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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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Experiences & Amenities

Back to Hillsborough River State Park

Park Menu

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

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling

Bicyclists are invited to ride on the 1.6-mile Wetlands Restoration Nature Trail as well as the 2.2-mile Park Loop.

  • Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Camping
Camping

Hillsborough River State Park offers RV and tent camping with electric on most of the sites 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.

Pets are welcome, but must be confined, leashed (up to six feet in length) or otherwise under the owner's physical control at all times.

  • Maximum RV length = 50 ft.
  • Hammocks are allowed to be used in certain campsites. Sites 41, 61, 110 and 111 allow one hammock each, while sites 68 and 70 allow two hammocks each. Set-up requires the use of straps at least 2 inches wide on trees at least 12 inches in diameter.
  • Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online or call 800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD 888-433-0287.
Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive

Primitive Camping is currently unavailable.

A primitive camp located across the river is available via foot trail. Backpackers must check in and out at the ranger station before hiking 1.5 miles to the camping area. 

At least one person 18 years of age or older must accompany the party. Campers should pack in and pack out all necessities and remove all trash.  

  • A map of hiking trails and the primitive campsite are available at the park office.
  • Call the park at 813-987-6771 to make reservations. Call 24 hours prior to reservation to receive updated trail conditions.
  • Check-in: No later than one hour prior to sunset. 
  • Hammocks are allowed to be used in the primitive camping area in sites C and D (two hammocks each).
  • No pets are allowed at the primitive camp.
  • As a primitive camp, the sites have no electric, no water and no restrooms. 
  • It is advisable to bring four quarts of drinking water per person, per day. 
  • Trails are subject to flooding and may cause the temporary closure of the primitive camp.
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group

Group primitive camping is available for organized youth or adult groups, defined as six or more persons affiliated with a recognized nonprofit or community organization such as Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, Sierra Club or church groups. Priority is given to youth groups with over half its members under 18 years of age. 

  • The camp accommodates up to 60 people at one time. 
  • Fees are youth (up to 18 years of age), $1 per person, per night; and adult, $5 per person, per night. 

Four camping areas are set in a wooded area, offering shade as well as beauty. All four sites 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.  

  • Reservations can be made for 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. A $22.40 deposit is required for all reservations and will be applied to the final balance.
  • Hammocks are allowed to be used in the youth camp area. Site C allows one hammock, and sites A, B and D allow two hammocks each.
  • No deposit refunds will be given within 14 days of reservation.
Fishing
Fishing

The park is a popular location for fishing the Hillsborough River. Fish that are commonly seen include bass, bream and catfish. 

  • A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website, Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking

Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult.

The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.

  • Operation Recreation GeoTour 
Hiking
Hiking

Visitors have four hiking trails to choose from, which total 7.3 miles. Along the Hillsborough River, the trails take hikers through a dense, hydric hammock forest and provide interpretive displays, changing elevations and a multitude of opportunities to view and photograph nature. 

The Wetlands Trail begins in a pine flatwoods community and continues to fork in the trail, offering visitors a choice to enjoy the Fort King Trail or continue on the Wetlands Trail. 

Another example of how Hillsborough River State Park is where “history and nature” come together! A trail map is available at the ranger station.

  • Park closes at sundown. Please allow ample time to leave trails by sundown.
  • Due to increased rains in spring and summer, the park experiences seasonal flooding throughout the park. Approximately 25% 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.
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding

The Fort King trail parking lot is currently closed.

The ride along the Model Dairy Road into the adjacent county park and back is approximately five miles.

 

Paddling
Paddling

Paddling is a popular activity in the park. Visitors must bring their own canoe or kayak. Canoe and kayak rentals are currently not available.

Picnicking
Picnicking

Visitors can picnic under one of the pavilions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s or at one of the many picnic benches available throughout the park. 

  • Pavilion rentals are currently unavailable. All pavilions are first-come, first-served.
Tours
Tours
Fort Foster is currently closed. Tours of Fort Foster are unavailable.
Fort Foster 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, beginning in November on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Summer tours are offered on every third Saturday at 11 a.m. 

Your step back in time will begin at the ranger station where you purchase your ticket. Fort Foster is where you will see the only authentically reconstructed fort from the era of the Second Seminole Indian War (pre-1840s). Allow approximately 90 minutes for the tour.

  • Tours are offered weather permitting.
  • No pets are allowed on the tour. 
Weddings
Weddings

The park is a wonderful representation of the harmony between history and nature. This is the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding.

Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

A variety of habitats exist in Hillsborough River State Park, including pine flatwoods, floodplain swamp, hardwood and hydric hammock, cypress swamp and grass pond. 

These natural communities allow for diverse plant and animal communities to be observed by our visitors. Whether on a trail or picnicking, 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.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities

Hillsborough River State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors.

These amenities include:

  • Swimming pool.
  • Poolside Café and Store.
  • Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
  • Campsites with concrete pad, picnic table, ground grill and nearby restrooms.
  • Parking.
  • Restrooms.
  • Interpretative Center for Fort Foster Historic State Park.

Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.

Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles

Campfire circle programs are not being offered at this time.

A gathering place for Saturday evening campfire programs presented by park staff. 

  • Contact the ranger station for next scheduled program topic and meeting time.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds

Hillsborough River State Park 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.

Pets are welcome, but must be confined, leashed (up to six feet in length) or otherwise under the owner's physical control at all times.

  • Maximum RV length = 50 ft.
  • Hammocks are allowed to be used in certain campsites. Sites 41, 61, 110 and 111 allow one hammock each, while sites 68 and 70 allow two hammocks each. Set-up requires the use of straps at least 2 inches wide on trees at least 12 inches in diameter.
  • Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online or call 800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD 888-433-0287.
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch

There are three Kayak and Canoe launches into the Hillsborough River. Visitors must bring their own canoe or kayak. Canoe and kayak rentals are currently not available.

Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail

While the Wetlands trail and Model Dairy Road is open, the Ft. King parking lot is closed. The ride along the Model Dairy Road into the adjacent county park and back is approximately five miles.

Historic Site
Historic Site

Learn about the history of the park.

Learn more about Fort Foster State Historic Site.

Laundry
Laundry

Laundry facilities are available in the campground, for use by registered campers.

Nature Trail
Nature Trail

Visitors have four hiking trails to choose from, which total approximately 7.3 total miles. Along the Hillsborough River, the trails take hikers through a dense, hydric hammock forest and provide interpretive displays, changing elevations and a multitude of opportunities to view and photograph nature. 

The Wetlands Trail begins in a pine flatwoods community and continues to fork in the trail, offering visitors a choice to enjoy the Fort King Trail or continue on the Wetlands Trail. 

Another example of how Hillsborough River State Park is where “history and nature” come together! A trail map is available at the ranger station.

  • Park closes at sundown. Please allow ample time to leave trails by sundown.
  • Due to increased rains in spring and summer, the park experiences seasonal flooding throughout the park. Approximately 25% 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.
Parking
Parking

Several parking lots are available around the park drive.

Pets
Pets

Pets are welcome in most 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.
  • See our Pet Policy.
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion

Visitors can picnic under one of the pavilions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, or at one of the many picnic benches available throughout the park. 

  • Pavilion rentals are currently unavailable. All pavilions are first-come, first-served.
Playground
Playground

Both playgrounds are currently closed.

For added enjoyment, the park has two children's playgrounds.  One is conveniently located in the riverside picnic area and the other in the pool picnic area.

Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

Restroom facilities are available in several areas around the park.

RV
RV

Hillsborough River State Park 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.

Pets are welcome, but must be confined, leashed (up to six feet in length), or otherwise under the owner's physical control at all times.

  • Maximum RV length = 50 ft.
  • Hammocks are allowed to be used in certain campsites. Sites 41, 61, 110 and 111 allow one hammock each, while sites 68 and 70 allow two hammocks each. Set-up requires the use of straps at least 2 inches wide on trees at least 12 inches in diameter.
  • Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online or call 800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD 888-433-0287.
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
    • Corporate Partners
    • Doing Business with Parks
    • Work for Us

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(850) 245-2157

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

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