Alafia River State Park

Overview

Alafia is a full-service state park with restrooms, paved roads, pavilions, BBQs, bike wash, hiking trails, kayak launch, equestrian trails, full hook-up camp sites (some are horse friendly), horse stables and many miles of mowed equestrian riding paths. Alafia is a really big park - with only a small part in the 80year old phosphate mining section which created the unique terrain within the park.

Because there is camping, the park is open 24hrs/day which means campers can night-ride anytime. Riders who buy a state park pass ($65) obtain an early-bird-gate-code which expires every 6 months. Riders can then enter early which means any time after 9 pm till 8 am when the front gate opens for business.

Visiting Tips

It's summer here 365 days/year! The only time it is not very nice here is during the summer monsoon season (July-Sept) when it's 95° and 98% humidity. Due to great efforts of local trail stewards who have worked very hard to fix the trails to drain well, the trails hold up nicely during summer monsoons. That said, the flat/Novice trails (RiverLoop and RockGarden) are mostly underwater in the summer, but SandPine is mostly flat sand and is the best to ride in the summer.

Food & Drink

This state park is out in the middle of nowhere! Most visitors either camp or hotel in Brandon where there are many stores, restaurants and huge malls.