The best camping near Alafia River State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Alafia River adventure.

88% (4 reviews)

Get on your bike and explore some of Florida’s best mountain bike trails.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Alafia River State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Alafia River State Park

Lonseome Lake Campground

11 sites In Alafia River State Park

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Alafia Lake Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Alafia River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Alafia River State Park

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Wilderness Shores Ranch_Campground!

110 sites · RVs, Tents750 acres · Lakeland, FL

NOW OPEN!!! WINTER SALES GOING ON!!! 750 acres of Ranch, Water and Islands to explore! Wilderness Shores is an active Texas Longhorn Ranch with 3 beautiful miles of Shoreline and 750 acres of Ranch, Water and Islands to explore! Lake View or Oak Forest RV sites available with (20/30/50 amp) along with double water hookups and dump station on site! Shoreline tents sites available right along the lake shoreline! Or chose a primitive tent campsite or RV boondocking! Picnic table, fire ring, water and charcoal grills provided with RV sites and Shoreline tent sites! We also have 2 beautiful RV Camper Rentals on site to book a stay as well, sleeping 4 or 8 guests! Don't have a tent? We rent those too! Tent rentals medium/large are $35-$45. FREE HIGHSPEED OPTIC WIFI ON THE RANCH FOR ALL! Come see the beautiful scenery and breathtaking sunsets! We are Florida's Best Kept Secret! Non-Urbanized, Solitude and Family Fun Recreation! Join us for our exciting Texas Longhorn Cattle drives and kid Hayrides! Pet and feed snacks to our herd of friendly Nigerian Dwarf goats, beautiful Ranch Horses and our amazing Longhorn Cows! Grab a kayak (we rent them) and hit the lake to explore our dozens of islands and vast waterways! Walk or bike ride our many ridge trails! Along with fishing galore on our 3 miles of Lake Shoreline! Sit on our relaxing 3 person swings throughout the property and enjoy a beautiful nature filled sunrise or sunset! End the day with cookouts, music, fun, laughter and family time around the Campfire! Country Store on site with our grass fed hamburger meat/steaks for sale! Along with other food items/ essentials to purchase. Firewood cut on site/large round tubful's for a great price to last all weekend! Friendly pets are welcome! Our Ranch and Campsite is a designated Agritourism by the State of Florida combining its two largest industries, Agriculture and Tourism. Feel free to inquire with us! wildernessshores.com Centrally located! 18 miles to LEGOLAND, 37 miles to Busch Gardens and 32 miles to Disney World! Enjoy all the Parks! In addition, we are 6 miles to Super Walmart for shopping needs.

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Cedarkirk Camp & Conf. Center

6 sites · RVs, Tents170 acres · Lithia, FL

Cedarkirk was founded in 1971 as a year-round camp and conference center that serves churches, not-for-profits, and schools. Our beautiful property and amenities exist for all people to enjoy recreation and renewal in nature. We own 170 acres of land, most of which looks like wild Florida has for thousands of years, and provides sanctuary for many native plants and animals. We are excited to welcome you to this "place apart."

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By the Pond...

12 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Ruskin, FL

Stay by a lovely pond on 33 acre fruit and ornamental tree nursery property with great vibes. Located near I-75 just 20 miles South of Tampa, 35 miles east of Saint Petersburg, 35 miles North of Sarasota, 2 hours West of Orlando. This property is home to a farm/nursery operation and has a large pond on the west side. Approximately 33 private acres allows for space and social distancing. Site is loaded with hundreds of fruit trees Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava), and thousands of banana plants. Fishing can be great, wildlife and bird watching too. Fenced and gated for safety, this old historic nursery property has good vibes and plenty to offer. Until you see it - you really may not understand. Part s of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, & some fields - large pond is surrounded by cattails and marsh/wetlands and has fish (Bass, Tilapia, Sunfish, Catfish). Several species of wildlife have been seen on the property. We think the property is lovely, and definitely want you to enjoy your camping experience!

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Awakened Retreats

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Valrico, FL

Welcome, Hipcampers! Our 1.5-acre retreat features an updated Community Center with a full shower and bathroom. You enjoy our grass-covered campsites with multiple sites space for up to two tents each, fostering a communal camping experience. Engage in on-site activities like board games or bonfires. Explore nearby attractions like Lithia Springs State Park or Florida Aquarium for diverse experiences. Whether relaxing in our retreat, setting up tents, or exploring, our property promises a memorable escape for nature enthusiasts.

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Sandy Bottom River Retreat

5 sites · Tents8 acres · Wimauma, FL

Learn more about this land:Come relax and rejuvenate in our private peaceful oasis. Surround yourself with the tranquility of the woods and private river access in this very rustic, near amenity-less experience; home to towering pine trees, fluffy saw palmettos, soaring air plants, you name it! Looking to spot a few critters? You’ll likely encounter squirrels, rabbit and may even find an occasional deer or hog. Bird watchers welcome, it’s easy to spot real beauties in this quiet untouched gem. Make your way down to the river for tubing, canoeing, wading or just picnicking on the bank overlooking the pristine golden sandy bottom where the water is almost always just knee high. Need to pick up snacks? You’ll be pleased to find that delivery is just one click away via Walmart, Instacart, Amazon and more but you’re also just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, entertainment and the interstate is no more than a 10 minute drive from the property :-)

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T.L.C.'S GYPSY HAVEN

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Lithia, FL

We are a working horse farm who hosts groups, summer camps, after school program, boarding, girl scouts, boy scouts, and birthday parties! We are very kid friendly and are perfect getaway for the family. Come and camp on our open, grassy field. We are offer horseback riding, boarding, and more with our beautiful horses. Lithia Springs is only 15 minutes away and the beaches are an hour from our property. You're also near tons of different parks with canoeing, playgrounds, pavilions, and activities only 15 minutes away, restaurants are only 10 minutes from our facility We are private property off of a private road and await your visit! Learn more about this land: We are a working horse farm who hosts groups, summer camps, after school program, boarding, girl scouts, boy scouts, and birthday parties! We are very kid friendly and are perfect getaway for the family. Come and camp on our open, grassy field. We offer horseback riding, boarding, and more with our beautiful horses. Lithia Springs is only 15 minutes away and the beaches are an hour from our property. You're also near tons of different parks with canoeing, playgrounds, pavillions, and activities only 15 minutes away, restaurants are only 10 minutes from our facility We are private property off of a private road and await your visit! We can accommodate two, 30 amp & one, 50 amp site plus four, 20 amps or less at this time. We do not have a septic black tank hook up for RVs or campers. We do have a bathroom in the barn with a working toilet and sink but no shower. We do have plenty of room for campers, tents, and RVs!

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St Pete Micro Farm

1 site · Tent1 acre · St. Petersburg, FL

Founded in 2018, the St Pete Micro Farm (SPMF) is an ambitious project located in Saint Petersburg Florida. Resting on just 1/10th of an acre, this 1957 mid-century modern home hosts over 80 different species of fruiting tree and shrub. With the goal of blending natural beauty and innovative design, it's an ever-evolving space that is both inviting and surprising. During your stay, we invite you to enjoy an open-air shower under the bananas or relax back into the "big enough for two" garden tub under the olive tree. A large outdoor kitchen area with a gas burner and grill will also be available for your use. An 8' x 7' yoga deck is a great place to stretch out, and doubles as your tent's platform when it's time to set up camp. If you're bringing your own tent (standard), please ensure it will fit on the available deck. Or, if you'd like for us to provide a tent for you, please select it in the add-ons section before completing your booking. In the outdoor shower area there's a "Nature's Head" composting toilet just a few steps away from where you'll be staying. On chillier evenings, you can toast marshmallows by the fire pit, or just star gaze and let time trickle by. During the day, you'll be free to get online and catch up with the work world, or walk the garden and discover one of the many hideaways scattered around the property. You never know what will be in season, but with the guidance of one of your hosts, you can try a variety of fruits, greens, and berries if they're ready for harvest. A rich variety of wild birds visit regularly, recognizing it as a safe haven for wildlife. And though we can't guarantee you'll see a rare one, we can guarantee you'll see CHICKENS! Six of them in fact, Salty, Sleepy, Jet, Little Comb, Tapatio, and Dutchess. These friendly, curious, and fearless little marauders are guaranteed to make your acquaintance, and if you're not looking, invite themselves to share your breakfast. They free roam the backyard during daylight hours, so please help us keep all gates shut to prevent them from going on an unscheduled field trip. They will also leave "landmines" on the pathways, so be sure to watch your step. We do our best to keep everything clean and tidy, but chickens abhor tidiness. And will go out of their way to unleash chaos at every turn. Still, we love the little bird brains and they are an entertaining addition to the grounds. They're also the reason we ask that all pets, and children under 12, be left at home. We thank you for your understanding and help in preserving the safety of our flock, and as thanks, please help yourself to any fresh eggs in the chicken coop. This is only a brief description, there's so much more to see on-site, but you'll also want to make your way out into the city (15 minute drive) for some of the unique flair St Pete is known for. Check out the Salvadore Dali museum and see his famous surrealist paintings. Visit some of the best beaches in the country, like St Pete Beach (15 minutes drive due West). Wander the Fort Desoto historical park area. Or play ultimate frisbee at a local course located 10 minutes down the road. Stop by the Morean Arts Center and see live glass blowing demonstrations, or just walk along Central Ave to soak up the cool vibe and rich city art scene. Complete with murals, sculptures, and a pier scene that's not to be missed.

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Owen's Family Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Lithia, FL

We are a small hobby farm in Lithia, FL, looking to provide boutique camp experiences for guests looking for a nature-based yet centrally located agro-tourism family environment. Our property is six acres, and the central feature is our natural spring-fed pond with gorgeous waterfront views. The camping designated area is a one-acre pasture across the pond from the farm house we live in. If you like privacy, you will be happy to know that we have very few designated RV and glamping sites. The property sits at the end of a private road in a quiet country-like setting with mature oak trees decorated with Spanish moss. The current inhabitants of our farm include our three mini-cows, Stormy, Lila, and Boots, two donkeys, Pancho, a standard, and Cindy Lou, a mini. Another two friendly faces you will see are Bacon Bit and Hot Dog, you guessed it, Kune-Kune sows who love to pasture around and be scratched in the back of their ears. Other animals you will see everywhere are our chickens, ducks, and other wild birds. The chickens and ducks don't have names but are also filled with personality. Anytime you are around the farm, feel free to pet and cuddle those furry and feathered friends; they love people and are extremely friendly. Our farm is strategically located. We call it 'one-hour and ten-minutes to anything'. Here's why: We are an hour away from Disney World, Downtown Tampa, the downtown St. Petersburg and Clearwater beach. Most of Tampa Bay suburban areas are also under an hour away. We are also a little over an hour away from some of the most breathtaking springs in Florida. Alderman's Ford, a Hillsborough County conservation park with over seven miles of hiking trails, is within walking or biking distance. The park's most famous attraction is a 1.9-mile paved and one of the state's most popular canoe spots. The loop, which is hiker, dog-walker, and bicycle-friendly, links with a boardwalk and footbridges leading into shaded woods of gigantic cypress and oak trees. There is also a designated horse trail. About 10 minutes down the road, the Alafaia River State Park offers some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This topography is uncommon for most of Florida, making the park a hot spot for mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers. The hilly trails at Alafaia River total about 20 miles and run through forests, flatwoods, and lakes. Lithia Springs is also a 10 minute drive and is well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, and clean water. Great for swimming on a hot day. Also, all standard suburban amenities, including banks, franchised restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, nail and hair salons, coffee shops, urgent care, etc., are 10 minutes away. Inquire about staying at our farm today!

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Still Waters Pines

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Dover, FL

Camp in a quiet, secluded area near a pond. Campers may choose to use the firepit, picnic table, or the unique Tea Time Terrace. Bring your fishing poles and enjoy catch and release fishing! Five homes surround the pond so you may occasionally see neighbors fishing. Owners live onsite in a house. We gladly share our space with many birds including ducks, egrets, sandhill cranes, hawks, owls, cardinals, and occasionally spoonbills or Eagles. You might also see turtles, otters, or raccoons. Our nearby county and state parks offer hiking, biking, and canoeing. We are close to the: Florida State Fair - 11 miles Florida Strawberry Festival - 6 miles Gasparilla - 20 miles Busch Gardens - 17 miles Beaches and Disney are an hour away!

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Island Retreat Florida

1 site · Tent2 acres · Progress Village, FL

*****PLEASE READ THIS PRIOR TO BOOKING: THIS IS TRUELY AN ISLAND THAT IS UN-INHABITED OTHER THAN NATURE. DUE TO THIS FACT YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN PERSONAL WATERCRAFT OR ADD AN "EXTRA" KAYAK/CANOE RENTAL OR SHUTTLE SERVICES TO YOUR BOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL COST BEYOND CAMPING FEE. THE ADDITIONAL SERVICES REQUIRE A HUMAN BEING TO BE ON CALL AND DELIVER EQUIPMENT AND MACHINES FOR YOUR ADVENTURE. **** if ok with the above please proceed as there has been some confusion about islands. About the Island: Ever wonder what it would be like to stay on a deserted island? This is truly an adventure you will never forget. Once you land in paradise you will wander thru the looping trail system to find your campsite. There are (5) campsites with elevated tent platforms tucked back in the trees. Once you are settled in, it is time to gather wood and build a fire in one of the (2) 8 foot wide, 2 ton concrete fire pits. Awake a dawn with a nice kayak/canoe trip on a secluded water trail thru mangrove islands and stop for lunch at River's Edge Bar and Grill across the river from the island. Having too much fun, take a nap in hammock and rock to breeze and sounds of river. This is an island is accessible via water only so there is some preparation to get here and stay here. Kayaks, Canoes and a shuttle are available if you don't have your own transportation. Please contact prior to booking to ensure you understand the packages, for example, if you want to rent the whole island for yourself and need transportation for your group. We offer tailored quote for package based on your needs. Our Story: After 6 years of my neighbor bugging me to buy this island, I finally took him up on it. My neighbor bought it in the 1970's but did little with it. It has been overgrown for years. I am actively work to develop multiple campsites of the island for enjoyment of the river and its surrounding. All money from your stay here is re-invested back into the property.

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Myrtle Oaks

6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Lakeland, FL

Welcome to our home!Welcome to Lakeland Florida; close to everything, and away from it all! As you enter our property through a canopy of mature oaks you’ll be greeted by a host of curious squirrels, rabbits, turtles, woodpeckers, and the like. Continue down the long dirt road and around the bend to your peaceful campsite.

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Tamiami Trails

2 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Ruskin, FL

RV sites located at an established petting zoo with common and exotic animals. Horseback riding is also available on site. Our property is centrally located with easy access to Tampa, St Pete, and Sarasota. Horse and hiking trails are all through native Florida landscaping. Short drive to well maintained boat ramps and marinas.

The best camping near Alafia River State Park guide

Overview

About

Mountains in Florida? Well, they might not be natural peaks, but the reclaimed mining land at Alafia River State Park has some of Florida’s steepest elevation changes, affording some thrilling terrain for mountain biking. If you don’t fancy biking, you can hit the trails on foot or by horseback, or take to the water instead—there are ample spots for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing along the Alafia River. Alternatively, head to the lakeside to picnic, soak up the scenery, or camp at one of the park’s two camping loops, which include RV sites, equestrian sites, and primitive campsites for groups.

Notable campgrounds

Best for family RVers: Alafia Lake Campground has spacious paved sites for RVs and trailers, with full hookups, fire rings, solar-heated showers, and a dump station.
Best for horsey Hipcampers: Lonesome Lake Campground has 12 equestrian sites with full hookup, pull-through sites, and access to paddocks and a barn.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the 30 full-facility campsites at Alafia River State Campground, as well as primitive group campsites, via the Florida State Parks Reservation website.
Florida residents can make Alafia River campsite reservations 11 months in advance, while non-residents can make reservations 10 months in advance.
Campsites can book up as fast, so book at least three months in advance or at least six months in advance for holiday weekends.

When to go

The Sunshine State is ideal for four-season camping, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed right through winter at Alafia Lake State Park. The lakeside campgrounds are equally popular as a retreat from the summer heat or to sneak in some winter sun, and the campgrounds and trails can get crowded on weekends year-round.

Know before you go

Alafia Lake State Park sits 28 miles southeast of Tampa, about a 40-minute drive away.
There are day-use fees for all Florida State Parks, and campsite booking fees also apply.
Dogs are welcome at Alafia Lake but must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash.
Facilities at Alafia Lake include bathrooms, a playground and volleyball area, a lakeside amphitheatre, a boat ramp, bike rentals, and a bike-washing station.
There are accessible restrooms, campsites, and picnic sites at Alafia Lake State Park.