Additional Information for Hillsborough River State Park
Resources
Other activities found in the park include canoeing and freshwater fishing off the banks of the Hillsborough River. The river has one of Florida's only class II rapids. State Park canoes are not allowed to travel up this part of the river.
Are you interested in learning more about the State Parks in Southwest Florida?
District 4's biology staff continually monitors the biological aspects of our State Parks. Their effort includes scientific reports on flora and fauna found in our area and impacts on the environment from "civilization".
The reports are an excellent source of scientific information for school projects, or more advanced studies.
You can access all of the District 4 reports via the following link:
District 4 Biology Reports
Once there the reports are listed by year. After selecting the year group the reports are listed by title. Example: Select 1997 Annual Reports. Then select a report (they are titled by park and subject). Example: Hillsborough River SP - Gopher Tortoise Burrow Survey.
Then open the attached report.
Current Conditions & Sightings
Current Conditions:
Biting Insects -
Mosquito - The Mosquito population is Moderate. Mosquitos are very active at dusk and dawn. A good repellant is required. Currently no health notices are issued in regards to West Nile Virus or Encephalitis in Hillsborough County.
Biting Nats - The Nat population is High in certain areas of the park. Nat activity is High at dawn. A good repellant is required.
Campgrounds
Hammock Circle Loop - Afternoon thunderstorms continue to effect campsite conditions. Most sites have some puddles after thunderstorms and extended periods of rain. Campsite occupancy is from 20% on weekdays to 95 % on weekends.
River's Edge Loop - Afternoon thunderstorms do not affect most sites. Extended periods of rain will cause puddles on several sites. Campsite occupancy is from 30% on weekdays to 100% on weekends. **All campsites are pet friendly.
Current Sightings:
Camping Conditions:
Two large camping areas offer fine sites amid longleaf pines, oaks and palmettos.
Buffer vegetation is good in some sites; others are more exposed.
At night you may swamp rabbits nibbling the grass in your campsite.
On Friday evenings the park offers a "Tram Ride" around one of the oldest State Parks in Florida. Saturday evening’s Rangers give slide shows and nature talks at the campfire circle. (Weather Permitting)
Paddling on the river:
Wildlife - Hillsborough River offers paddlers an opportunity to see a diverse ecosystem. Approximated paddling times will vary with your paddling proficiency, weather conditions, and the water level. The river offers opportunities for first time paddlers, birders, and photographers to see some of the REAL FLORIDA. Under a thick, green canopy as the river twists and turns you may have a chance encounter with an American Alligator, playful River Otters, variety of wading birds (Ibis, Herons & Roseatte Spoonbills) and sun-drenched turtles (Peninsula Cooters , Chicken Turtles & Florida Soft shell turtles) on logs.
Plant life - The River is surrounded by interior pine flatwood; a fine hardwood hammock, cypress domes and freshwater marshes. Several species of wildflowers are currently blooming. (Iris, Pickerelweed, and Blue-eyed Grass.) (Weather Permitting)
Links
Florida Division of Recreation and Parks neither endorses links nor approves of links to external sources. External links are made available to assist the Internet user in his or her search. The Florida Division of Recreation and Parks takes no responsibility a link's operation or content. The links that are shown are not an exclusive listing of organizations available within the State.
