Lithia Springs

Should you go?

Lithia Springs is Tampa's hometown swimming hole — a clear, walled basin on the Alafia River about 30 minutes southeast of the city, run as a Hillsborough County park with a campground attached.

It is not the most dramatic spring in Florida, but it is the only genuinely good one within easy reach of Tampa, which makes it the answer to a question thousands of people search every summer.

Visiting

$2 per person (Hillsborough County rate — verify), typically 8am to 6pm with seasonal hours. The park closes the swim area periodically after heavy rain when bacteria counts rise, so check the county's status page before driving. Camping is available.

When to go

Cooler months when bacteria closures are less frequent. Always verify the swim area is open before driving.

Local tips

Call ahead or check the county park page for swim-area closures — this is the most frequently closed major spring in the state after rain events.

Rules & restrictions

The swim area closes after heavy rain when bacteria levels rise — this happens often enough to check every time. No alcohol, no glass.

Good to know

Dogs: Yes, leashed. Season: Year-round.

Facilities

Restrooms and showers, campground with hookups, picnic pavilions, playground, and a walled swimming basin.

Wildlife you may see

Turtles and fish in the basin, alligators in the Alafia River, and good birding along the park's trails.

History & background

Hillsborough County has operated the park since the 1950s, and the spring gave the surrounding community its name — lithia refers to lithium salts once believed present in the water.

Map & directions

Get directions →

FAQs

Visitor photos

See this week’s shots: Instagram #lithiasprings · TikTok #lithiasprings

Great for: Camping · Family-Friendly · Swimming