Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park is the perfect place for hiking, kayaking, camping, geo-seeking, birding, and fishing.

Escape into the Florida wilderness when you visit the unique and expansive setting of Hillsborough River State Park. Located just minutes outside of Tampa and situated along the scenic Hillsborough River, this park is an ideal spot to experience both outdoor adventures and tranquility. At over 3,300 acres in size, Hillsborough River State Park boasts live oak hammocks, sections of mesmerizing river rapids, and tons of wildlife. There are elevated bridges over portions of the river so visitors can take in the stunning surroundings from a new perspective.

Hillsborough River State Park also has 7.3 miles of trails that takes hikers through oak hammocks and pine flatwoods. The incredibly picturesque Rapids Trail (1.2 miles) offers the best views of the Hillsborough River's rapids. Anglers can cast a line here, as well, for the chance to catch catfish, bass, and bream. There’s also a campground with 112 sites, all of which have water, a fire ring, and picnic table, and most of which have electric hookups. You can expect to see native species like alligators, river otters, gopher tortoises, bobcats, deer, and great blue herons. Hillsborough River State Park is a sanctuary for both those that love the outdoors and the animals that call the habitats here home, making it a phenomenal escape into the beauty of Florida's wilderness.