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1930's Suspension Bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

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!
Reserve America - Reserve your cabin or campsite today

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.

Activities at Hillsborough River State Park

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Bicycling

Bicyclists 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 Circles

A 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 & Kayaking

Canoeing 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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Concessions

Canoes & bicycles are available for rent at the park operated concession which also provides food, beverages, picnic supplies and souvenirs.

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Facilities

ADA accessible restroom facilities are located in the park.

Official Universal Symbol of Accessibility

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Fishing

Park 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 Camping

RV 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

Visit Reserve America's website to Reserve your Cabin or Campsite
Guided Tours Icon

Guided Tours

Fort 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 Programs

Built 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.

(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 hiking experience. Please call the park office at (813) 987-6771 for the specific conditions of our trails prior to your visit.)

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Pet Camping

Pet 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.

Visit Reserve America's website to Reserve your Cabin or Campsite
Pets Icon

Pets

Pets 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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Picnicking

Visitors 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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Playground

For 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 Camping

A primitive camp, located across the river is available via foot trail and reservations are recommended.

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Showers

Showers are located in the campground and available for campers.

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Swimming

The 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 Viewing

A 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 Camping

The 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.

Special Events for Hillsborough River State Park


Hillsborough River State Park Ranger Programs


Frequently Asked Questions about Hillsborough River State Park


Question: Do you have a boat ramp?
Answer: We have a hand portage canoe launch only. Tubes, jet skis and swimming are not allowed in the river. Small 5 horsepower motors are allowed.

Question: What does it mean on the Reserve America website by "non-reservable sites?”
Answer: A non- reservable campsite is one of 10% of the total sites available to rent that are available on a first come first serve basis. If, on the day of your arrival, any of these sites are available and are large enough to accommodate your camping equipment, then you may rent the site.

Question: Can canoes be rented at the park?
Answer: Yes, there are canoes to rent for $10/hr with a Florida Drivers License. Canoes can be rented from 10am –2pm on weekdays and 9am – 3pm on weekends. Canoes may not be reserved. A maximum of 3 people are permitted in canoes without exception for size and no pets are allowed. Flotation devices are provided with rental of canoe, children sizes are limited.

Question: Is the Pool open?
Answer: The pool is opened seasonally, in the warm months. In season the pool hours are 10am-4pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends. The pool is not available to reserve and all visitors, campers and day users, must pay the pool entrance fee. The fee to use the pool is $2.00 per day per person ages 6 years and up, children 5 and younger are free.

Question: Can picnic pavilions be reserved?
Answer: Yes, 6 pavilions are available to reserve for use during regular operating hours, the fees are $30.00 and $60.00 depending on size plus $5.00 for electricity (electric is not available at all pavilions) plus tax. Appropriate daily entrance fees apply to all entries in addition to pavilion rental fee. Contact the Ranger Station for availability at 813-987-6771.

Question: When can we check into our campsite?
Answer: If the campsite was vacant the night before your reservation then as early as 9am is fine to check in. If your campsite was occupied the night before then it would be available beginning at 1pm through till sundown and if it is a Friday or Saturday night then check in is available until 9:30pm for your convenience.

Question: Are Dogs allowed on the trails?
Answer: Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are kept on 6 foot hand held leashes. Dogs are not allowed in primitive camp area, River’s Edge camping loops, any State buildings, Fort Foster, canoes, and special events.

Question: Can we collect firewood in the park?
Answer: Firewood collection is prohibited in the park because downed wood is a necessary part of the natural system. Firewood can be purchased as long as the supplies last at the ranger station for $6.00 per bundle.

Question: How can I get information on Fort Foster Historic Site at Hillsborough River State Park?
Answer: Click on this link - Fort Foster State Historic Site

Hillsborough River State Park History

Hillsborough River State Park is significant in the twentieth century history of Florida as one of 9 elements of the New Deal-inspired Florida state park system and as one of the physical expressions of early-twentieth century recreation planning. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was the first New Deal agency to begin operations in Florida. From 1933 to 1942 the CCC and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) programs constructed an impressive collection of facilities throughout Florida.

A considerable portion of the public recreation facilities created by these programs is preserved in the state park system’s New Deal era parks: Florida Caverns State Park, Torreya State Park, Fort Clinch State Park, O’Leno State Park, Gold Head Branch State Park, Ravine State Gardens, Hillsborough River State Park, Highlands Hammock State Park and Myakka River State Park.

Land acquisition for Hillsborough River State Park began in 1934, and the park officially became part of the Florida state park system in 1935. The CCC began work at Hillsborough River State Park in 1934, when Company 1418 was transferred from Sebring to the small community of Sulphur Springs, northeast of Tampa. CCC Camp SP-71 served primarily as a forestry unit, erecting fire towers, planting seedlings and constructing fire lanes throughout Hillsborough County.

In 1934, a detachment of 60 CCC enrollees were sent from the camp to develop Hillsborough River State Park, under the supervision of the National Park Service. The state park was largely complete by July, 1938, when Camp SP-71 at Sulphur Springs was evacuated. The caretaker’s cottage, support buildings and the suspension bridge at Hillsborough River State Park were constructed between 1934 and 1936. Most of the park’s recreational facilities (including 5 overnight cabins that were subsequently removed) were constructed between 1935 and 1938. Additional wood frame and native stone residences were constructed by park personnel, and several picnic shelters and a boat house were constructed between 1939 and 1941 from NPS plans, probably by the Florida Park Service or its contractors.

The park consists of 1,040 upland acres, and 2,343 wetland/submerged acres for a total of 3,383 acres. Acquisition began in June, 1934.

Hillsborough River State Park Volunteer Information


Wanted: Creatures of the Night Volunteers

For some, Halloween is an excuse to dress up in costumes and have a good time with friends; for others it is also an opportunity to volunteer. Halloween this year is no exception. There are several volunteer opportunities to partake in, ranging from a children’s coloring contest, tram rides in the park, spooky displays on the hunted trail or guiding tours through haunted trail.

This fall, Hillsborough River State Park will undergo an amazing transformation, going from cheerful, sun-filled nature park to a spooky haunted trail complete with ghouls, goblins, and ghosts—but it can’t happen without the help of a few dedicated volunteers.

The Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society is sponsoring the 17TH ANNUAL HAUNTED WOODS EVENT on October 23 & 24, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event promises to be a safe and fun way for families to celebrate Halloween. The Citizen Support Organization (CSO) especially needs people for set design and creation, monster make-up, and event participation. Businesses, clubs, and other organizations are invited to adopt portions of the Trail of Terror, or help out in the creation of sections of the trail adopted by other organizations. Volunteers are encouraged but not required to wear a costume. Of course, dressing-up will enhance the experience and may illicit more shrieks from those on the tour.

“There is a lot to do right now. It is a great time for community service,” said CSO President Dan Casella. If you desire a more interactive and ghostly experience, volunteer at the Haunted Trail. Volunteers are needed to set up and take down decorations, lead tours, and dress up as the ghosts of virulent patients and sketchy, uncertified doctors.

We also need event support volunteers on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 working the main entrance gate at the ranger station. Proceeds will benefit the “Hillsborough River State Park or current Fort Foster Historic Site projects.”

Those interested in this fall event can attend several Haunted Woods planning meetings on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, Thursday October 1, 2009, Tuesday, October 6, 2009, Wednesday, October 14, 2009 and Thursday, October 22, 2009.

All meetings will be at 7:00 pm at the recreation hall (parking lot#3) at Hillsborough River State Park.

Please note: All volunteers will need to submit a Florida State Park Volunteer application to participate in this event.

BOO!

Contact: Park Services Specialist Patrick Potts at patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more information.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!!
Hillsborough River State Park/Fort Foster Historic Site

“Where History & Nature Come Together”

o Experience the Real Florida
o Worried the environment won't be there for the next generation? Help restore and maintain the environment and natural resources.
o Fight exotics! Become an environmental guardian!
o Have a knack for wildlife? Guide bird tours, canoe and nature trail programs.
o “Where are you from?” Customer and public services: Make our visitors feel at home through our Ranger Station and Spirit of the Woods Café’.
o Is your motto, “There's nothing that can't be fixed!” Facilities and Park maintenance is for you!
o Be in the spotlight! Fort Reenactment, First person, Living History and Interpretive Programs.

Something for everyone!

100 volunteer hours = free park entry
500 volunteers hours = free annual pass
Camp Hosting also available year round

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of pine Flatwoods, or hiking trails. The Florida Park Service, due to increased demands on park staff, works closely with volunteers to assist us with meeting the sometimes-daunting task of keeping the parks running and providing visitor services. Volunteers have proven beneficial to the operation of Fort Foster Historic Site where we have many ongoing projects; as well as, the never-ending maintenance of our historic Civilian Conservation Corp CCC buildings.

FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE CAMPING AND WISH TO VOLUNTEER:Here at Hillsborough River State Park, we have several volunteer campsites in a Volunteer Area. These sites include 50 Amp electric service, water, and dump station.

All sites occupied by camping volunteers are to be maintained by them, from weeding, tidying up, mulching, etc. The occupants of the host sites will be our eyes and ears in the campgrounds. Duties may include cleaning restrooms and campsite areas, answering camper questions, availability in case of emergency. If any or all of the above mentioned material strikes your fancy, please come join our team at Hillsborough River State Park/Fort Foster Historic Site.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Florida Park Service.

Visit the Main Volunteer page for information on volunteering in Florida State Parks

Visit the Main Volunteer page at http://www.floridastateparks.org/volunteers/default.cfm for more detailed Information


Hillsborough River State Park

15402 U.S. 301 North
Thonotosassa, Florida 33592
Phone: 813-987-6771
Fax: Contact Park for Number


Citizen Support Organization

Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society,Inc
P. O. Box 6568
Brandon Fl. 33511-6568
Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society

Visitor Service Provider

Concession Manager Jennifer Dupuis
15402 U.S, 301 North Thonotosassa, FL 33592 (813) 987-6771

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