Hillsborough River State Park Campground

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Hey there, fellow Floridians! If you're yearning for a genuine slice of Old Florida, a place where nature reigns supreme and adventure awaits just steps from your campsite, then Hillsborough River State Park Campground in Thonotosassa is a must-visit. As one of Florida's oldest state parks, it has diligently preserved its natural intent, offering a classic camping experience that truly connects you with our state's diverse ecosystems and rich history. It’s a place where the wild beauty of the Hillsborough River takes center stage, inviting paddlers, hikers, and history buffs alike to explore its unique offerings.

Hillsborough River State Park Campground is highly regarded by visitors for its friendly staff and cool facilities, managing to uphold the original spirit of Florida camping amidst changing times. While some recent visitors have noted ongoing repairs from past hurricane damage, indicating the park's resilience and commitment to restoration, the core appeal remains strong. Campers rave about the spacious sites, many of which are nestled under a hardwood hammock providing ample shade from the Florida sun. Imagine having a canoe or kayak ramp right behind your site, ready for immediate access to the river's captivating waters!

The park is particularly famous for being one of the few places in Florida where you can experience genuine Class II river rapids, offering an exhilarating challenge for paddlers. Beyond the rapids, the park boasts miles of scenic trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing (including gators, deer, bobcats, and otters), and a fascinating historical replica of Fort Foster. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Hillsborough River State Park Campground provides a tranquil yet adventurous escape, perfect for those who appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of Florida's natural landscapes.

The park’s address on US-301, a major north-south highway, ensures straightforward driving access from various parts of Florida. Whether you’re coming from Sarasota, Orlando, or even further afield, reaching the campground is a relatively simple drive. For those towing RVs or trailers, the main roads leading to the park are generally well-maintained. Once inside the park, a one-way counterclockwise loop road guides visitors to the campground and various activity areas.

While providing a deep immersion in nature, the park's proximity to Tampa means campers are never far from essential services, grocery stores, gas stations, and medical facilities. This balance of secluded natural beauty with urban convenience makes Hillsborough River State Park an ideal getaway for Floridians seeking to connect with the outdoors without feeling completely isolated. The park itself opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes at sundown for day-use, with campers having 24/7 access to their sites and facilities once checked in.

• Campsites (112 total): The park offers a variety of campsites, accommodating both RVs (up to 50 feet maximum length) and tents. Most sites are nestled under hardwood hammocks, offering excellent shade.
• Site Amenities: Each campsite comes equipped with water access, a fire ring (with grate), and a picnic table. Most sites also feature electric hookups (30/50 amp).
• Restrooms and Showers: Each campground loop has well-maintained restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, ensuring comfort for all campers.
• Laundry Facilities: Convenient laundry facilities are available in each loop, a practical amenity for longer stays.
• Dump Station: A communal dump station is provided for RVs, making waste disposal easy before departure.
• Canoe and Kayak Rentals: For those without their own paddling equipment, canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the park office, allowing easy access to the Hillsborough River.
• Bicycle Rentals: Bikes can also be rented from the park office, perfect for exploring the park's trails and loop road.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground and most park areas, provided they are confined, leashed (up to six feet), and under owner control at all times. Specific areas like the swimming pool and playgrounds may have restrictions.
• Youth/Group Primitive Camping: Four dedicated primitive group camping areas are available for organized youth or adult groups (6 or more persons affiliated with recognized non-profit/community organizations). These sites have water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and cold showers, but no electricity.
• ADA Accessible Amenities: The park is committed to accessibility, offering ADA-accessible campsites, restrooms, and other facilities to ensure all visitors can enjoy the park.
• Camp Store & Gift Shop: A camp store and gift shop are on-site for convenience, offering basic supplies and souvenirs.
• Picnic Pavilions: Various picnic tables are located throughout the park, and seven picnic pavilions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s are available for reservation, perfect for larger gatherings.

• Class II River Rapids: One of the park's most distinctive features, the Hillsborough River boasts rare Class II rapids, providing an exciting and challenging experience for kayakers and canoeists, a true rarity in flat Florida.
• Historic Fort Foster Replica: Step back in time at the reconstructed Fort Foster, a significant historical site from the Second Seminole War, offering interactive history lessons and insights into Florida's past.
• Extensive Trail Network: Over seven miles of diverse trails wind through pine flatwoods, floodplain swamps, and shaded hammocks. Popular options include the River Rapids Nature Trail (leading to the rapids overlook), the Baynard Trail, the Seminole Woods Trail, and the Wetlands Trail, suitable for hiking and some for biking.
• Suspension Bridge: A scenic suspension bridge over the Hillsborough River offers fantastic photo opportunities and adds a touch of adventure to your exploration.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a rich diversity of Florida wildlife. Visitors can spot alligators, turtles, snakes, deer, bobcats, otters, and a wide array of bird species, including herons, egrets, and osprey.
• Swimming Pool: A large, half-acre swimming pool (though sometimes subject to closures for maintenance/repair) provides a refreshing way to cool off, especially during Florida's warm months. A fee may apply for pool use, and lifeguards are on duty during peak season.
• Scenic Canoeing/Kayaking: Paddling on the historic Hillsborough River offers gorgeous scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife from the water.
• Fishing: Anglers can enjoy fishing for bass, bluegill, and sunfish in the park's stocked ponds and potentially in the river.
• Playgrounds: Two playgrounds are available within the park, one near the pool picnic area and another in the riverside picnic area, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors.
• Geocaching: The park is a popular spot for geocaching, turning exploration into a modern-day treasure hunt for families and adventure-seekers.
• Old Florida Charm: The park beautifully preserves the essence of "Old Florida" with its natural landscapes, Spanish moss-draped trees, and focus on outdoor recreation.

Address: 15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592, USA

Phone: (813) 688-9500

Mobile Phone: +1 813-688-9500

Reservations for campsites can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Florida State Parks reservations website or by calling their central reservation number (800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287). For group primitive camping, it is recommended to call the park directly at (813) 688-9500 to make reservations. Given the park's popularity, especially during peak seasons, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred site.

Locals can easily enjoy a weekend getaway or a longer vacation immersed in the diverse ecosystems of the Hillsborough River. The opportunity to paddle Class II rapids – a rare experience in Florida – provides an exciting challenge for adventurers, while the extensive network of hiking and biking trails invites explorers of all ages to discover the park's hidden gems and abundant wildlife. Families will particularly appreciate the kid-friendly features like playgrounds, the (when open) swimming pool, and the chance to learn about Florida's past at Fort Foster. The commitment of the park staff to maintaining the grounds and providing friendly service ensures a positive experience, even as they work through post-hurricane repairs. Hillsborough River State Park truly embodies the spirit of Old Florida, offering a serene and active retreat that encourages a deeper connection with our state's natural beauty and rich history, making it a beloved and frequently revisited spot for residents.

Hillsborough River State Park Campground

15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592, USA