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Safety Updates

Florida State Parks will follow local orders requiring facial coverings or masks to provide for staff and visitor safety. These requirements vary from area to area. Our main priority is the safety of our guests and staff. We will continue to review operations on a daily basis and make additional operational changes as may be deemed necessary for protection of public health. Please review individual park pages for specific information for each location.

View details about online payments, park and campground closures, park programs/events and facial coverings.

Limited Visitation at this Park

Effective November 13, 2020: Hillsborough River State Park is open (see hours of operation and fee information below). The ranger station is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To reduce contact, visitors can purchase single-day use admission online or provide exact cash for entry fees through a cash box system; no change given. Due to local orders, facial coverings or masks are required inside buildings for staff and visitor safety. Hiking trails, picnic areas and the canoe/kayak launch are available. The pool, restaurant and gift shop are closed. Bike and kayak rentals are not available. Restroom availability may be limited. All other park facilities are closed. Visitors are expected to maintain distances of at least six feet apart.

The Fort King Trailhead on U.S. 301 is closed. Please enter through Hillsborough River State Park.

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Suspension Bridge at Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park

Class II rapids just a few minutes from downtown Tampa

Stationary Bridge Closure

The stationary bridge is closed for repairs. Please check back for status updates.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$6 per vehicle

See all fees
 

Location

15402 U.S. 301 North
Thonotosassa FL 33592

Get directions

Contact Info

813-987-6771 or 941-256-6689

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • Fort Foster Historic Site
  • History
Make a Reservation Download Park Map

Welcome to Hillsborough River State Park

Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this diverse park offers a refuge from city life with seven miles of nature trails and wonderful wildlife viewing.

Park Admission - Vehicle

Park Admission - Single Occupant or Motorcycle

Park Admission - Bicycle & Pedestrian

Come visit a breathtaking oasis of natural and historical significance. Stroll along the river rapids, enjoy camping, explore historic structures, share a picnic or view scenic landscapes. Hillsborough River State Park provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. From fishing in the Hillsborough River to hiking or biking on the trails or picnicking under pavilions built in the 1930s, there is something for everyone here.

Besides enjoying a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, which are rare in Florida, and hike seven miles of nature trails.

Camping is another popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park, just a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa.

Plan Your Visit

Brian Pinson, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

Whatever your favorite activity, from rigorous hiking along the Seminole trail, getting your pulse up on the exercise trail, relaxing while you float down the river or taking in the rich history of the Real Florida, we know you will love this park.
Fort Foster State Historic Site

Fort Foster State Historic Site

During the Second Seminole War, the purpose of Fort Foster was to defend the bridge crossing at the Hillsborough River and act as a resupply point for the soldiers in the field. The fort was garrisoned on and off from December 1836 through April 1838.

15402 U.S. 301 N.
Thonotosassa FL 33592

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Camping
Camping
Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Tours
Tours
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Historic Site
Historic Site
Laundry
Laundry
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV

Hillsborough River State Park Photo Gallery

View of Rapids
Hillsborough River
Kayakers enjoying the river
Bridge
River View
Kayaker
A view looking down the boardwalk.
A top down view of the Hillsborough river.
A view of the purple blazing flowers.
Learn

Wetlands Trail

Take your time walking the Wetland Trail as you take in the captivating landscape around you. Having all these ecosystems so close together provides a perfect habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
A view of the rapids.
Learn

Splendor of the Hillsborough River

The Hillsborough River is a splendid example of the grandeur of natural Florida. An immense amount of water, millions of gallons to be exact, flow over through the river each day, eventually making its way to the Tampa Bay.

People Make the Parks

Celena Zimmerman, Assistant Park Manager

Staff Spotlight

As Assistant Park Manager, Celena works to provide staff with the tools and support they need to offer amazing recreational opportunities for our visitors while preserving and protecting our cultural and natural resources.
Volunteers Pam and Eric Thompson

Volunteer Spotlight

Pam and Eric Thompson continue to come back to Hillsborough River State Park because of the supportive Park family and the strong desire to preserve the park for their grandchildren.
Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society

Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

Park Map

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Paynes Creek Historic State Park

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Bowling Green FL 33834

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

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Mountain Biker on a bike track at Alafia River State Park

Alafia River State Park

The unique topography boasts some of the most radical elevation changes in the state and attracts mountain bikers from around the world to tackle the mountain bike-only trails.

14326 S. County Road 39
Lithia FL 33547

Florida State Parks

Main Menu

  • Plan your visit
    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
    • Fees
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Camping & Lodging
    • Outdoor Florida
  • Find a Park
  • Learn
    • Newsletter
  • Resources
  • Experiences & Amenities
    • Educational Opportunities
    • Programs
    • Research & Collecting
  • Events
  • Get Involved
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    • Doing Business with Parks
    • Work for Us

Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:
(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:
FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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