By:
Submission
Primitive Camping. Camping is FREE at this location
Reservations must be received at least 14 days prior to your desired camping date
A staff member will get back with you in 1 to 2 business days to let you know if your chosen camping dates are available, and finalize your reservation
There are three campsites available - Download the ARC camping map: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/library/hillsborough/media-center/documents/conservation-and-regional-parks/maps/alafia-river-corridor-north-camping-map.pdf
Primitive site A is only accessible by hiking 2.4 miles with your equipment and supplies from the trailhead located on County Road 39
Primitive sites B and C are accessible by car from the Keysville Road entrance. You must obtain a gate code before entering. You cannot access the hiking trails from sites B and C- they are only accessible from the trailhead located on County Road 39
The Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve (ARCNP), is a 4,070 acre preserve located in eastern Hillsborough County. It encompasses lands along the Alafia River east of the Bell Shoals Bridge, extending upstream along the North Prong into Polk County, and along the South Prong to Jameson Road.
The preserve contains many different habitat types and also includes areas that were formerly mined for phosphate. The site is home to some listed species including gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snake, American alligator as well as many others.
9256 South County Rd. 39
Plant City, FL 33567
There is no water, no toilets either but the trails are well marked and well maintained.
Great preserve! This is a new entrance (old one used to be off of Old Welcome Road) and it's super nice. They've got some picnic benches in the shade and the red and yellow trails are well marked and maintained. Can't wait to come back and walk the blue trail!
Nice walk on a cool morning. We did the short loop of about 2.6 miles-half shade half sun. Saw some deer on our walk! There is a little stream to cross so you either need waterproof shoes or be willing to have wet feet.
This trail is not as scenic as the North trail but is good for exercise. My app indicated that I hiked 6.5 mile on the yellow and red trail. Of the three trails I had to cross, one of them required that I find a more narrow spot to cross up stream. I don't like wearing bug spray but there were some areas where I was tempted to pull it out. I did see wild pigs for the first time and lots of butterflies.
