Hillsborough

Hillsborough River State Park
Hillsborough River State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936 and opened to the public in 1938. This 3,738-acre park provides camping, picnicking, nature study, canoeing. fishing. hiking and swimming. Approximately eight miles of nature trails allow visitors to wander through hammocks of live oaks, sabal palms, magnolias and hickory trees, which border the scenic Hillsborough River. A playground is available and the park’s concession contains a gift shop and snack bar. Fort Foster Historic Site is also located within the park. It is a reconstructed 1837 fort that was manned during the Second Seminole War. Tours through Fort Foster are offered seasonally or upon advanced reservation. Hillsborough River State Park is located 12 miles north of Tampa and six miles south of Zephyrhills on U.S. 301. Contact: Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. 301 North, Thonotosassa, FL 33592; (813) 987-6771.
Review:	An interesting state park and the Hillsborough River is really beautiful, although smaller than I expected. Bicycles are not forbidden off of the main loop road as in many other state parks, although complete navigation of the hiking trails would be difficult because of the many exposed roots. Sites were generally large and spacious enough for even the largest pop up. The rest rooms, though worn (in Hammock Circle where we stayed), were kept clean. There was a large beautiful swimming pool that I am sure gets plenty of use in the summer time. Swimming is not allowed in the river. There were fire rings at all sites and a bundle of firewood cost $4.00 from the rangers. Saturday night, there was free movie in the recreation center for the kids in our group (FPUC) and they seemed to have a good time, while most of the adults stayed back jawing around the campfire. This park would be a good destination for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. Canoes are rented by a concession located in the park. Although I had no problems, others in our group reported that the rangers were not the friendliest in the world. We enjoyed the weekend, but I'll probably not make the drive if the club goes here again. (420 miles round trip)
	My camper and truck set up on site 92 in the Hammock Circle loop.
	A lone kayaker and some other views of the Hillsborough River.
	A moment of peaceful contemplation along the river.
	The suspension bridge over the Hillsborough River.
	We didn't see a lot of wildlife on this trip. Someone's goats in the park and a vulture dries it's wings on the fence surrounding the pool.
	Relaxing around the campfire after a long day. The low 50's at night made the weather perfect to enjoy the heat of the campfire.

Hillsborough River State Park