Hillsborough River State Park is a beautiful and diverse state park located in Thonotosassa, Florida. Spanning over 2,990 acres, the park features a wide range of natural habitats, including pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and cypress swamps. The park is centered around the Hillsborough River, which flows through the park and offers a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The park offers many hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate, which allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the park. Some of the popular trails include the Baynard Trail, which offers a scenic view of the river, and the Seminole Trail, which leads hikers through a beautiful hardwood hammock. The park also features a large, picturesque swimming pool that is open seasonally. The pool is fed by fresh spring water and surrounded by a large deck area with lounge chairs and umbrellas. For visitors who want to stay overnight, the park has a large campground with 112 campsites, including both tent and RV sites. The campsites are located in a wooded area and offer privacy and shade from the Florida sun. The campground amenities include a dump station, laundry facilities, and shower and restroom facilitie
Overview
Hillsborough River State Park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several species of birds, fish, and reptiles. Visitors can explore the park's natural beauty through its many hiking trails, which wind through different habitats and offer stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.
In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy a range of recreational activities on the river, such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The park is also home to a large, picturesque swimming pool that is open seasonally.
For those looking to stay overnight, the park offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites as well as cabins for rent. The campground is located in a wooded area and offers privacy and shade for campers.
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, the park is also rich in history. The park is home to the Fort Foster State Historic Site, which features a reconstructed fort that was used during the Second Seminole War in the mid-19th century. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its history through interpretive exhibits and demonstrations.
Overall, Hillsborough River State Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Tampa Bay area. With its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and rich history, the park offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Highlights
One of the camping highlights of Hillsborough River State Park is its group campsite, which is designed for youth and adult groups with 6 or more people. The campsite is capable of holding up to 60 people, and priority is given to youth groups such as Scouts, boys and girls club, and church groups. This is a great option for large groups who want to enjoy the park's natural beauty and recreational opportunities together.
The park also offers four sites for traditional camping. These sites give ample shade, water, a fire ring, restrooms, showers with cold water, and picnic tables. Campers can set up hammocks at each site, making it a great option for those who want to relax in nature. Pets are not allowed in this area of the park, and electricity is not available at this campsite.
Visitors can make a reservation up to 60 days in advance, with priority given to youth groups. To make a reservation, they can call the park office at (813) 987-6771. There is a $5 per adult per night fee and a $1 per child per night fee. This is a reasonable fee for the amenities and recreational opportunities available at the park.
Overall, the camping options at Hillsborough River State Park provide something for everyone, whether you are part of a large group or looking for a more traditional camping experience. With its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and affordable camping fees, this park is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
Internet
There is no Wi-Fi available at the campsites in Hillsborough River State Park either. However, some visitors have reported that they were able to get a cell signal in certain parts of the campground. It's worth noting that the park is located in a remote area, so cell signal strength can be limited depending on the visitor's cellular provider. As with the rest of the park, the lack of Wi-Fi at the campsites allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and enjoy a break from technology.
Discounts
Hillsborough River State Park offers several discounts to visitors. One of the most popular discounts is the Florida State Parks Annual Pass. This pass allows visitors to enter any of Florida's state parks for free, as well as receive discounts on ca
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