Suspension Bridge at Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park

Class II rapids just a few minutes from downtown Tampa

Seasonal Fort Foster Tours

Tours of Historic Fort Foster are currently being offered on Thursday's of each week at 10:30 a.m. Tickets must be purchased at the ranger station before the tour and are $2 per person. For larger groups reservations can be made and accommodations may be possible for separate tours.

Hours

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

Fees

$6 per vehicle

See all Fees
 

Location

15402 US 301 N.
Thonotosassa FL 33592

Get directions

Contact Info

813-987-6771 or 813-326-5867

Welcome to Hillsborough River State Park

Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this diverse park offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.

Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park. And besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.

All types of camping are also available only a short distance from 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

Hillsborough Park Pool Side Café
Service

Hillsborough Park Pool Side Café

The Poolside Café & Store provides food, beverages, souvenirs, canoe/kayak/bike rentals, picnic and camping supplies. High-quality custom umbrellas and pool lounge chairs are available for rental via the cafe.

Experiences

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

Amenities

Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Historic Site
Historic Site
Laundry
Laundry
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station

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

The 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

The Splendor of the Hillsborough River

The Hillsborough River is a splendid example of the grandeur of natural Florida.

People Make the Parks

Jered Jones, smiling at the camera.

Staff Spotlight

With a penchant for working outside in the Florida sunshine, Jered Jones is a valuable member of the team at Hillsborough River State Park.
Shannon Davis, smiling at the camera.

Volunteer Spotlight

A Vermont native, Shannon Davis has found a new home and family at Hillsborough River State Park.
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 Trail

Park Map

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