Activities at Hillsborough River State Park
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BicyclingBicyclists are invited to ride on the 1.6 mile Wetlands Restoration Nature Trail as well as the 2.2 mile Park Loop and through the campgrounds. All visitors are encouraged to wear helmets for their safety and by law all children under 16 are required to wear helmets when riding bicycles on the road. Seasonal) Bike Tour and Bike Rentals |
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Campfire CirclesA gathering place for Friday evening campfire programs presented by park staff, contact Ranger Station for next scheduled program topic and meeting time. Camp Fire Programs |
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Canoeing & KayakingCanoeing is a popular activity in the park. Visitors may bring their own canoe or rent one at the park. Florida Sports Paddling Club a local paddling club, enjoys the park’s river access and makes regular use of it, contact them for more information about club activities at Hillsborough River State Park. (Seasonal) Canoe Tour and Canoe Rentals |
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ConcessionsCanoes & bicycles are available for rent at the park operated concession which also provides food, beverages, picnic supplies and souvenirs. |
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FacilitiesADA accessible restroom facilities are located in the park.
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FishingPark visitors can fish in the Hillsborough River for bass, bream and catfish. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for all anglers. Do you need a Fishing License? |
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Full Facility CampingRV and Tent camping is available with electric on most of the campsites in our 108 site campground. (2 tents/or 1 RV +1 tent per site)Each site is equipped with water, a fire ring and picnic table. The Campground offers a dump station for your convenience since sewer hookups are not available on each campsite at this time. Pets are allowed with restrictions. Shopping is available at the park’s Outpost concession with basic food items and merchandise. Exhibits are located throughout the park. Swimming is available in ½ acre man-made swimming area (The pool is currently closed). The park offers many planned activities year-round. For more information on camping in our park simply click on the Reserve America link. Clicking on the park map or selecting one of the camping area links just below the park map will allow you to see a map of the individual campsite locations. Select any campsite icon to see a detailed description of the individual campsite and what it has to offer. (ATTENTION: Due to increased rains in spring and summer, the park experiences seasonal flooding throughout the park. Some 25 percent of Hillsborough River State Park is in lowland areas and these areas are prone to seasonal flooding. These floods are extremely unpredictable and may affect your camping experience. Please call the park office at (813) 987-6771 for the specific conditions of our campground prior to your visit.) Participation Requirements
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Guided ToursFort Foster is the only standing replica of a Second Seminole War Fort in the United States. Guided Tours of Fort Foster are offered; weather permitting, every weekend, Saturdays at 2 pm and Sundays at 11 am. Meet at the Interpretive Center for the tour. If you have any questions please call the Ranger Station for more information. Fort Tour and Tram Tours |
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Interpretive ProgramsBuilt by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and the former contact station the Interpretive Center has exhibits and artifacts describing the Seminole Indian Wars. The Interpretive Center is open everyday from 8am to 5pm for visitors to browse through. |
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Nature Trails
Visitors have 4 trails to choose from and 7. 3 total miles to hike. Biking is available on the Wetlands Restoration Trail exclusively. A trail map is available at the Ranger’s Station. |
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Pet CampingPet camping is available at Hillsborough River State Park. Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.
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PetsPets are welcome in all outdoor areas of the park. Visitors should remember to clean up after their pets and keep pets on a 6 foot hand-held leash at all times. Service animals are welcome in all visitor use areas in the park. Please contact the Ranger Station for specific pet restrictions or inquiries. |
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PicnickingVisitors can picnic under one of the pavilions built by the CCC in the 1930s or at one of the other open picnic benches available throughout the park. Seven pavilions are available to rent. Call the Ranger’s Station for more information and availability at 813-987-6771. A fact sheet is provided for your information. For larger groups the Recreation Hall is available to rent. |
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PlaygroundFor added enjoyment, the park has two children's playgrounds. One is conveniently located in the river picnic area and the other in the pool picnic area. |
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Primitive CampingA primitive camp, located across the river is available via foot trail and reservations are recommended. |
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ShowersShowers are located in the campground and available for campers. |
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SwimmingThe park offers seasonal swimming in an ADA accessible man-made swimming pool. Pool fees are $2.00 per day per person for peoples ages 6 and up, children 5 years and younger are free, fees are paid at pool entrance. See Ranger Station for seasonal availability dates. Pool Area |
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Wildlife ViewingA variety of habitats in Hillsborough River State Park including pine flatwoods, floodplain swamp, hardwood hammock, cypress swamp, and grass pond allow for diverse plant and animal communities to be observed by our visitors. Whether on a trail or picnicking by the man-made swimming hole, bring your binoculars to get a good look at the wildlife. Additional information about identified animals seen in Hillsborough River State Park can be found in the Ranger Station. |
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Youth CampingThe youth camping area can handle groups up to 60 people at one time. Due to the sensitive nature of this youth camping area, and to maintain the ecological integrity of this zone, pets are not allowed in this area. |
