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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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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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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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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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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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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Camp Margaritaville Auburndale

392 sites · Lodging, RVs66 acres · Auburndale, FL

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Auburndale is a family-friendly RV and cabin oasis located in Central Florida. Situated on 66 acres located off the Polk Parkway next to Lake Myrtle in Auburndale, our resort is your all-access pass to everything Florida. From our two resort swimming pools, complete with a 147 ft. water slide, to our 9-hole putting course and tiki bars, we offer amenities to excite the whole family. Even your furry friends are welcome! Explore the major theme parks and sparkling beaches or stay central for a sports event or festival without sacrificing any of the amenities. At Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, Our resort pools are more than just water – they're a sanctuary of luxury and enjoyment that will take your vacation to new heights. Get ready to immerse yourself in a poolside paradise like no other: Our resort features a variety of water-based activities that cater to guests of all ages. Our main pool features a thrilling 147 ft. water slide, whereas our Chill Pool overlooks Lake Myrtle. And the best part, our pools are heated year-round, so no matter when you visit, you can always enjoy a dip. So come join us at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, where every day is a pool day! We understand that family vacations are all about creating magical moments that your kids will cherish forever. That's why we're thrilled to present an array of kid-friendly amenities that will light up their smiles and make your stay truly unforgettable! From the moment your kids step foot on our resort, they'll be immersed in a world of adventure. Our dedicated play areas are designed to ignite their imagination, whether they're making a splash at the Jolly Mon Splash Pad, engaging in age-friendly activities, or making new friends at the Parakeets Kid's Park. Download our app to see our weekly activities schedule! Our resort boasts sprawling grounds where your pets can explore, sniff, and play to their heart's content. Enjoy leisurely strolls through paradise and scenic pathways, making memories together every step of the way. Take them to explore and play at one of our four Barkaritaville Dog Parks, located throughout the resort. Pamper them with a bath and blow dry at one of our two Barkaritaville Dog Spas. Or you can take them to exercise at our dog run! We ensure a paw-positive vacation for all our furry guests! Rain or shine, energize your mornings with an invigorating workout, or wind down after a day of adventure with a rejuvenating evening session. Enjoy the refreshing AC in our Fins Up! Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment. Or work up a sweat at our out-door basketball courts! Whether you're aiming to refine your skills or simply have fun, our fitness areas provide the perfect backdrop.

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Rasayana Cove

2 sites · Lodging25 acres · Ona, FL

Rasayana Cove is a 25-acre eco-retreat located in the heartland of west central Florida. An hour's drive east of Sarasota surrounded by vast tracts of orange groves and ranch land, Rasayana Cove has been operating as a small retreat center since 1995. The long eastern boundary borders Horse Creek, a major tributary of the Peace River. The property features two spring-fed ponds - one small and the other large. The cabins are accessible by well constructed shell-topped roads with good drainage and a variety of nature pathways. A natural ecosystem remains undisturbed in the middle of the property - a Florida bay head of native flora and wildlife. While most of the state is crowded and overdeveloped, this eco-retreat offers a haven of peace in the pristine nature of Florida

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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.

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Honey Bunny’s Urban Oasis

3 sites · RVs1 acre · St Petersburg, FL

Send Van Type and Length with Request to Book 🐝 👀check out our EXTRAS👀 🐝 Elderberry Tonic/Tropic Spice Hot Sauce/Shoo Fly! Bug Spray 🦩WE ONLY HOST VANS/CLASS B vehicles/very small travel trailers🦩 If you need to book for longer VanLife stays just message me 🌈 Everyone Welcome 🌈 As a family who has towed campers across the US a couple times utilizing Hip Camp we know others will appreciate the ease of pulling into our little 1 acre urban oasis just a couple miles off the interstate in Floridas Coolest City. It’s an ideal location to explore St Pete as we are right between the beaches and downtown (5 miles to St Pete beach, 4 miles to downtown -$10 Uber ride), Sarasota and/or Tampa. Ours is an urban spot based on ease, safety and location, not a wilderness "experience" We have a paved circular driveway overlooking our beehives, henhouse and seasonal garden where you’ll find a table with chairs and plenty of space to cookout and enjoy a quiet evening with a great sunset by the blowing bamboo. This is one of South St Pete’s oldest neighborhoods- it surrounds an active former PGA golf course and lively country club. It’s a great place for safely biking or walking with green spaces, tennis courts, playgrounds and dog parks nearby. There are many owls, raptors, green parrots, purple martins and osprey overhead as we’re just a few blocks from the beautiful Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. - not to be missed! The Pinellas Trail is just a short bike ride away too and can lead you to downtown. It is a cyclists favorite! We love our city - happy to give recommendations.

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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.

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.