Home » Florida » Hidden Oasis Near Tampa: Best Things to Do at Hillsborough River State Park

Only 30 minutes away from downtown Tampa Hillsborough River State Park is a natural getaway filled with swaying palmettos, a river that rushes over old rapids and tall oak trees hanging with Spanish moss. This 3 000-acre refuge, which is one of Florida’s first state parks, feels far removed from the city. Visitors can hike through green forests kayak on Class II rapids and even see alligators basking in the sun along the riverbanks. If you’re getting ready for a day trip to Hillsborough River State Park or a weekend camping adventure, our travel guide details the best ways to enjoy this beautiful place.

Founded in 1938, Hillsborough River State Park features structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Visitors can explore restored buildings at the Interpretive Center, the picnic pavilion, and the suspension bridge.

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park entrance sign for Hillsborough River State Park. The sign is primarily rectangular and composed of a beige background bordered by stacked stones. In bold, uppercase letters, "Hillsborough River" is written in yellow at the top, while "State Park" is written in white at the bottom. Between the text, a circular emblem featuring the words "Florida State Parks," with a small graphic of a palm tree and water, is visible. The sign is situated in a lush outdoor environment, surrounded by greenery including grass, small plants, and tall trees providing shade.

How to Get to Hillsborough River State Park: Your Complete Guide

Hillsborough River State Park is a beautiful natural escape located just north of Tampa, Florida. Whether you’re coming from downtown Tampa, Orlando, or surrounding areas, getting to this popular state park is easy with clear routes and plenty of parking.

Where Is Hillsborough River State Park? The park is at 15402 U.S. 301 North, Thonotosassa, FL 33592, about 9 miles north of Tampa and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills. Its convenient location makes it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

wooden sign in a forest setting. The sign is mounted on a sturdy wooden frame composed of horizontal and vertical beams. The sign is dark brown with text in bright yellow. Surrounding the sign, dense greenery is visible, including trees with slender trunks, leafy shrubs, and patches of ferns. The forest appears lush and vibrant, creating a natural backdrop for the sign.

Driving Directions to Hillsborough River State Park

  • From I-75 South (Ocala area): Take Exit 279 (SR 54) east to US 301. Head south for about 6 miles, and you’ll see the park entrance on the right.
  • From I-75 North (Tampa area): Use Exit 265 (Fowler Avenue) east to US 301. Then drive north for roughly 9 miles until you reach the park entrance on the left.
  • From I-4 East (Orlando area): Take Exit 7 and head north on US 301 for approximately 14 miles. The park entrance will be on your left side. Its an easy day trip from the Orlando area.
  • From I-4 West (Tampa area): Take Exit 10, go north on CR 579 to US 301, then follow signs and drive north about 7 miles to the entrance on your left.
Wooden footbridge over a river surrounded by dense greenery at Hillsborough River State Park.

Know Before You Go to Hillsborough River State Park

“When you don’t know the story of a place, it makes it much easier to destroy it. And so much of Florida is being destroyed because people don’t credit it with having a history . . . Because it seems there’s no story here, everything in Florida can be made new, and I think that’s wrong and I think we harm ourselves irrevocably by destroying our history.” Diane Roberts

Our Hillsborough River State Park Itinerary

Morning: Kayak Hillsborough River→ Midday: Picnic → Afternoon: Hike Baynard Trail or Bike the Wetlands Restoration Nature Trail→ Evening: Campfire storytelling.

A rustic building and old fire engine at Hillsborough River State Park's Interpretive Center, with a surrounding lush garden.

Best Things to Do at Hillsborough River State Park

For those interested in local history and wildlife, Hillsborough River State Park’s Interpretive Center is an excellent place to begin. You can find it in the park’s original ranger station (Parking Lot #1). It is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. Artifacts discovered at the site are used in fascinating exhibits recounting the story of Fort Foster and the Second Seminole War. The center offers a crucial understanding of the struggles experienced by soldiers and indigenous clans throughout this chaotic era. It is informative and puts in context the history of this area.

a serene scene from Hillsborough River State Park, taken from the perspective of someone sitting in an orange kayak. At the forefront, a pair of legs wearing blue Crocs with decorative holes is visible, resting inside the kayak. A double-bladed paddle lies across the kayak's edge. The water is calm, reflecting the lush green foliage that surrounds both sides of the river. To the left, a massive, textured cypress tree with a thick trunk stretches into the water. The background is filled with dense, verdant trees and undergrowth, under a clear blue sky with patches of white clouds.

1. Paddling on a Day trip to Hillsborough River State Park

In the middle of the week, we launched from Hillsborough River State Park and spent two hours paddling the Hillsborough River. While we were getting ready, the river’s surface was smooth like glass, while leaves and birds created a soft symphony in nature. Along the river, cypress and oak trees shaped the riverbanks into shady tunnels, making our paddle feel completely secluded. Turtles basked on fallen logs, a safe distance from the lounging alligators on the river’s edge. Additionally, a great blue heron added static flashes to the stillness as it lifted off close by enhancing our experience further. Mirroring our surroundings, the gentle current allowed for a relaxing paddle.

Two people kayaking on a tree-lined river, wearing hats and life jackets.

Halfway through our paddle, we stopped at a calm nook of the river to try our luck fishing. This stretch of the river has largemouth bass, and with its slow current and tannin-rich waters, the fishing is exceptional. Within minutes, we had a few decent bites. While none reached trophy size, catching any was thrilling, so it enhanced the experience considerably. The gentle current provided an easy paddle back, which allowed us to take in every detail of the untamed landscape of Florida.

Lush river landscape with flowing water and dense green foliage at Hillsborough River State Park.

2. Hike Through Time at Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park encourages visitors to explore nature along its clearly marked trails. No matter if you’re walking or biking, the park’s paths show a variety of ecosystems animals and pieces of Florida’s history.

A peaceful river with overhanging trees and sunlight reflecting on the water, bordered by a wooden railing.


A standout feature of the park is the Rapids Nature Trail. Follow this short path to discover a rare Florida spot featuring real river rapids. This half-mile trail leads to a rocky section of the Hillsborough River, where the water flows and swirls. This is a rare view in Florida, which is usually flat. Many photographers, birdwatchers and people who want to experience the river’s energy enjoy this spot.


If you like riding bikes, the Wetlands Restoration Nature Trail is a fantastic choice. The 6-mile paved trail is perfect for biking. It is great for everyone no matter their skill level. While riding through the pineland, watch for birds, butterflies and sometimes even a deer.

A wooden footbridge surrounded by dense greenery with a large tree branch arching over it.

The Baynard Trail is known for its easy loop and river views. The trail goes through palm hammocks and over wooden boardwalks reminiscent of old Florida. Wildlife such as white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, and wading birds may be observed along the way. We also came across the remnants of historical sites from the park’s early development.

Flowing river with rapids and surrounding lush greenery.

3. Picnic Lunch on the Riverfront

After a morning paddling, there’s nothing better than slowing down by enjoying a picnic lunch under the shade of towering oaks. This park has plenty of grassy areas with picnic tables. Many with scenic views of the river; others are tucked away in the quieter corners of the trails. We unpacked our simple lunch—sandwiches, fruit, and cold drinks. Letting in the sounds of birdsong replaced the usual background noise. It wasn’t long before a few cheeky squirrels showed up. Clearly, these were veterans of the picnic circuit boldly eyeing our snacks. Slowly, they are inching closer with every unwrapped bite. Their persistence was hilarious—and a gentle reminder not to feed the wildlife. It’s a relaxing way to savor the moment and recharge before heading back onto the trails.

Two brown bracket fungi on rough tree bark.

4. Camp Under Ancient Oaks

Ending your day under the large branches of oaks covered in moss feels special. Hillsborough River State Park provides one of the calmest camping experiences in Central Florida. The park has a campground with more than 100 spots, all surrounded by tall trees and local plants that offer shade and a feeling of privacy.

Campsite with a travel trailer, pickup truck, and picnic setup in a wooded area.

The campsites are closer to each other than we prefer, but they have electric and water connections, picnic tables and fire rings. The bathrooms with hot showers are clean and easy to find. Some sites also have trails nearby, making them great for early morning hikes or evening walks at sunset.

As night arrives, the temperature drops and the forest starts to buzz with the sounds of owls, frogs, and the soft flow of the river. We gathered around the community fire toasting marshmallows, sharing stories and seeing the stars come out one by one through the openings in the trees. Without city lights to distract you, the night sky here is a beautiful sight worth enjoying.

If you want a relaxing getaway that mixes nature comfort and a touch of old Florida style, camping beneath the old oak trees at Hillsborough River State Park is a great choice.

A log cabin with a wooden fence and trees in the background during sunset.
Credit: Wknight94, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Step Back in Time at Fort Foster

Fort Foster Historic Site is a carefully rebuilt military fort from the 1800s. It is a part of Hillsborough River State Park. The site was first constructed in the 1830s during the Second Seminole War. It gives visitors a chance to see what military life was like on the frontier through live history events guided tours and preserved objects. Tours are available to the public every Thursday at 10:30 AM from January to April. As I walked through the stockade and blockhouse, I could picture the tough times that soldiers and settlers went through during this difficult period in American history.

Orange kayak on a calm river surrounded by lush green trees.

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do at Hillsborough River State Park

Taking the opportunity to explore the Rapids Nature Trail and see one of Florida’s rare natural Class II river rapids was a splendid road trip for us. You can also ride your bike on the Wetlands Restoration Trail for a ride through beautiful flatwoods. History lovers will appreciate the Interpretive Center while families can relax, have a picnic lunch with playful squirrels stopping by to see if they can snag some crumbs.

Hillsborough River State Park is a special place that provides something for everyone, whether you love outdoor activities or just want to enjoy a peaceful day with your family. As you paddle by the cypress trees on a quiet part of the river, hike beneath the tall old trees or observe animals along the boardwalk. This park encourages you to take your time while enjoying the natural beauty of Florida.

Have you explored Hillsborough River State Park? Share your favorite trail, wildlife sighting, or camping memory in the comments below—we’d love to hear about your adventure!