Camping in your tent, RV, travel trailer, or glamping. Explore the river via kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle board, or peddle boat. Other things to do include take a bike ride, hike, fish, walk your dog.
Hillsborough River State Park Camping
Hillsborough River State Park has full hook up camp sites available. You can tent camp or bring your RV or travel trailer. Sites are spacious. Sites fill up quickly so you might end up booking up to a year in advance. You can always check for last minute cancellations. Unfortunately some people book, never show up and don’t cancel, so sometimes you’ll see vacant spots that weren’t available when you tried to book online.
What is the check-in and check out policy at the campground?
Check-in is 3pm. Check-out is 1pm (very generous and not typical for state parks). If you get there early there is plenty of parking to use while you wait for your site so you can enjoy the park. Don’t expect to get in before 2pm.
What are the best camping sites?
There are three loops at the Hillsborough River State Park campground. If you want to be near the launch area try reserve a spot near site 30 and site 33. The launch site is in the middle. From site number 110 the launch is about a ten minute walk.
Is there grocery shopping near by?
No, be sure to stock up on all of the necessities before getting off of the highway. There is a Camping World on I-4 if you need camping supplies.
Is ice available for purchase?
Yes. The camp host drives around in the early evening offering ice for purchase.
Is there a store onsite?
No, there is not a camp store or grocery store on-site. There is a snack shop that sells ice cream and other snacks. The snack shop is only open 3-6pm on Friday and Saturday.
Are fires allowed?
Yes, and most sites have fire pits.
Is firewood available for purchase?
Yes, firewood is available for purchase. The camp host goes around early evening offering firewood for sale.
Are the bathrooms convenient?
Yes.
Where do you launch a kayak?
There are three places to launch your kayak or canoe. If you are staying in the campground you will launch between sites #30 and #33. The launch site is slightly steep with steps and tree root overgrowth. There is a wooden kayak slide/shoot to help you balance your kayak.
Mid Launch- accessible from parking lot 4. This ramp is not as steep but there is only about one foot of shallow water and then a pretty steep drop. Not a good drop in place for a beginner or anyone that doesn’t have strong balance.
Public launch – accessible from parking lot #4 but a long walk. Be sure to bring your canoe kayak cart. This is also the place where you can rent canoes and kayaks. This is the easiest place to launch.
Which is the best side to paddle?
From any launch site go left for a longer paddle, go right for a short trip passing under the suspension bridge until reaching area of rocks.
This area is difficult to pass in an inflatable board or kayak if the water levels are low.
Can you use a SUP at Hillsborough River State Park?
Yes. The current is mild. If you are not a strong paddler you probably won’t be able to go much beyond the Suspension Bridge if the water is low due to the rocks and “mini” rapids. But there is plenty of river to paddle in the other direction.
Any interesting features?
Yes. There are two bridges. The stationary bridge is closed due to damage from Hurricane Irma but you can view it from the river.
The suspension bridge is a great place to view the river and take a selfie.
There are lots of interesting tree formations.
Are there alligators?
Yes. Leave them alone and they will usually leave you alone. If one happens to come by your canoe kayak, don’t scream, don’t feed them and don’t try to pet them. This isn’t Disney. They are real and they will bite.
What other wildlife will you see at the park?
Turtles. Birds. Dragonflies.
Are there mosquitoes?
Yes. It’s Florida. We use citronella oil tiki torches and a non-chemical bug zapper. We add essential oils to our sunscreen and wear SPF long sleeved cover ups.
Are there bike trails?
Yes.
Can you rent bikes?
Yes.
Are there hiking trails?
Yes. Bring a pair of good shoes. Especially if you want to climb a tree (technically, not allowed, don’t fall in the river, there are lots of rocks and shallow spaces).
Is there a dump station?
Yes. Conveniently located as you exit the campground.
