When it's hot, Hillsborough County's only spring-fed watering hole can provide a quick cool-down. The park's crystal-clear waters, which are 72 degrees year-round, attract about 200,000 swimmers a year. Most of the area is shallow, making it ideal for tiny tots. A rope with bobbers sets off the deepest part of the spring.
Derek Lawson, 9, fresh from a swim on a recent Saturday afternoon, said the water was really cold at first. "But it feels good after awhile," he said.
The 200-acre park feeds 24-million gallons of water a day into the Alafia River, according to Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation. Its vivid landscape includes cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks and high sand hills.
Amenities include picnic facilities with charcoal grills, a few shelters, restrooms and shower facilities, a playground, volleyball net, canoe launch and a primitive nature trail.
Forty camping sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and potable water are available. The park allows two leashed, well-behaved pets per campsite.
