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Lithia Springs Park

Lithia, Florida
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Ownership: Local Government
Official website:
Posted by: Mongoose on June 11, 2009

Description

Lithia Springs is one of Hillsborough County's most visited parks. The large spring that gives the park its name draws approximately 200,000 swimmers to its year-round 72 degree water. The Alafia River meanders through the 200 acres of varied plant communities.



Spring Description

There are two spring areas/pools at this site. The larger pool is roughly oval and about 100 by 200 feet in diameter. The pool is formed by the flow from a couple of vents amid large limestones in the back center (western end) of the pool. The depth of the pool varies depending on the water table and rainfall. Under normal conditions, depths range from shallow at the edges to 3-5 feet in the center, except at the vents where it is up to 8 feet depending on water levels. In times of drought, the depth can be much reduced. A large grating placed over the vent prevents access.



Water in the spring is clear and blue over the vent. In the areas where there are plants in the water, the water has a greenish tint. Some fish may be seen in the spring around the grating and in the pool, and the bottom is mostly sandy with some large rocks. A retaining wall has been erected around much of the spring to prevent erosion. At the lower end of the pool, the run bends to the SW and flows about 100 yards to the Alafia River. Land slopes up from the spring to a partially cleared park area. The Alafia River flows behind the western end of the spring and is separated from the spring by a 10-foot natural levee covered in hardwoods and palm trees.



The smaller pool is near the run of the larger spring to the SW. Water flows from a limestone opening at the base of a bank in the east end of the pool. Under normal conditions, the vent is about 6 feet deep, but is shallower in times of drought. The spring forms a roughly circular pool about 45 feet across that forms a short (about 100 feet), winding, shallow, and narrow run to the Alafia River. The pool and its run are canopied and mostly shaded, in contrast to the larger pool which is entirely sunlit. The eastern side of the pool is sandbagged to prevent erosion. A mild boil is visible on the surface above the vent, which is also grated to prevent access. There is a fence above the sandbagged end of the spring.



Click for directions

Directions

From Interstate 75 in Brandon, go east on State Road 60 (Exit 51). Go about 3 miles and turn right/south onto Lithia Road, which later becomes Lithia Pinecrest Road. Drive about 7 miles and turn right at entrance to Lithia Springs County Park and proceed to the spring.



For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address: http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida

Activities

Swimming, Fishing, shaded camping, and nearby off-road mountain biking at either Balm Boyette or Alafia.

Guidebooks

Services

The county park offers swimming, picnicking, a playground, open areas for sports, restrooms, and even vendors on summer weekends. It is a longstanding local recreation spot and can be very crowded on weekends.

Reservation info

Call: (813)744-5572



Lithia Springs Park

3932 Lithia Springs Road

Lithia, FL 33547



Spring: 8am - 6pm (M-F) 7pm (Sa, Su)

Summer: 8am - 7pm (M-F) 8pm (Sa, Su)

Fall/Winter: 8am - 6pm

Fees

$2 Day Use / $12 per night

Photos from Lithia Springs Park

Reviews of Lithia Springs Park



Reviewed by LithiaSpringsSucks on July 12, 2009

(6 out of 9 members found this review useful.)
As far as the swimming area is concerned, it's appearance is reminiscent of that of a ghetto community pool, but dirtier. There is plenty of parking, but unfortunately there are not enough benches and seating which are commensurate w/the amount of available parking spaces. Otherwise, one would be reduced to setup on some dirt and scant grass which surrounds the area. Also, if you are Caucasian, you will find yourself in the minority. At $1 ADMISSION, you wouldn't be wasting your money, but you'd sure waste your gas money and precious time. Go to the beach ! You are in Florida, for cryin' out loud !

Well it is government owned, so what do you expect ?? Governments can't even run whorehouses and turn a profit !
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Reviewed by Mongoose on June 11, 2009

(5 out of 6 members found this review useful.)
This is a very nice campground and well shaded throughout the campground and park. Some of the campsite border the Alafia River. The park rangers were very pleasant and offered exceptional service all around. I camp here instead of at Alafia, because it is shaded and the springs. Only a ten minute tops drive to either Alafia or Balm Boyette for some serious off-road MTB'ing. Also a big BMX race track nearby as well. This park is awesome and will continue to come back every time I am here to ride or just to relax.
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Recommendations

Fort Mountain State Park (100%)
Florida Caverns (50%)
Grayton Beach (50%)
Ponce de Leon Springs (50%)
Black Water River (50%)

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