Experiences & Amenities

Off-road bicyclists enjoy the steep grades and challenging trails at this park. Once the site of a phosphate mine, the topography offers some of the most radical elevation changes in Florida.

The bicycle trails at Alafia River have the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Epic designation. The park offers a wide variety of bicycle trails, ranging from beginner to highly advanced.

• A full-service bike shop offers quality rental and repair services at the park.
• Pets are not allowed on the bike trails.
• Helmets are required for all cyclists, on our trails. Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
• Helmet loans available at the ranger station.

Bring your binoculars and your life list for excellent birding at Alafia River State Park. Wading birds such as egrets and herons are commonly seen by the river and lake shores. Keep a watch out for roseate spoonbills, which are sometimes seen foraging at the water’s edge. Look for hawks, bald eagles and owls.

Boaters can enjoy the waters of the Alafia River by accessing the south prong of the river using a boat ramp that is located on Thatcher Road, south of the park.

• This prong of the river is a blackwater stream that flows through the park.

Family campground is suitable for RVers and tent campers. Campers will find water and electrical hookups at each of the 30 campsites. Clean restrooms feature solar-heated showers. There are two large picnic pavilions in the campground.

Equestrian campers have access to 12 sites with equestrian designation and tie-outs for horses. Equestrian campers can access the barn, which is a short walk from the campground. There are 12 stables and 6 paddocks available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Extra parking for trailers can be accessed near the barn area. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.

• For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

Family campground is suitable for RVers and tent campers. Campers will find water and electrical hookups at each of the 30 campsites. Clean restrooms feature solar-heated showers. There are two large picnic pavilions in the campground.

Equestrian campers have access to 12 sites with equestrian designation and tie-outs for horses. Equestrian campers can access the barn, which is a short walk from the campground. There are 12 stables and 6 paddocks available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Extra parking for trailers can be accessed near the barn area. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.

• For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

There is a primitive group camp available to youths associated with nonprofit organizations and organized chaperoned groups. Reservations must be made 30 days in advance.

A group of six or more people can reserve the primitive group camp area; however, there must be one chaperone per 10 youth.

• Reserve by calling the ranger station at 813-672-5320.

A bottomland forest bordering the South Prong of the Alafia River was protected from mining. This prong of the 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 and fishing. 

There are numerous small lakes where anglers may catch largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Catch and release is recommended for largemouth bass.

The Thatcher Road bridge and fishing pier give anglers access to riverbank fishing on the South Prong of the Alafia River.

• All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.

• A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult.

The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.

• Operation Recreation GeoTour

Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.

Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.

Off-road bicyclists enjoy the steep grades and challenging trails at this park. Once the site of a phosphate mine, the topography offers some of the most radical elevation changes in Florida.

The bicycle trails at Alafia River have the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Epic designation. The park offers a wide variety of bicycle trails, ranging from beginner to highly advanced.

• A full-service bike shop offers quality rental and repair services at the park.
• Pets are not allowed on the bike trails.
• Helmets are required for all cyclists, on our trails. Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
• Helmet loans available at the ranger station.

A bottomland forest bordering the South Prong of the Alafia River was protected from mining. This prong of the 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 and fishing.

• The South Prong of the Alafia River is navigable by canoe upstream to Lake Hurrah.

A picnic area features two large picnic pavilions with tables and charcoal grills. The playground is nearby.

Pavilions are available for rent for birthday parties, family reunions or wedding ceremonies. Contact the park office for details.

Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.

Pavilions are available for rent for birthday parties, family reunions or wedding ceremonies. Contact the park office for details. 

While enjoying the park’s trails, watch for white-tailed deer, bobcat, river otter, fox and gopher tortoise. Take caution near the river and lakes and watch for alligators, which can sometimes be seen sunning themselves on the shores.