Summer is in full swing and a great activity for families to do is to visit one of the areas parks and campground sites. Each of the local parks holds its own unique features and accommodations. There is something for everyone at these parks, whether that be camping, hiking, canoeing or wildlife viewing.
Lithia Springs Conservation Park is most known for the natural spring that flows year-round and stays cool at 72 degrees. Campers can enjoy the spring by going for a swim or they can also hike through the woodsy trails. In addition to swimming and hiking, park visitors can also play volleyball or fish.
The park offers 44 campsites and are on a first come first serve basis.
Lithia Springs Conservation Park is located at 3932 Lithia Springs Rd. in Lithia. Call 744-5572 for more information.
Alafia River State Park can accommodate campers of all kinds; tents, pick-up campers, trailers and motor homes. Campers can choose from a variety of activities from biking, canoeing, hiking or fishing.
Twelve of the campsites are equipped for equestrian campers at no extra charge. The Alafia River offers over 20 miles of hiking trails that is shared with horseback riders. Trails have also been made throughout the park for mountain bikers to enjoy.
Alafia River does not offer canoe rentals, but visitors are welcome to bring their personal canoe or kayak to enjoy the river.
Alafia River State Park is located at 14326 S County Rd. 39 in Lithia. More information and campsite reservations can be found online at floridastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 672-5320.
Edward Medard Park and Reservoir has many activities, ranging from disc golf to beach volleyball to canoeing. Their campgrounds accommodate either RV or tent camping and are on a first come first serve basis.
Campers and park visitors can participate in canoeing, boating and catch and release fishing in the reservoir.
The park also offers three miles of trails that equestrians, hikers and bird watchers can all enjoy.
Frisbee enthusiasts can also work to improve their skills at the parks disc golf course.
Edward Medard Park is located at 6104 Turkey Creek Rd. in Plant City. Call 757-3802 for more information.
Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park is a great place for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The most popular attraction in the park is a 1.9-mile paved loop that follows the north and south prongs of the Alafia River. The loop is hiker, dog walker and biker friendly and links with a boardwalk to a forest of gigantic cypress and oak trees.
There is also a canoe and kayak launch where canoers and kayakers can enter to enjoy one of the most popular canoe spots in the state.
The park also includes four remote campsites if campers want to get a true camping experience in the wilderness.
Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park is located at 100 Alderman’s Ford Park Dr. in Plant City. For more information or to make a campsite reservation call 757-3801.
Hillsborough River State Park is the perfect place to enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. RV and tent campers are welcome to stay in one of the 112 campsites available.
Visitors can choose from four different hiking trails, approximately 7.3 miles total.
Canoes and kayaks are available to rent by the hour and the park also offers a large swimming pool to cool down in the sun.
In case visitors get hungry, there is a concession and restaurant that includes a souvenir shop. If desired, park visitors can also rent a golf cart for the day.
The park is located at 15402 US-301 N. in Thonotosassa. More information and campsites reservations can be found online at floridastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 987-6771.
