Hillsborough River

Hillsborough River SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hillsborough-river-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsborough_River_State_Park Hillsborough River State Park is located in the northeast corner of Hillsborough County, Florida near Zephyrhills (which is itself in Pasco County). It is a popular park due to its proximity to the city of Tampa. Tere are more than seven miles of trails that run throughout the park. Popular activities include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, camping, birding, easy to moderate hiking, trail running, and nature photography. The park has award-winning campgrounds, a restaurant, and gift shop. Canoes and bicycles can be rented at the park.

Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks History & Nature Human activities date back to prehistoric times when native peoples hunted, fished and foraged along the river’s flood plain. The river was named in the late 1700s when Wills Hills-the British Colonial Secretary and Lord Earl of Hillsboroughwas given jurisdiction over the area and sent surveyors to report on the new colony. 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 1835, Fort Alabama was built to protect the bridge over the Hillsborough River on the trail from Fort King (Ocala) to Fort Brooke (Tampa). The fort was abandoned a few months later and destroyed by fire. Fort Foster was built on the same site in the winter of 1836, where visitors can today experience the reconstructed fort. 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 be in harmony with the natural environment. The park’s most unusual natural feature is a series of rapids created by the river as it flows over outcroppings of Suwannee limestone. Cypress swamps, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks are distinctive features. Commonly seen animals include gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, owls, bobcats and deer. Hillsborough River State Park 15402 U.S. 301 North Thonotosassa, FL 33592 (813) 987-6771 FloridaStateParks.org • • • • • • • • • • Park Guidelines Southwest Florida Hillsborough River State Park Where history and nature come together Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. An entrance fee is required. All plants, animals and park property are protected. Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet and well behaved at all times. Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station. For information about joining Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society, call (813) 9876771. For camping information, contact Reserve America at (800) 326-3521 or (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. FLORIDA State Parks Created on 11/14 SM National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in SM Hillsborough River State Park is a breathtaking oasis of natural and historical significance. Visitors can stroll along the river rapids, enjoy camping, step back in time at Fort Foster, picnic with family or pursue several water-based activities. 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). Canoe in the Hillsborough River. Swim in the pool. Visitors can enjoy one of the several trails within the park of hiking or bicycling. 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. For tent or RV camping, campsites are equipped with water, electricity, fire ring and a picnic table. Campground amenities include laundry facilities, showers, restrooms and a dump station. The Spirit of the Woods Poolside Café and Gift Shop offers 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 to Florida. Park rangers provide nature and history-based programs. Nature walks, campfire programs, Fort Foster tours and special programs are conducted on a regular schedule. Current program information is available at the ranger station. Directions The park is located on US Highway 301, 7 miles south of State Road 54 in Zephyrhills, and 14 miles north of Interstate 4 east of Tampa. 

HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK http://www.floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver BAYNARD TRAIL 1.0 POOL 1.2 miles 10 REC.HALL 9 3 P3 STAGE CH RESTROOMS RESTROOMS PLAYGROUND CLOSED POOLSIDE CAFE Canoe and Bike Rentals CLOSED RESTROOMS DUMP STATION YOUTH CAMP FORT FOSTER MUSEUM RESTROOMS P1 PLAYGROUND CAMPGROUND PARK BOUNDARY (TO DEAD RIVER CONTY PARK) P2 12 NO EL AU N CEDAR LANDING/ CAMPFIRE CIRCLE CLOSED CA 2.2 P5 RANGER STATION WETLANDS TRAIL WETLANDS TRAIL H RIVE R PH YR HIL LS 27 P4 RO UG RAPIDS TRAIL PLAYGROUND 11 26 RAPIDS 0.2 CANOE LAUNCH 3.2 miles SUSPENSION BRIDGE ZE 0.1 miles SEMINOLE TRAIL (BLAZED ORANGE) STATIONARY BRIDGE CLOSED WOOD US (BLAZED BLUE) HILLS BO 1.1 miles PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND TO 813-987-6771 1N THONOTOSASSA, FL 33592 30 15402 US 301 N RIVER ROADS NATURE TRAIL BRIDGE RESTROOMS 1.6 miles PLAYGROUND PAVILION 3 STAGE TAM PA 813-987-6771 813-326-5867 813-298-2490 813-326-4992 813-326-4621 TO Ranger Station: After Hours: P PARKING BUILDING CANOE LAUNCH CAMPFIRE CIRCLE FORT KING TRAIL 6.7 miles P MILEAGE BETWEEN DOTS FIRE WOOD River Rapids Trail (1.2 miles) The class II rapids are a short walk from parking lot #2 (Easy Hiking) Baynard Trail (1.1 miles) Access Stationary or Suspension bridge. (Easy Hiking) Seminole Trail (3.2 ml loop, 3.4 miles from Stationary Bridge). (Moderate Hiking) Wetlands Restoration Trail (1.6 miles) Access parking lot past campground. (Easy Hiking) Fort King Trail (6.7 miles) Access entrance south of park off U.S. 301 N. (Strenuous Hiking) Updated 3/20 HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK 15402 US 301 NORTH Thonotosassa, Florida 33592 (813) 987-6771 49 48 47 Campfire Circle 46 ls ar Cedding Lan lter She H il 45 43 51A 44 42 51B bo 51 52 41 38 ro an 51C Campsites are $24.00 per night 53 oe ug 56 37 La hR 51 D u 58 74 *plus taxes and fees n 36 54 ch ive 40 33 r Trash 57 55 31 75 39 29 59 Includes: 35 73 28 34 32 76 72 Electric and Water 63 30 27 71 77 60 Fire Ring and Picnic Table 70 26 78 5 8 11 13 Full-Facilities Bathrooms RESTROOM 61 69 25 & SHOWER Dump Station RESTROOM 68 12 64 Trash 7 10 & SHOWER 14 24 6 65 15 67 23 Parking For reservations visit 4 16 21 3 20 ReserveAmerica.com W 18 19 17 2 1A or call 1-800-326-3521 S N 1 50 C g rkin Pa Pa rk ing 89 88 87 85 90 83 92 82 91 86 94 93 84 95 96 97 RESTROOM 98 & SHOWER Trash 100 112 99 114 110 102 101 113 105 107 103 111 104 106 108 109 Pa rk DUMP STATION E Ma in Florida State Parks, recipient of the National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award 1999, 2005, 2013, 2019 ad o R Café & Pool 30 Amp Site 50 Amp Site ACCESSABLE SITES: 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D, 71, 72, 73 Revised 3/20 

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c