Hillsborough River State Park

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Where History and Nature Come Together

The Setting

Hillsborough River State Park is a breathtaking oasis of natural and historical significance.  Visitors can stroll along the river rapids, enjoy camping in the wilderness, step back in time at Fort Foster, picnic with family by the pool or pursue a variety of outdoor activities. 

After Florida became a United States Territory, settlers migrated into the newly opened land which created conflict with the resident Seminole tribes.  The U.S. government’s plan to transport the Seminoles west to Oklahoma sparked the beginning of the Second Seminole War. 
In the winter of 1836, Fort Foster was built to protect the bridge over the Hillsborough River on the trail from Fort King (Ocala) to Fort Brooke (Tampa).  On this same site, visitors can experience a replicated fort and a period of Florida’s early history.

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established the area surrounding the river rapids as a public park.  Many park structures and the suspension bridge are examples of the CCC style of rustic architecture, designed to blend in with the park’s natural environment.

The Facility

For tent or RV camping, shaded campsites are equipped with water, 30 or 50 amp electric, fire ring and a picnic table.  Campground amenities include laundry facilities, showers, restrooms and a dump station.

The park provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation.  Anglers can test their skills at freshwater fishing in the river for bass, bream and catfish (a Florida freshwater fishing license is required).  Visitors can hike one of several trails within the park or connect to the Old Fort King Trail for nine miles of hiking, bicycling or horseback riding.  Visitors must provide their own horse and equipment.  Canoe the Hillsborough River, swim in the pool or picnic under one of the pavilions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.  The pavilions and a recreation hall equipped with a kitchen are available for rental.
The Spirit of the Woods Poolside Café and Gift Shop offers a variety of breakfast and lunch menu selections, along with snacks.  The gift shop offers necessities, souvenirs and a selection of field guides and books related to the park and Florida.

Park Features

The park’s most unusual natural feature is a small grouping of rapids created by the river as it flows over outcroppings of Suwannee limestone. Cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and marshes make up the remaining park areas. Commonly seen animals include gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, owls, bobcats and deer.

Camping Tips

Park Rangers provide a number of nature and history-based programs. Nature walks, campfire programs, Fort Foster tours and special programs are conducted on a regular schedule. Information is available at the ranger station.

Address

15402 US 301 North
Thonotosassa, Florida 33592
(813) 987-6771
FloridaStateParks.org

Learn more about this park and book your reservation online    

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