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Submission
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.
Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.
Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.
Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
Located 9 miles north of Tampa and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills on US Highway 301. From I-75, Southbound from Ocala take the SR 54. Exit #279 east to Hwy 301, travel South for 6 miles, and the park will be on your right-hand side. From I-75, Northbound from Tampa take the Fowler Ave. Exit #265 east to Hwy 301, travel North for 9 miles, and the park will be on your left-hand side. From I-4, West bound take Exit 10 go north on CR 579 to US 301, follow the signs and go North 7 miles the park will be on your left-hand side. From I-4, East bound take Exit 7 (be careful of the merges) and go North on US 301 for 14 miles, the park will be on your left-hand side.
It's a busy place. There's always a line to get in on the weekends. So be prepared. It's not that bad. It's very pretty. There are several walking paths by the water (busy) and through the forest. There are fishing spots available. They do not allow you in the water. There are alligators. I only saw one on this, but I know there are many more. The mosquitoes are horrible during the summer so be prepared. They have camping available. Primitive to RV. There's a swimming pool, but I've never known it to be open. Or never paid attention. There are plenty of shelters for parties. And play grounds.
Beautiful park for walking, nature observations and bridges. I enjoyed walking over the two bridges the most. Easy to navigate and up to date markings so you don’t get lost. The bathrooms were very clean. Plenty of parking.
Multiple parks: camping, reservations are made through the site, daily access by car is $6, it is beautiful and very large. There are many sessions for family time, eating, and spending quality time with the children, but unfortunately the bathroom was not clean. I will visit again.
My parents got married there 43 years ago in April. This place will forever hold a special place in my heart. Even still, it's beautiful, I've been there so many times to walk the trails and I've even kayaked through the river which I totally recommend to anyone who loves to do those things. It's absolutely awesome. You see so much more. Warning the river has Gator's all through it. They never once bothered us, as we didn't bother them, I've seen otters playing and recently my bf, my daughter and I got to see a beautiful owl perched in a tree. Can't wait to go back again.
