Welcome to Hillsborough River State Park. Welcome to Hillsborough River State Park. One of the primary natural features at Hillsborough River State Park is the rapids and river nature trails. We are excited to announce that a new boardwalk facility is being installed along the Hillsborough River. Due to the construction the Nature Trail from the Rapids to the Recreation Hall is temporarily closed for your safety. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we hope to have the trail open in late spring.

In an attempt to restore the natural systems in the park, staff and volunteers are undertaking many obvious activities to recreate the way it would have appeared prior to man’s intervention. This is accomplished in many ways. For example, prescribed fire and manual removal is used to remove and control the growth of these invasive hardwood trees in the pine flatwoods habitat. As you enter the park, these amazing restoration techniques can be witnessed on the right side (Northwest side) prior to reaching the Ranger’s Station. Other ways in which the various habitats in the park are being restored is through the removal of non-native plant species, reforestation of native species, and hydrological (water systems) restoration.

John Baust - Park Manager

Hillsborough River State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936 and opened to the public in 1938. This 3,383-acre park offers camping, picnicking, canoe rentals and seasonal swimming in an ADA accessible man-made swimming pool.

Nature trails allow visitors to wander through hammocks of live oaks, sabal palms and hickories which border the scenic Hillsborough River. The trails are wide, however, caution should be taken when walking the trails due to the erosion and exposed roots which make the surface rough.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Hillsborough River State Park is located 9 miles north of Tampa and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills on US Highway 301.

From I-75, Southbound from Ocala take the SR 54. Exit #279 east to Hwy 301, travel South for 6 miles, and the park will be on your right-hand side.

From I-75, Northbound from Tampa take the Fowler Ave. Exit #265 east to Hwy 301, travel North for 9 miles, and the park will be on your left-hand side.

From I-4, West bound take Exit 10 go north on CR 579 to US 301, follow the signs and go North 7 miles the park will be on your left-hand side.

From I-4, East bound take Exit 7 (be careful of the merges) and go North on US 301 for 14 miles, the park will be on your left-hand side.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $4.00 for up to 8 people per vehicle. Single Occupant in a vehicle $3.00 Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit, Members of Organized Groups - Admission Fee $1.00

Recreation Building
Only Building: $125.00
With Kitchen: $175.00
After-hours fee: $50.00

Pool Fee
$2.00 per person, ages 6 and up
Children 5 and under Free

Camping Fee
All Year: $18.00 plus tax
Primitive Camping: $4.00 per person

Pavilion Fee
Large Pavilion: $60.00 plus tax; Medium Pavilion: $30.00 plus tax

Hillsborough River State Park 15402 U.S. 301 North Thonotosassa, Florida 33592 Phone: 813-987-6771 Fax: Contact Park for Number Park Manager: John Baust