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.
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 7 business days to let you know if your chosen camping dates are available, and finalize your reservation
- For more information, call (813) 672-7876. A staff member is available Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4 PM to assist you
- Primitive campsites available
- Three campsites are accessible by hiking out with your equipment and supplies from the trailhead located on County Road 39. Sites do not have potable water and are not accessible by bicycle.
- The Otter Site is 2.5 miles from the trailhead
- The Hawk Site is 2.2 miles from the trailhead
- The Bobcat Site is 1 mile from the trailhead
- Three campsites are accessible by hiking out with your equipment and supplies from the trailhead located on County Road 39. Sites do not have potable water and are not accessible by bicycle.
Hiking safety guidelines
Always be prepared when hiking on nature preserves:
- Bring plenty of water
- Download the map
- Tell someone your plan
- Wear proper shoes and sun protection
- Stay on marked trails
- During the rainy season, many trails will have standing water.
- If you think you are lost, call us at (813) 392-8402
- In case of an emergency, call 911