Lithia Springs
Fish Hawk, Florida · Lithia Springs Park
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- spring
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $2 per vehicle
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Lithia Springs
Lithia Springs Park (also called Lithia Springs Conservation Park) is a Hillsborough County park in Lithia, Florida centered on a natural spring swimming hole that discharges a constant 72°F into the Alafia River. The county operates it as a designated swim area with entrance and swim fees, scheduled swim time slots, and an adjoining campground.
The park sits along the Alafia River near Lithia/Fish Hawk, with the spring pool ringed by an earthen dike and a small beach, surrounded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss that shade picnic areas; a campground with two loops (including riverside sites) borders the spring area.
Swimming at Lithia Springs
The spring pool has graduated depths: shallow enough at the edges for small children to stand with their heads above water, deepening toward the center for confident swimmers, with a gentle current visitors compare to a natural lazy river. Water is clear year-round at a constant 72°F. The county caps attendance at 200 swimmers per time slot and posts lifeguards during peak/weekend hours.
How to get to this swimming hole
Park address is 3932 Lithia Springs Rd., Lithia, FL 33547, a short drive south of Valrico/Fish Hawk off local roads to the Alafia River.
Parking: Vehicle entry area within the park; day-use entrance fee is $2 per vehicle (up to 8 people).
The hike in
This is a drive-up county park; the swim spring sits adjacent to the parking/entrance area, so no hike is needed to reach the water. Separate hardwood-hammock nature trails elsewhere in the park (20-30 minute loops, some boardwalk) are recreational add-ons, not the route to the swimming spot.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Spring pool has graduated depths, shallow enough at the edges for a small child to stand with their head above water; water is clear to the bottom so lifeguards (stationed during peak/weekend hours) and parents can supervise easily; floaties/pool noodles are permitted; no steep drop-offs reported.
Parking
Paid, $2 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
On-site vehicle entrance fee covers parking; visitor accounts describe ample parking that doesn't fill up even on busy Saturdays.
Restrooms
Yes
Restroom building with flush toilets and outdoor showers near the swim area; separate bathhouses in each of the two campground loops.
Water clarity
Clear
Spring discharges a constant ~25 million gallons/day at 72F; visitor accounts describe visibility straight to the bottom of the pool year-round, unlike murkier lake or tannic river water nearby.
Hours
Spring/Summer 8am-7pm, Fall/Winter 8am-6pm; swimming is restricted to two scheduled slots (9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm) and the swim area closes 1 hour before park closing.
On the water
Restrictions: Lithia Springs Park is the take-out point for the state-designated Alafia River Paddling Trail (~11.5 miles from the put-in at Alderman's Ford County Park, with a few moderate Class I rapids depending on water level), so canoes/kayaks are used on the adjoining Alafia River. The roped-off spring swim pool itself is managed as a dedicated 200-person swim area; no source confirms boats are permitted inside that swim pool, and no motorboat, jet ski, or paddleboard use is documented at this site.
Could not confirm from official sources whether any watercraft are allowed within the fenced/roped swim spring itself; treat river paddling and pool swimming as separate zones.
Lithia Springs: FAQ
Does Lithia Springs charge a fee?
$2 per vehicle for park entrance plus $2 per person for swimming (children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult); swim bands are not sold in the hour before the swim area closes.
Is Lithia Springs kid friendly?
Spring pool has graduated depths, shallow enough at the edges for a small child to stand with their head above water; water is clear to the bottom so lifeguards (stationed during peak/weekend hours) and parents can supervise easily; floaties/pool noodles are permitted; no steep drop-offs reported.
Do I need to hike to reach Lithia Springs?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Lithia Springs?
On-site vehicle entrance fee covers parking; visitor accounts describe ample parking that doesn't fill up even on busy Saturdays.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Lithia Springs?
Could not confirm from official sources whether any watercraft are allowed within the fenced/roped swim spring itself; treat river paddling and pool swimming as separate zones.
When is the best time to visit Lithia Springs?
Summer is peak/most popular due to the constant 72°F water offering relief from Florida heat, though the park and spring operate year-round; weekdays are notably less crowded than weekends.
What are the rules at Lithia Springs?
Swimming is restricted to two scheduled 4-hour slots (9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm), each capped at 200 swimmers; pets and service animals are not permitted inside the spring area; bounce houses are prohibited; the swim area can close for thunder, lightning, or inclement weather; capacity limits are commonly reached on weekends.
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