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In 1848, settler James Alderman built his homestead south of the Alafia River in Lithia. He fashioned a crossing by cutting down the steep banks of the river, creating Alderman’s Ford. This historic site is now home to Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, a hot spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The park's most popular attraction is a 1.9 mile paved loop that follows the north and south prongs of the Alafia River-- one of the most popular canoe spots in the state. The loop, which is hiker, dog walker, and bicycle friendly, links with a boardwalk and foot bridges, leading into shaded woods of gigantic cypress and oak trees. Visit Alderman's Ford Conservation Park and enjoy a day of birdwatching, fishing or hiking the lush woods. The park also hosts four remote campsites for anyone seeking a real wilderness experience without going too far from home.
Primitive campsites can be reserved by calling the park office at (813) 757-3801. These remote sites have a picnic table, hammock stands, and fire pits. There is no water or electricity. An approximately 1 to 1.5 mile hike is required to reach the sites. Restroom facilities (no showers) are located approximately one-half mile from the sites.
Important Information
Swimming is not permitted anywhere in the park.
There is no electric at the shelters, and generators are not allowed.
Dogs are allowed in the park, but must be on a 6-inch hand held leash at all times.
Alcohol and intoxicated people are not permitted in the park.
Pets, bicycles and skateboards are not permitted on the boardwalk
What a beautiful conservation park! I can’t believe it’s only 15 minutes from us. It is well maintained and only $2 per car entry. We walked the regular and paved trail/boardwalk and it was just the perfect sunny day. There was a chill in the air and it was so nice to enjoy the outdoors here before it’s stifling hot. The park is pretty and there are plenty of benches along the way to sit and take a break if needed. I didn’t see any water stations so make sure you bring your own. Our kids are older so they didn’t play on the playgrounds but I saw several near the parking lot along with covered picnic areas. I look forward to going back.
A great park and nature trail with good primitive camping options and amenities.
Only taking off a star because the info on the website and the primitive camping reservation is outdated. I initially wanted to go to Alafia corridor for primitive camping but you have to reserve 2 weeks advance so this was the next best option for my reservation I made a week prior. The man on the phone I reserved with gave me brief overview of the site, but he nor the website mentioned it was $12 per night for primitive camping or where to park. It would also be nice to get this information in an email because if you’re camping DO NOT PARK AT THIS SIDE where the map says main entrance. You have to park across the street with canoe launch and register in the office. There was no ranger at the park entrance which could’ve prevented my confusion. I’ve camped at many Florida parks so I’m not a novice.
But anyhoo. The site was spacious, beautiful, and secluded. I could fit 3-5 2 person tents in site 2 but site 1 was even larger. Firewood included but they are very large logs. Sites 1&3 have hammock stands. The hike in was a paved trail loop and I accidentally took the long way but it was a beautiful hike. The bathrooms are spotless but the flush in one toilet was weak so I wouldn’t go #2. I only stayed one night as a solo camper and had a great view of the full moon and Jupiter. The night was peaceful and quite with mild road sounds. If I didn’t like to shower before bed I’d primitive camp often!
Alderman’s Ford is a county park where the Alafia River begins. This park offers hours of hiking trails, and views of the river. There are two entrances: The main entrance and the Canoe entrance. Because of this, the park contains lots of areas for guests.
The trails themselves are long, but I recommend the paved trail for the best experience. It offers views of the river, and that’s about it. There are rest stops along the trail and even primitive camping. The other trail is a dirt trail that only has one view of the river; don’t recommend. Overall, not the best park around but is still decent.
Large park with walking trails, Excellent and very clean restrooms. Two entrances are available. First for the trails, playground, picnic areas. The second is for canoe launching. Two trails to the river. One is paved and the other is dirt. I walked the dirt trail to rhe river. The dirt trail is one mile rounded trip. Very large paved packing lot. There is a self service machine at entrance.. Free for Florida Park Pass. Outstanding park with a great view what Florida wet land are like. Highly recommended.
