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 State Park adventure.

88% (4 reviews)
88% (4 reviews)

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

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Community favorites near Alafia River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Alafia River State Park

97%
(662)

By the Pond...

12 sites · Lodging, 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. The pond is Spring-fed at the headwaters of Marsh Branch Creek which begins at our property and flows West about five miles in to Tampa Bay. Approximately 33 private acres allows for plenty of space between our campsites. Property is home to a farm with hundreds of fruit trees- Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava). Red Mombin, 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. Parts of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, and some fields -the 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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$32.50
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99%
(340)

Wilderness Shores Ranch_Campground!

84 sites · RVs, Tents750 acres · Lakeland, FL
ESCAPE TO THE WILD!!!! 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! WE have beautiful RV CAMPERS ON SITE TO RENT AS WELL!!! 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! 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, lots of animals 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 vast 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 on site/large round tubful's for a great price to last all weekend! Friendly pets are welcome! Kept on a leash when out & about! 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! Our website is 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 and close to lots of restaurants!
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$50
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98%
(89)

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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$39
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91%
(75)

Sandy Bottom River Retreat

7 sites · Tents8 acres · Wimauma, FL
Come relax and rejuvenate in our private oasis. Surround yourself with the tranquility of the woods and private river access in this very rustic, 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 river otter, deer, or hog. Bird watchers welcome, it’s easy to spot real beauties in our untouched gem. Make your way down to the river for tubing, kayaking, 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 :-) Please note that there are currently only 2 camp sites that are situated directly on the river, the other campsites will require you to make a short trek to the river. Our property is nestled in the heart of a very rural area in Wimauma, our property is large enough that you do not need to see neighboring properties, however, our neighbors may ride ATVs or shoot guns on their properties, at their will and we have no control over the sounds you may hear during your stay as a result of that, if this is something that you are not comfortable with, please seek another Hipcamp property that may be more suitable to your comfort level. We have a zero-tolerance policy for and there is absolutely no hunting, shooting, archery, or the like, permitted on our property at any time. Please contact us in advance if you are looking to book for clothing optional friendly, one of the "on the river" camp sites, to confirm their availability and/or for special pricing to book the entire property for events.
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$38.50
 / night
98%
(183)

Cotee River Bend

8 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · New Port Richey, FL
Our RV Campsites are located in a grassy field next to dense woods. Electric and water hookups are included in the RV/Camper sites, but not the Tent Site. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Our newly renovated restrooms on the property have toilets and one shower. A boardwalk takes you along the Cotee River to our open air pavilions with several places to sit and enjoy nature. Cell phone service is not a problem, as we are not that remote (although it sort of feels like we are when you are here) - we are 5 min from downtown New Port Richey, 2 minutes from groceries, gas, restaurants. This beautiful slice of Old Florida is named for the Pithlachascotee River that bends along the back side of the property. Pithlo is the Creek word meaning canoe, and chaskita means to dig or chop out, together signifying "place where canoes are chopped or dug out". Seminoles of this area used canoes dug out from the great cypress trees found along Florida rivers. From the 1980s until 2014, this property was owned by the Cotee River Lions Club. They held a popular monthly pancake breakfast fundraiser in the large pavilion along the river. We purchased this 4.9 acres of land in late 2019. It is now where we live and have a woodworking shop. It has been a magical place for us, with no shortage of wildlife, rich jungle forest, a lazy winding narrow river, and even the occasion river otter sighting. We are grateful to all the humans who have occupied this place over the centuries before us for keeping it as nature intended it. It is our intention to do our part to conserve and protect its natural beauty as long as possible. We hope you find it to be as restful and rejuvenating as we do.
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$25.20
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97%
(29)

Scenic Waterway

10 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · North Port, FL
Beautifully landscaped waterfront setting. 15 minutes to world famous Warm Mineral Springs and 35 minutes to Gulf beaches. Clean and orderly. No smoking, marijuana, heavy vaping or illicit drugs. 14 day limit per 6 months. Maximum RV length 25', no trailers (except for bikes and kayaks), no buses. No vehicles older than 2015 unless presentable and well maintained. Please include description of vehicles so I can determine placement. Considered a safe area. Trash and recycle bins, bench swing, outside seating and tables. Power is protected with a surge protector. Water is filtered from a well. The waterway offers fishing, small boating and wildlife watching. I have two friendly dogs that wander around off leash. Please don't allow them to access any of your or your pet's food. Visit econeato.org/host for list of other rules and very helpful info. The longer your stay, the more likely I will ask questions to understand compatibility as this is a residence. It would help if you let me know what kind of RV you have (length, slide-outs, etc.) and basic info about your pets, if any. During tornado warnings or hurricane winds, guests are offered to come inside. Host is 56, single and never married; considering looking overseas for younger girlfriend. Retired from a large variety of jobs. Not a MAGA fan. Diet is strictly healthy which mainly omits sugar and corn syrup. Have lived in a campervan six years full time from 2016 to 2021; traveled most of the U.S. to include Alaska but not Hawaii. Have visited popular Canadian areas. Have a 2018 Ford Transit customized and highly developed campervan. Born in Ohio, grew up in Texas / Arkansas. Bought this Florida home in early 2021 that is energy efficient and withstands strong storms well, but not storm proof. Worked diligently for four years to upgrade and improve the property.
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$29
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100%
(18)

Camp Margaritaville Auburndale

361 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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$77
 / night

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

  1. 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. 
  2. Florida residents can make Alafia River campsite reservations 11 months in advance, while non-residents can make reservations 10 months in advance.
  3. 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.

Top points of interest near Alafia River State Park

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