closest option to grab a snack, drink, or last-minute grocery item.
Location: 15217 County Rd 39, Lithia, FL 33547
Town Center Mall
If you’re looking to do some serious shopping, head to Town Center Mall. This outdoor shopping mall features all of your favorite big-name brands in a beautiful, walkable space.
Location: Brandon Town Center Dr, Brandon, FL 33511
Sightseeing
Coquina Beach
Snow-white sands and turquoise waters await at Coquina Beach. It’s located on the Gulf of Mexico, which means that the water is often calm and kid-friendly. Spend a day sunbathing and swimming or enjoy a morning walk by the water.
Location: Bradenton Beach, Florida
Alderman's Ford Conservation Park
Stroll along the boardwalk through a forest at Alderman's Ford Conservation Park. This is also a great place to canoe; in fact, it’s one of the most popular paddling spots in Florida thanks to the beautiful scenery and convenient launch. Fishing and bird-watching are also popular in the park.
Location: Lithia, Florida
Phosphate Museum
Learn about the industry that produced the fantastic terrain of Alafia River State Park at the Phosphate Museum. Small and well designed, this spot is a surprisingly fascinating place to spend an hour or two. It chronicles the entire history of phosphate, starting as far back as prehistoric times. Don’t miss the vehicles and equipment on display outside.
Location: Mulberry, Florida
Little Manatee River State Park
Explore more of Florida’s unique wilderness at Little Manatee River State Park, which offers hiking and biking trails. Grab a freshwater fishing license and head to the Little Manatee River or bring a kayak and paddle through the park. It twists through leafy hammocks, creating a magical atmosphere.
Location: Wimauma, Florida
Florida Air Museum
Aviation buffs should head straight for the Florida Air Museum. You can walk through the enormous space and check out a huge collection of aircraft from decades past. You’ll also learn about engines, famous pilots, and the thriving Central Florida aviation industry. Check the calendar before you go to find out about special programs and aircraft fly-ins.
Location: Lakeland, Florida
How to Get to
Alafia River State Park
Alafia River State Park is located southeast of Tampa in a relatively remote area. If you’re coming from Interstate 4 in the north, take FL-39 south to the park. From Tampa, take Lithia Pinecrest Road until you hit FL-39.
Entering Alafia River State Park
Alafia River State Park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sundown 365 days a year. Campers can enjoy the park facilities 24/7.
Alafia River State Park Per vehicle : $5.0
If you’re a mountain biker or a hiker, Alafia River State Park is one of the most exciting spots in Florida. No matter how you’re planning to enjoy the park, the team at RVshare wants to hear about your vacation. Tag RVshare when you post photos from the trip on Facebook or Instagram. You can also send your photos to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Alafia River State Park
The on-site Alafia River State Park Campground features 30 designated RV campsites. All of these campsites are equipped with water and electrical hookups, and guests can enjoy the use of hot showers and clean bathrooms.
Known as a superb place to observe wildlife, Alafia River State Park is home to creatures like white-tailed deer, bobcats, river otters, foxes, alligators, gopher tortoises, egrets, hawks, bald eagles, and owls.
Alafia River State Park has a very warm climate and sees quite a bit of rainfall during the summer months. The winter temperatures in the park typically stay above 50 degrees, and they can reach the 90s during summer.
If you're visiting the park to enjoy some mountain biking, fishing, or boating, the best time to visit is probably during April or May. That way, it won't be too hot, and you'll have a good chance of staying dry.
Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs to Alafia River State Park as long as they're on leashes of six feet or less. Dogs are allowed on the trails as well as in the tent sites and cabins.