Fort Foster State Historic Site
About Fort Foster State Historic Site
A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER
Kim Tennille
A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER
Kim Tennille
Hillsborough River State Park offers guests a bit of old-time Florida, from the natural wooded communities to the old buildings and pavilions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the mid-1930s. The Hillsborough River Bridge, also built by the CCC, is a prominent feature of the park, spanning across the river. Freshwater anglers can test their skills in the river, which is plentiful with bass, bream and catfish. A replica of Fort Foster an 1837 fort from the Second Seminole War is located within the park and ranger-led tours are offered every Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. Cypress swamps, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks comprise the forested woodlands that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife common to the area, including bobcats, deer, gopher tortoises, woodpeckers and owls. Hikers have four trail options which include a small portion of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail. The national trail begins in the Florida panhandle, extends east, then turns south winding through central Florida and ending at Big Cypress National Preserve. Hillsborough River State Park was recognized by Reserve America as number one of Americas Top 25 Canoeing Spots, number one of Americas Top 25 Water Recreation Parks and number 15 of Americas Top 100 Family Campgrounds. So if you like to canoe, kayak, camp, swim, fish, hike or bike, Hillsborough River State Park has it all.
Learn more about Hillsborough River State Park, Floridas other 159 state parks and the Florida Trail system, and enjoy the many outdoor activities that Florida has to offer.
GETTING HERE
All Visitors to Fort Foster must enter through Hillsborough River State Park first. Hillsborough River State Park is located 9 miles north of Tampa and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills on US Highway 301.
From I-75, South bound from Ocala take the SR 54. Exit #279 east to Hwy 301, travel South for 6 miles, and the park will be on your right-hand side.
From I-75, North bound from Tampa take the Fowler Ave. Exit #265 east to Hwy 301, travel North for 9 miles, and the park will be on your left-hand side.
From I-4, West bound take Exit 10 go north on C.R. 579 to US 301, follow the signs and go North 7 miles the park will be on your left-hand side.
From I-4, East bound take Exit 7 (be careful of the merges) and go North on US 301 for 14 miles, the park will be on your left-hand side.
GET INVOLVED
- For forms, information and benefits of volunteering visit Get Involved.
- Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society
- P.O. Box 6568
Brandon Fl. 33511-6568
