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 12 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.

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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 Fees
$4.00 for up to 8 people per car.

Activities at Hillsborough River State Park

	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.
	Campfire Circles A gathering place for Saturday evening campfire programs presented by park staff, contact Ranger Station for next scheduled program topic and meeting time.
	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.
	Concessions Canoes are available for rent at the park operated concession which also provides food, beverages, picnic supplies and souvenirs.
	Facilities ADA accessible restroom facilities are located in the park.
	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?
	Full Facility Camping RV and Tent camping is available with electric on most of the campsites in our 108 site campground. 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 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.
	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. The fees are $2.00 per person 13 years and older and $1.00 for children ages 6 to 12, children 5 years and younger are free. Meet at the Interpretive Center for the tour. If you have any questions please call the Ranger Station for more information.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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. Six pavilions are available to rent for $30 or $60 plus electricity fee where available. 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. - Recreation Hall base $125 - Rec. Hall w/ Kitchen $175 + tax - After hours (until 10pm) add $50 + tax - After hours security personnel at $22.50 per hour + tax with a minimum of 3 hours - $25 cleaning deposit (To be paid on day of rental and returned once facility is reviewed by park staff.
	Playground For added enjoyment, the park has two children's playgrounds. Once is conveniently located in the river picnic area and the other in the pool picnic area.
	Primitive Camping A primitive camp, located across the river is available via foot trail and reservations are recommended.
	Showers Showers are located in the campground and available for campers.
	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.
	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.
	Youth Camping The youth camping area can handle groups up to 60 people at one time and costs are $2.00 for an Adult and $1.00 per child. 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

• NATIONAL TRAILS DAY WALK IN THE PARK
  Date: June 7, 2008 - 8:30-9:30 AM
  Description: The Suncoast Sandpipers Volkssport Club and Hillsborough River State Park are hosting noncompetitive walks open to everyone. Participants will be given written directions and follow a marked trail. Water will be provided at checkpoints. The event is sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association. Registration will be in the recreation hall at Parking lot #3. Lunch will be on sale after the walk. Camping, a cafe, and swimming pool are also available within the park.
  Fees: Walk fee is $2; children walk for free. Volkssport credit is $1. Walk fee is $2; children walk for free. Volkssport credit is $1. There is a $4 up to 8 people per car charge to enter park. Park Fee: There is a $4 up to 8 people per car charge to enter park.
  Contact: Call the park at (813) 987-6771
  
• 'SUMMER CAMP ON THE RIVER'
  Date: June 9 -13 2008; June 16 -20 2008; June 23 -27 2008
  Registration Deadline May 30, 2008
  Description: A Hillsborough Community College sponsored program. This five day adventure will be an exploration into the heart of the Hillsborough River State Park. This day camp is being offered to children ten to twelve years of age who want to learn about the Hillsborough River Ecosystem and Pine Flatwoods of Florida.
  Fees: Cost $165.00 per week
  Contact: Contact: H.C.C. Peter Rossi (813) 757-2173
  
• INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP
  Date: Saturday - September 20, 2008. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and the cleanup is from 9 a.m. to noon. (Parking Lot #3 River steps next to Recreation Hall)
  Description: On the third Saturday in September, thousands of volunteers come out to remove marine debris from our shorelines. Our rivers and oceans were once seen as a vast and limitless area that had the ability to absorb the trash we dumped into it. Florida's population increase, combined with a disposable society mindset, has resulted in marine debris continuing to choke our waterways and ruin our pristine shorelines, threatening human health and endangering marine wildlife. Partnering with The Ocean Conservancy and Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful, the Florida Park Service tries to help solve the problems of litter.
  
  People are the problem, but people are also the solution. Marine debris is one pollution problem that society can solve with action. The cleanup is about individual solutions to a global problem. Note: Limited to 50 participants
  
  Fees: Park admission is waived for volunteers.
  Contact: For more information & registration (813) 960-5121
  
• 16TH ANNUAL HAUNTED WOODS EVENT
  Date: October 24 & 25, 2008 - 6 - 10 p.m.
  Description: Sponsored by the Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society this event includes the Haunted Woods Trail, Coloring Contest, and Family Tram Ride (Tram runs Saturday Night ONLY!). Refreshments, Games, Goodies, and Moonwalk will also be available for an additional fee. There will be a Costume Contest both nights. All ages - 6:00 pm - Prizes! It is a safe alternative to Trick-Or-Treating! Bring the whole family and come walk through our Haunted Woods for a scary, fun time. Special Notice: Fort Foster Historic Site Tours are cancelled (10/25 Saturday– 10/26 Sunday of this event)
  Fees: Ages 6 and up $5.00/each. Ages 5 and under Free!
  Contact: Call the park for more details 813.987.6771
  
• LEAVE NO TRACE AWARENESS & TRAINER WORKSHOPS
  Date: Nov. 15-16, 2008
  Description: Hillsborough River State Park is partnering with the Leave No Trace Program.
  
  Leave No Trace is an national and international program designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts when they hike, camp, picnic, snowshoe, run, bike, hunt, paddle, ride horses, fish, ski or climb. The program strives to educate all those who enjoy the outdoors about the nature of their recreational impacts as well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. Leave No Trace is best understood as an educational and ethical program, not as a set of rules and regulations.
  Fees: .
  Contact: Contact the park at (813) 987-6771
  
• LNT TRAINER COURSES
  Date: Saturday & Sunday Nov. 15-16, 2008—Start time: 1:00 PM
  Description: The Frontcountry Program -(Overnight Camping Program)
  
  **Participants will need to provide their equipment**
  
  Where do you normally spend time outdoors? Chances are, you participate in many of your favorite outdoor activities in areas close to home. The Frontcountry Program was established to meet the increased demand for education in day-use areas, which are receiving ever-increasing numbers of visitors, such as your local and state parks, preserves, or open space areas. There are many ways to get involved and trained. There are general frontcountry educational materials or, if you are a land manager, you can develop your own site-specific program to better meet your needs. Leave No Trace Trainer courses are two-day trainings put on in an outdoor setting by Master Educators. Trainer courses are designed to help you better understand and teach Leave No Trace skills and ethics. Participants will need to provide their equipment.
  
  Contact: Leave No Trace Trainer Janet Herrick at GirlPlanet@aol.com for reservations.
  Fees: Free.
  Contact: .
  
• AWARENESS WORKSHOP
  Date: Saturday Nov. 15, 2008--9:00 AM--Recreation Hall
  Description: Regardless of your favorite outdoor activity, Leave No Trace skills are important to learn. Leave No Trace courses function like a pyramid. Master Educator courses are at the top of the pyramid and train people to become comprehensive Leave No Trace educators, or Master Educators. Master Educators, in turn, teach the second level, the Trainer Course, to people who become Leave No Trace Trainers. Trainers (or Master Educators) are then able to conduct our third level of training called Awareness Workshops, which are designed for the general public and promote Leave No Trace.
  
  If you would like to participate in an Awareness Workshop in our State Park, please contact: Leave No Trace Trainer Janet Herrick at GirlPlanet@aol.com for reservations.
  Fees: .
  Contact: .
  

Hillsborough River State Park Ranger Programs

• FORT FOSTER TOURS
  Saturdays 2 PM - Sundays 11 AM
  Park admission plus tour fee of $2/adult and $1/child, ages 6-12. Ages 5 and under are free. Your step back in time will begin at the park's Interpretive Center located in parking lot #1. From there a tram will transport you to Fort Foster where you will see the only authentically reconstructed fort from the era of the Second Seminole Indian War (1830s). Allow approximately one-and-a-half hours for the tour. NO PETS.
  Call Call (813) 987-6771 for more details for more details.
• TRAM RIDE
  Friday Evening - 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM
  Look for the tram and wave! Make plans to join us for a tram ride throughout one of the oldest State Parks in Florida. We would like to show you the points of interest in the park and you can meet some of your fellow campers. So—Finish your dinner and clean your dishes. Grab the kids! The ranger will pick you up at your campsite. Bring a friend and a smile! *Note — All programs are offered weather permitting.
  Call 813-987-6771 for more details.
• CAMPFIRE PROGRAM
  Saturday Evening – T.B.A.
  Time of program is to be announced. Meet at Cedar Landing behind campsite 41 in Rivers Edge campground. Campfire programs are presented by park staff and volunteers, contact the Ranger Station for next scheduled program topic and meeting time. *Note — All programs are offered weather permitting.
  Call 813-987-6771 for more details.

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: When can we visit Fort Foster?
Answer: Fort Foster tours are conducted on Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 11am. The fees are $2.00 per person 13 years and older and $1.00 for children ages 6 to 12, children 5 years and younger are free. Applicable daily entrance fees are necessary for all tour participants. Meet in parking lot Number One 15 minutes prior to tour time.

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.

Hillsborough River State Park History

Hillsborough River State Park Volunteer Information

Please monitor this webpage for more information. We will be posting new opportunities and volunteer position information very shortly.

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

Visitor Service Provider

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