Main Page - Hillsborough River State Park

Manager's Message

ATTENTION: Renovation of the Park’s roads and parking lots will begin April 15, 2009 and last through December 1, 2009. The park will remain open throughout this project. Please note, depending on the date of your visit, traffic may be re-routed and some trails may not be available. Please contact the Park office at 813-987-6771 if you have questions. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Update on the Park: The restoration of many of the Park’s Historic Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Structures has been completed. In Florida, the CCC, as a part of President Roosevelt’s “New Deal” program, created 8 state parks that preserved some of the state’s most beautiful places. This work provided access to thousands of acres of public land to all Floridians. It also gave jobs to the unemployed and helped many families survive hard times. Though the work of the CCC occurred more than 75 years ago, an important legacy remains. The park planners of the 1930s wanted to create opportunities for all people, rich or poor, to get closer to nature. They believed that outdoor recreation could help cure many of society’s ills, and that nature could inspire, educate and even give meaning to life. Countless Floridians have benefited from the CCC’s idealistic vision. Please visit us and check out our CCC history. .

For the latest information on current conditions and sightings in the park click on Current Conditions & Sightings
For more information about recent happenings at the park click here for our new Park News Letter

- Kim Tennille, Park Manager

Welcome to Hillsborough River State Park

Opened in 1938 as one of Florida´s first state parks, this park is divided by the swiftly flowing Hillsborough River. Fort Foster, a replica of an 1837 fort from the Second Seminole War, is located on the park grounds, adjacent to the river. Fort tours are offered on weekends or with a reservation. The river provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking; a canoe/kayak launch is available on the river. Canoes can be rented at the park´s concession, which also provides food, beverages, picnic supplies, and souvenirs. Hikers can walk over seven miles along four nature trails. The Wetlands Restoration Trail accommodates bicyclists and hikers. When the weather calls for it, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the park´s ADA accessible swimming pool. The park offers full-facility camping and a youth/group tent campground. A primitive campsite is available via foot trail; reservations are recommended. Located 9 miles north of Tampa and six miles south of Zephyrhills on U.S. 301.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Hillsborough River State Park, please call 813-987-6771.

Book Your Vacation Spot Now!

Get more information on making a reservation.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Hillsborough River State Park is located 9 miles north of Tampa and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills on US Highway 301. From I-75, Southbound 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, Northbound 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 CR 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.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Camping Fees:

$24.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.

Organized Youth or Adult Group Camping:

$1.00: Youths - $5.00: Adults

Deposit of $20.00 required at the time of reservation.
(Credited toward total amount on the day of arrival.)

Primitive Camping:

$5.00 Per person/per night

Canoes:

$10.00/hour plus tax

$ 25.00/4 hours plus tax

Bikes:

$4.00/ hour plus tax

$10.00/4 hours plus tax.

Picnicking:

$200.00 + tax: Recreation Hall

Add $50.00 + tax: After hours (until 10pm)

$22.50 per hour + tax: After hours security personnel / minimum of 3 hours

$100.00: Cleaning deposit (to be paid on day of rental and returned once facility is reviewed by park staff)

Pavilions:

$50.00 or $80.00: Seven pavilions are available to rent - plus electricity fee where available.

$50.00 Cleaning deposit (returned once facility is reviewed by park staff)

Fort Foster Historic Site Guided Tours:

$2.00 per person 13 years and older

$1.00 for children ages 6 to 12

Children 5 years and younger are free.