LITHIA SPRINGS 3932 Lithia Springs Rd
Lithia, FL 33547
(813) 744-5572
[email protected] HOURS: Spring/Summer: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Fall/Winter: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
FEE: $2.00/Vehicle (up to 8 people)
TWO THINGS TO NOTE: It is a VERY long carry to the launch dock and THERE ARE RAPIDS which are great fun downstream, but, at spots, impossible to paddle through upstream. PLAN TO PORTAGE on the way back or just go in one direction and have transportation at the end.
Well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, clean water into the Alafia River, the Lithia Springs Park was originally purchased by Gardinier, Inc., a mining company that soon became Mosaic Phosphate, Inc. When the company leased the park to Hillsborough County as a recreational area in 1957, the 160-acre site slowly became a popular camping spot.
After setting up camp, hikers can explore the woodsy trails and its diverse plant communities, river cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks. But it is the natural spring that serves as the park’s major attraction, which - courtesy of the water’s 72 degree temperature - provides an excellent swimming experience all year long. In addition to swimming, visitors can fish and play volleyball. There is also a bath house for the parents to rest and chat, while their kids can play at the park’s playground.
The park’s 44 camping sites - which is also suitable for RVs - include water/shower and electrical services. The campers also have access to picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, and barbecue grills. There are no reservations for these sites; everything is done on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Park rules to know: - Picnic shelters are not rented for the months April - September.
- All shelters, tables and grills and parking spaces are first come first serve
- Due to the high demand of the swimming area and current conditions maximum capacity is reached on weekends
- No rain checks / refunds