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

Participation Requirements

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

Participation Requirements

Camping, Full Facility

Hillsborough River offers RV and tent camping with electric on most of the campsites in this 112 site campground. Each site is equipped with water, a fire ring and picnic table. Each loop has restrooms with hot showers and laundry facilities. The campground offers a dump station for your convenience. Shopping is available at the park¿s Outpost concession with basic food items and merchandise. Pets are welcome, but must be confined, leashed (up to six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control at all times.

Picnic areas, pavilions, several playgrounds, the Spirit of the Woods Pool Side Café and Gift Shop and an ADA-accessible half-acre swimming pool are located within the park. Many trails offer visitors the opportunity to experience the park's natural beauty. A popular trail is the Rapids Nature Trail. It meanders through oak hammocks to the edge of the Hillsborough River at the point where an outcropping of limestone rocks has created rapids. This area is a popular spot for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers canoe rentals for visitor's convenience.

Maximum RV length = 50 ft.

Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.

Camping, Primitive

A primitive camp, located across the river is available via foot trail. Backpackers must check in and out at the ranger station. At least one person 18 years of age or older must accompany the party. Campers should pack in all necessities, including four quarts of water per person, and pack out all garbage. The site contains one fire ring. A map of hiking trails and the primitive campsite is available at the park office. Call the park at (813) 987-6771 to make reservations.

Camping, Youth

The youth camping area accommodates up to 60 people at one time. Fees are Youth: (up to 18 years of age) $1 per person, per night. Adult: $5 per person, per night. Four camping areas are set in pine flatwoods, offering shade as well as beauty. All four sites are shaded and have water, picnic tables, grills, a fire ring and restrooms with cold showers. Organizations must be under the sponsorship of a recognized entity for a particular outing. Adult supervision is required. Pets are not allowed in this ecologically sensitive area. There is no electricity. A hiking trail map is available at the park office. Reservations can be made for youth groups up to 60 days in advance. Adult groups may use this camp when it is not being used by a youth group. Call the park at (813) 987-6771 to make reservations.

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

Participation Requirements

Concession & Restaurant

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

Fishing

Park visitors can fish in the Hillsborough River for bass, bream and catfish. A fishing license may be required.

Hiking/Nature Trail

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.)

Participation Requirements

Interpretive Exhibit

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.

Meetings & Retreats

Visitors can picnic under one of the pavilions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s or at one of the other open picnic benches available throughout the park. Seven pavilions are available to rent for $50 or $80. Rental fact sheets are available on the park website. For larger groups the Recreation Hall is available to rent. The Recreation Hall is an air-conditioned facility with a capacity for 100 people. Call the park at (813) 987-6771 for more information.

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. 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.

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.

Restroom Facilities

ADA accessible restroom facilities are located in the park.

Showers, Day Visitors

Showers are located in the campground and available for campers.

Swimming

Hillsborough River State Park offers seasonal swimming in an ADA-accessible man-made swimming pool. Pool fees are $4.00 per day per person for peoples ages 6 and up, children 5 years and younger are free. Pool fees are paid at pool entrance. For seasonal dates, inquire at the Ranger Station. Pool Area

Participation Requirements

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

Participation Requirements

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.