Standing out from the relatively flat topography of Central Florida is Alafia River State Park, a reclaimed phosphate mine with some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This makes it a hot spot for mountain bikers, who traverse the scenic and challenging International Mountain Bike Association trails. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to cool off in one of the parks pristine lakes.
Canoeing and fishing opportunities are also available along the South Prong of the Alafia River with some lakes scattered throughout the park. The park also offers picnic pavilions, a playground, a full-facility campground and a full-service bike shop.
Experiences
Bicycling
Some of the most challenging off-road bicycling trails in Florida can be found at Alafia River State Park. Located on what was once a phosphate mining site, the unique topography of the reclaimed land offers some of Florida's most radical elevation changes. Alafia River State Park is home to approximately 25 miles of bike trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. Helmets are required for all cyclists, on our trails. Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under. Bicycles are availalble for rent.
Birding
Alafia River State Park is a great place to see a variety of birds. Swallow-tail kites soar overhead in spring and a variety of warblers enjoy our park during winter. During the fall hawk migration, from mid-September to mid-November, you will see a variety of hawks soaring overhead including Red Shoulders, Red-Tailed, Coopers, Sharpies and an occasional dark morphed short tail. Great and Little Blue Herons as well as Great and Snowy Egrets wade in our many lakes. American Kestrels can be seen throughout the park hunting. Great Horned Owls live in our pine trees and can be readily seen at dusk. Woodpeckers abound in our forests including pileated, downey, red-bellied and red-headed. Eastern Bluebirds frequent our pine trees while Eastern Meadowlarks sing their songs from our fields as the osprey finish their nesting season overhead. Don't be surprised while camping to hear the "who cooks for you" call of one of our Barred Owls.
Boating
Boating at Alafia River State Park is restricted to small boats, canoes and kayaks. A small tributary, the South Prong of the Alafia River, flows through our park. We have over 30 lakes on the property; however, only a few have boat access. No gas powered motors are allowed.
Camping
If you seek a camping spot where tranquility and peace are a must, look no further. The camping area is situated along the conifer-lined shore of Lake Alafia, which offers a spectacular view. This modern camping facility offers 30 family campsites, which can accommodate tents, pick-up campers, trailers and motor homes. Twelve of the campsites are equipped with accommodations for equestrian campers. Alafia River's spacious paved campsites are outfitted with 20/30/50 amp electric service, water hook-up, a picnic table and a fire ring.
Additional amenities include two picnic pavilions and a newly built amphitheater. Pets are welcome, but must be confined, on a leash (up to six feet in length) or otherwise under the owner's physical control at all times. Campground restrooms and three campsites are ADA accessible.
Maximum RV length = 55 ft.
Hammock camping is designated in campsites number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. Set up using hammock straps at least 2 inches wide on trees at least 12 inches in diameter. If you are Hammock Camping please tell the Ranger at check-in.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call 800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD 888-433-0287.
Camping Equestrian
Twelve of the campsites in this campground are equipped for equestrian campers. There is a 12 stall horse barn available for campers. There is no additional fee to use the barn. It is first come, first serve basis. Alafia River's spacious paved campsites are outfitted with 20/30/50 amp electric service, water hook-up, a picnic table and a fire ring. Additional amenities include two picnic pavilions and an amphitheater. Pets are welcome, but must be confined and on a leash (up to six feet in length) or otherwise under physical control at all times.
Camping, Primitive Group
Primitive camping is available for organized youth groups. The site is primitive and does not have running water, electricity or restrooms. The camping area is located along a hiking trail, and requires a two-mile hike (round trip). A map and directions will be provided upon arrival. The camping area accommodates up to 30 people and 10 tents; a minimum of eight people is required. The site includes a picnic table and fire ring with benches. Campers are required to pack in all food and water, and pack out all trash. Call the park for reservations at (813) 672-5320.
Fishing
Alafia River State Park offers access to the south prong of the Alafia River and numerous lakes for fishing. Bass, bluegill and catfish are among the fish that you may catch. Catch and release is recommended for Large Mouth Bass.
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.
Geo-Seeking
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
Hiking
Alafia River offers over 20 miles of hiking that is shared with horseback riders. You can start with the one mile loop called the Old Agrico Hiking Trail. There are an additional 7.8 miles of easy off-road mountain bicycle trails that are available for hiking.
Horseback Riding
Alafia River offers over 20 miles of hiking that is shared with horseback riders.
Twelve of the campsites in this campground are equipped for equestrian campers. There is a 12 stall horse barn available for campers. There is no additional fee to use the barn. It is first come, first serve basis.
Mountain Biking
The trails at Alafia River State Park are some of the most awesome trails in the state of Florida. Once an old phosphate mine, the land was reclaimed by nature not man. This has left us with hills, great trails and beautiful water features. Our trails are constructed and maintained by volunteers from the Alafia Trail Crew a committee under the Friends of Alafia.
Paddling
Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the Alafia River and several of our lakes. Currently Alafia River State Park does not offer canoe rentals. Check back soon, we will be offering rentals in the near future!
Picnicking
Walking and Running
Alafia River offers over 20 miles of hiking that is shared with horseback riders. You can start with the one mile loop called the Old Agrico Hiking Trail. There are an additional 7.8 miles of easy off-road mountain bicycle trails that are available for hiking.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible on all the trails, the picnic area, and from the many lakes and the South Prong of the Alafia River, so bring your binoculars!
Amenities
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
If you seek a camping spot where tranquility and peace are a must, look no further. The camping area is situated along the conifer-lined shore of Lake Alafia, which offers a spectacular view. This modern camping facility offers 30 family campsites, which can accommodate tents, pick-up campers, trailers and motor homes. Twelve of the campsites are equipped with accommodations for equestrian campers. Alafia River's spacious paved campsites are outfitted with 20/30/50 amp electric service, water hook-up, a picnic table and a fire ring. Additional amenities include two picnic pavilions and a newly built amphitheater. Pets are welcome, but must be confined, on a leash (up to six feet in length) or otherwise under the owner's physical control at all times. Campground restrooms and three campsites and are ADA accessible.
Maximum RV length = 55 ft.
Hammock camping is designated in campsites number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. Set up using hammock straps at least 2 inches wide on trees at least 12 inches in diameter. If you are Hammock Camping please tell the Ranger at check-in.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.
Canoe Kayak Launch
Boating at Alafia River State Park is restricted to small boats, canoes and kayaks. A small tributary, the South Prong of the Alafia River, flows through our park. We have over 30 lakes on the property; however, only a few have boat access. No gas powered motors are allowed.
Equestrian Trail
Alafia River offers over 20 miles of hiking that is shared with horseback riders.
Historic Site
Alafia River State Park is a former phosphate mine. The reclaimed mine altered the landscape and created new landforms such as several small lakes and steep grades popular with off-road bicyclists who enjoy challenging trails. A bottomland forest bordering the South Prong of the Alafia River was protected from mining. This prong of the river is a blackwater stream. The park's 7,714 acres were donated to the State beginning in 1996 by Cytec Industries.
Mountain Bike Trail
The trails at Alafia River State Park are some of the most awesome trails in the state of Florida. Once an old phosphate mine, the land was reclaimed by nature not man. This has left us with hills, great trails and beautiful water features. Our trails are constructed and maintained by volunteers from the Alafia Trail Crew a committee under the Friends of Alafia.
Pets
Pets are welcome at Alafia River State Park as long as they are kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and are well behaved and under the owner's control at all times. Please be courteous and pick up after your pet.
Picnic Pavilion
We have two picnic pavilions in the day use area and two in our campground. You can enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch with a beautiful view. A playground, volleyball area and horseshoe pits are also available. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
If you would like a pavilion for your group, please call the park to reserve it. There is a fee of $70 to rent the pavilion.
Playground
For added enjoyment, the park has a children's playground conveniently located in the picnic area. The playground is equipped with two swing sets and numerous slides.
RV
This modern camping facility offers 30 family campsites, which can accommodate tents, pick-up campers, trailers and motor homes. Twelve of the campsites are equipped with accommodations for equestrian campers. Alafia River's spacious paved campsites are outfitted with 20/30/50 amp electric service, water hook-up, a picnic table and a fire ring.
Maximum RV length = 55 ft.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.
