Locations

Hillsborough River State Park, Florida

paddling through mangrove tunnels

Location:

Hillsborough River State Park Florida is one of the first Florida parks created in the late 1930’s by Civilian Conservation Core.

The park is just 30 minutes northeast of Tampa making it a great way to escape the city and enjoy nature!

The park is open from 8 am until sundown every day of the year.

$6 per vehicle (up to 8 people). $4 for a single-occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists.

Hillsborough River State Park is on the traditional territories of Seminole, Tocobaga, Mascogo & Miccosukee nations.

Amenities & Activities

 

Hiking & Walking Trail:

  • The park has 7.3 miles (11.7 km) of hiking trails.

Camping:

  • 112 sites with city water connections, electricity, picnic tables and fire rings. Accessible sites are also available.
  • 6 Glamping sites with Timberline Glamping Co. Each type of tent has a bed(s), mini fridge, coffee maker, plugs to charge your devices and they are even air-conditioned.
  • Washrooms with showers and laundry facilities.
  • Dump station
Hillsborough River State Park Map
glamping tent with a paddle board

Timberline Glamping Co.

sitting in hammock enjoying a beer

Hammocks included as part of some Timberline Glamping sites

suspension bridge
looking over the river from the Hillsborough River suspension bridge

Suspension Bridge

two queen beds in a glamping tent

Timberline Glamping Co.

Hillsborough River State Park Camping Map<br />

Hillsborough River State Park Hiking, Glamping &  Paddle Adventure Vlog

Paddling:

  • The Hillsborough River Paddling Trail runs 30 miles (48 km) from Hillsborough River State Park to the City of Tampa’s Rowlett Park.
  • 3 different launch sites, one in the camping area.
  • Rent Canoes or Kayaks.
    • Single Kayak $30/2 hours
    • Tandem Kayak $40/2 hours
    • Canoe $40/2 hours
paddle boarder walking down the river boat launch

1 of 3 canoe/kayak/paddle board launch

Fishing:

  • Bass, Bream and Catfish are all common in Hillsborough River.
  • Be sure you have the proper fishing license.

Biking:

  • Bikes are allowed on the 1.6-mile (2.5 km) Wetlands Restoration Nature Trail as well as the 2.2-mile (3.5 km) park loop.
  • Bike Rentals are available in the park. $20 for 2 hours

Other:

  • Pool and Cafe *closed for renovations until 2024
  • Restrooms
  • Playground
  • Picnic Pavilions
picnic pavillion
Bike and canoe rentals

Tips: 

  • Bring bug spray!
  • Around the end of March, the park is infested with caterpillars.
  • Seasonal flooding occurs in the spring and summer, affecting the park’s lowlands areas (approx 25%).
    • Call the park office, at 813-987-6771 prior to your visit for the specific conditions of our trails.
  • Pets are welcome but must be on a leash and kept away from the river (alligators!)

Overall: 

  • Fully recommended: It’s a beautiful state park with stunning views of the Florida vegetation and wildlife and is a great place to go when visiting Tampa.

Other Resources: 

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