What is Lithia Springs Park and why should you go?

Lithia Springs is a natural spring swimming hole about 10 minutes south of Valrico with crystal-clear 72-degree water year-round. It is one of the best things about living in this part of Hillsborough County, and most people outside the area have never heard of it.

The spring pumps out roughly 24 to 35 million gallons of water per day at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit. That means in July, when the air temperature hits 95 and your backyard pool feels like bathwater, Lithia Springs is genuinely cold. Refreshingly, shockingly cold. In January, that same 72-degree water feels warm. It is one of those rare outdoor spots in Florida that works in every season.

Location and How to Get There

Lithia Springs Conservation Park is located at 3932 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia, FL 33547. From Valrico, take Lithia Pinecrest Road south. It is about a 10-minute drive from the Bloomingdale Avenue intersection. Follow the signs once you turn onto Lithia Springs Road.

The park is managed by Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation.

Hours

• Spring and Summer: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
• Fall and Winter: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily

Swimming Sessions

This is the part most first-timers do not know about. The swimming area operates on two fixed daily sessions with a hard capacity of 200 swimmers per session:

• Morning session: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Afternoon session: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Once a session fills to 200 swimmers, you are out of luck until the next session. You must book swimming sessions online in advance. Do not show up expecting to walk in on a Saturday in June. You will be turned away.

The break between sessions (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM) is when the staff clears the swimming area and resets.

Admission

• Vehicle entry: $2 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Swimming: $2 per person (on top of the vehicle fee)

So a family of four pays $10 total. That is hard to beat.

What the Swimming Area Is Like

The spring feeds into a natural pool with a sandy bottom. One end has a beach-style entry that is shallow enough for toddlers. The deeper areas near the spring boil are about 5-6 feet deep. The water is clear enough to see the bottom everywhere.

There is a rope line separating the shallow and deep sections. Lifeguards are on duty during swimming sessions. Life vests and arm floaties are allowed throughout the spring. Inflatable toys are restricted to the shallow areas.

The Tube Float and Canoe Launch

Beyond the swimming area, Lithia Springs has a canoe and kayak launch that provides direct access to the Alafia River. You can paddle downstream through some of the prettiest scenery in Hillsborough County. The Alafia River is also popular for tubing, though the tube float does not happen within the park's swimming area itself.

If you want to tube the Alafia, you will need your own gear and a pickup plan. Several outfitters in the Lithia area offer tube rentals and shuttle service.

Camping

Lithia Springs has campsites available for tent and RV camping. As of late 2025, Hillsborough County implemented an online reservation system for camping at Lithia Springs, Edward Medard, and EG Simmons parks. No more first-come-first-served guessing.

Camping rates start at $24 per night. Hillsborough County residents 65 and older pay $12 per night.

What to Bring

• Water shoes or sandals with straps. The paths to the swimming area have roots and rocks. Flip-flops are fine once you are at the beach area.
• Sunscreen. There is shade around the edges, but the swimming area gets full sun.
• A cooler with snacks and drinks. No concession stand. Glass containers are not allowed.
• Towels and a change of clothes. There are restrooms with changing areas.
• Cash or card for admission. Both accepted.
• Bug spray. It is Florida. Near a river. In the woods. You know the deal.

Tips from a Local

1. Book the morning session. It is less crowded, the parking lot is not full yet, and you beat the afternoon thunderstorms that roll through from June through September.
2. Go on a weekday if you can. Saturday and Sunday sessions sell out fast in summer. Weekdays are significantly calmer.
3. The water really is cold when you first get in. I have watched grown adults shriek. Give yourself 5 minutes to adjust. After that, it feels incredible.
4. January and February are underrated. The water is 72 degrees. The air might be 65. The park is nearly empty. It is actually pleasant.
5. Combine it with a trip to Edward Medard Park. Medard is about 15 minutes north and has fishing, trails, and disc golf. You can make a full day out of both parks.

Contact

Lithia Springs Conservation Park: (813) 744-5572

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Barrett Henry is a Broker Associate with RE/MAX Collective, serving Valrico and Tampa Bay. For current Valrico listings, call (813) 733-7907 or visit nowtb.com.