Alston Tract

(This tract is part of the Upper Hillsborough Preserve.)

Park Details

Street Address

42144 Deems Road
Zephyrhills, FL 33540
United States

Size
2983 Acres
Hours of Operation
District lands shall be open to the public from 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset only, unless otherwise authorized by the District per Chapter 40D-9 Florida Administrative Code.

Recreation Opportunities

Recreation Term

Bicycling

Recreation Description
  • Approximately 16 miles of multiuse trails.
  • Bicyclists are required to stay on designated or marked trails.
  • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.

Recreation Term

Camping

Recreation Description
  • Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
  • A free Special Use Authorization reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.

Due to site conditions and carrying capacity concerns the Alston Tract Equestrian/Primitive Campground is closed via the standard reservation system. Group camping is currently being offered by special use authorization (SUA) only. To request a SUA for this site please email Recreation@watermatters.org. This email request will need to include the following information:

  1. Name and address of the organization (Organized group consisting of 6 or more individuals)
  2. Organizer, including email address and telephone number
  3. Type of activity
  4. Start and end dates
  5. Approximate number of participants
  6. Types and number of vehicles requesting access

Requests will need to be submitted 30 days prior to visit to allow for processing and will be issued on a first come first served basis.

Recreation Term

Equestrian

Recreation Description
  • Approximately 16 miles of multiuse trails.
  • Riders are required to stay on designated or marked trails.
  • Horse-drawn buggy riding requires a free day-use reservation for buggy access behind locked gate.
  • Each rider must carry proof of horse's current negative Coggins test.
  • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to wear helmets.

Recreation Term

Hiking

Recreation Description
  • Approximately 16 miles of multiuse trails.
  • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are excessively wet during certain times of year.

Recreation Term

Picnic Facilities

Recreation Description
  • Large pavilion with picnic tables and grills in campground.

Additional Information

Access and Parking

Primary access point is on Deems Road off SR 39.

Restrooms and Water
  • Portable toilet and nonpotable water available in campground.
Location

East of Zephyrhills

For more Information
  • Land Resources, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470