Park Activities
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.
Canoeing
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.
Fishing
Park visitors can fish in the Hillsborough River
for bass, bream and catfish. A Florida freshwater
fishing license is required for all anglers.
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.
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.
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.
Primitive Camping
A primitive camp, located across the river is available
via foot trail and reservations are recommended
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. Weather 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 $4.00 per person.
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