Hillsborough River State Park

Park Activities
	Bicycling
	Campfire Circles
	Camping, Full Facility
	Camping, Primitive
	Camping, Youth
	Canoeing & Kayaking
	Concession & Restaurant
	Fishing
	Geo-Seeking
	Hiking/Nature Trail
	Interpretive Exhibit
	Meetings & Retreats
	Pets
	Picnicking
	Playground
	Restroom Facilities
	Showers, Day Visitors
	Swimming
	Tours
	Wildlife Viewing

Contact this Park

15402 U.S. 301 North
Thonotosassa, Florida 33592

(813) 987-6771

Park Information

Hours

Fees

Fee Schedule

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.

$60.00 per bus load of people or $2.00 per person, whichever is less.

Camping Fees:

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

Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a social security disability award certificate or a 100 percent disability award certificate from the Federal Government are permitted to receive a 50 percent discount on current base campsite fees. Proof of eligibility

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 and Kayaks:

Canoe rentals—minimum of two hours for $25.00 per canoe, plus tax
- Three hours for $35.00, plus tax
- Four hours $40.0, plus tax
- All day $50.00, plus tax

Kayaks $15.00 an hour, plus tax

Bikes:

- Regular bikes $10.00 an hour-1/2 day rental $20.00 plus tax—all day $25.00 plus tax.

- 2 person Surreys $ 20.00 plus tax an hour.

- 4 person Surreys $30.00 plus tax an hour..

Picnicking:

$200.00 + tax: Recreation Hall

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

$27.00 per hour: After hours security personnel / minimum of 3 hours

$100.00: Cleaning deposit (returned once facility is reviewed by park staff)

Pavilions:

$50.00 or $80.00 + tax: Seven pavilions are available to rent.

$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.

Golf Carts are available daily

Participants must be 18 years or older and hold a valid drivers License A Credit Card deposit required.

$30.00 PER HOUR

$50.00 PER HALF DAY

$75.00 PER DAY

$125.00 24 HOUR PERIOD

Camping Reservations

A side view of a bridge over the water, surrounded by trees. Photo by Jeffrey Fillmore

Park Alerts for Hillsborough River State Park

ATTENTION:

The pool is CLOSED due to our annual maintenance program. We apologize for any inconvenience.

On Saturday, December 7, 2013 the loop road into the state park will be temporarily closed to regular traffic patterns, due to a running event. This annual event will happen between the hours of 7:30 am to 9:30 am. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Welcome to Hillsborough River State Park

Opened in 1938, Hillsborough River State Park is one of Florida's first state parks; this original CCC Park is divided by the swiftly flowing Hillsborough River with a set of Class II rapids. The river provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking; a canoe/kayak launch is available at parking lot #4. Concession hours of operation are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This concession provides breakfast & lunch, camping & picnic supplies, and a variety of memorable souvenirs. Don't miss our Ranger led tours of Historic Fort Foster Site every Saturday @ 2pm & 4pm and on Sunday @ 11am for $2.00 per person. Hikers can walk over seven miles of nature trials: Rapids Trail, Baynard Trail, a sub-section of the Florida Trail and the Wetlands Restoration Trail. Note: Wetlands Restoration accommodates both bicyclists and hikers only. When the weather calls for it, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the park's ADA accessible swimming pool. (Swimming pool hours of operation are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm). Weather Permitting---Please contact the park for swimming pool informational updates at (813) 987-6771. The park offers full-facility camping and a youth/group tent campground. A primitive campsite is available via foot trail; reservations are always recommended.

Fort Foster State Historic Site is part of Hillsborough River State Park, though located on the East Side of US 301 from the park. Fort Foster is a reconstructed fort from the Second Seminole War. The Fort is located 1800 feet from the parking lot and has no restrooms available. Ranger guided tours of the fort are offered (weather permitting) on Saturdays at 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm and on Sundays at 11:00 am. Each year the Fort Foster Historic Site offers a Back in time experience with two annual events Fort Foster Rendezvous with skirmishes is held in February and a Candlelight Evening Tour of Fort Foster with a skirmish is held in December.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: The fort was designed for war and not built to modern safety standards. Rough terrain, uneven floors and blockhouse stairs can be hazardous. Please remain aware of your surroundings as you tour. In particular, pay close attention to small children.

Help preserve the fort by not climbing, sitting, touching or placing any items on the cannons. The fort and its artifacts may look durable but they are subject to wear and tear. The Florida Park Service cares for special places so that all may experience our Florida heritage.

Interpretive Center Florida Heritage
Accessible from parking lot #1, this center is located in the original 1930s Ranger Station of Hillsborough River State Park and offers a glimpse into the Second Seminole War and life at Fort Foster. Over 100 artifacts are on display that were found at the Fort Foster Historic Site and offer an understanding of both sides of the conflict between the Seminole nation and the US military. These displays are available from 8am - 5pm each day of the week.