hillsborough river state park

If I were to actually rate my experience, I would be going with 2 or 3 stars. I am trying to be fair and to imagine the park without the unusually high rain fall this year and assuming the bugs are usually not so bad. Would be fabulous in the dry season.The sites were great - large, level, easy to back in to. Some were flooded when we arrived and, after day 3 and a torrential downpour, even more became mud pits. I would be worried about trying to get my rig out, had I been in one of them.There are some older comfort stations that were not appealing at all. There are also new ones with larger shower stalls and doors on them (as opposed to shower curtains only). There are many hiking trails (sadly, several of them were completely swampy and the mosquitoes were intolerable, even with DEET - and we live in a place known for the horrible mosquitoes) and a paved loop that was good for easy biking.There are kayak and canoe rentals (we didn't take advantage, but I think that would have been fun).The park is close enough to towns and shopping, but far enough to feel you are in nature. One of the campground hosts had a book/magazine swap station, which is a nice plus. Sites were quickly cleaned up after campers moved on. The suspension bridge was closed, so I can't comment on that. Park staff and volunteers were friendly. There was a HUGE swimming pool. I have never seen a pool at a state park before. There was a little store and cafe at the pool with bike rentals (all sorts of different bikes - some for 4 people). This would be a great place to camp with kids.The mosquitoes and little black flies were so bad we didn't sit outside at all. Many other people were in screen tents or had electric fans pointed at them. We didn't enjoy a fire or a meal outside once in 4 days.

I went with a friend and one of his friends (both are kayak tour guides) because I needed some time paddling on the water before summer time. The number of animals we observed was quite impressive (approximately 60 gators, 2 cottonmouths, 1 river otter, several limpkins and cormorants). We had a wonderful time drifting, paddling, looking around at cypress trees several hundred of years old, dealing with obstacles like sweepers. We were very fortunate that the water level was up otherwise our experience would have been less than awesome. This visit to the church of the double-bladed paddle was worth the 3-hour drive from Naples. Would I go back? With these guys yes. Like some of the posted signs state - this river is not for the faint of heart.

I thought this park was absolutely stunning, it is one of Florida's oldest state parks so it is well developed compared to other state run facilities. So going in knowing that it is one of the oldest parks, the outdated bathroom houses were of no surprise, but they were always extremely clean so it was never an issue.There was a large pool, (closed because it was winter, however it's ironically also there busiest time of the year so you would think the pool would be open, even for the brave souls who dare enter the cold water.) They also had multiple bike rentals, a restaurant and store to purchase your basic camping goods. I unfortunately didn't use any of these options so I cannot speak on the prices/availability of goods.The camp sites themselves were quite large, however there was not a lot of privacy between spots so it felt a little cramped. You could tell people stayed at the same location at the same time every year, so it had a very neighborhood environment. But being young adults, it felt like we were in a 55+ community.We came at an extremely busy time and didn't make reservations, which I understand is silly on our part, but they only leave 5 out of 100+ that are first come first serve, so we could only stay at one site for one night and then had to move to a different spot just so we could stay the weekend, which made it a little difficult. So I recommend making reservations before you plan on staying there. It's also not a far drive from any sort of shopping you would need. And an easy drive to Bush Gardens and about an hour from Disney World.

We were in town for medical tests at one of the big clinics. Always look for a place to go and enjoy the outdoors. Reviewed Lettuce Lake Park last year. This year we went here. A must do. Beautiful well groomed trails along the river. A little rapids which are neat but in reality small compared to most rivers in other states. The other reviews covered most of the details. We would just say go out and visit. You won't be disappointed.

We camped in our trailer here for 4 nights. Even though most campsites were booked the campground didn't seem full. It was a little noisy at times. While we were there a bunch of college boys played music way too loudly. The bath house in our loop could definitely use some updating. The shower head broke and the showers were dingy. The bath house was probably the only thing we disliked about the park. We enjoyed the hiking trails but was disappointed to find the suspension bridge closed for repairs. The fort tour was an added plus. Our guide was very knowledgeable and explained things in a way our kids could understand. The pool was closed for the season, but looked like it would be a lot of fund for kids. It is shallow around all the edges and gets about 4-5 feet deep in the middle. The kids loved all the playgrounds. All the staff at the park were very friendly and helpful.

My boyfriend and I come to this park quite often with no problem. Our most recent visit was rather aggravating. We pulled up to pay and the young man at the window just looked us over and asked what our plans were for the day. We replied that we were there to do some hiking and he looked us over again and says, "Mmhmm, well, all the trails are closed." We asked why that was and he said that they weren't allowed to discuss it. We went ahead anyway and passing by the first trail saw five or six people getting ready to go walk and we parked and asked a few different people about any trails being closed. Not one person said anything about having problems with the trails. We went on our usual hike with no problem and it was a lovely day. If this park service is going to keep stereotyping people we won't be coming back to this park and will be making more complaints.

sun shining and in the eyes at times with turtles snakes and although gators are there i didnt see them from my plastic paddle boat. the return trip with sun behind me created the most gorgeous reflections on the black mirrored water my eyes have ever seen.

This is a large park just a few miles from Tampa off of US Hwy 301.The entrance road is a little narrow but paved and our site was level came with a picnic table, fire ring, electric and water. Plenty of space between the sites gave us a lot of privacy. Bath and shower facility was adequate but a little dated. Staff was helpful and gave us the gate code since we were arriving late. Interesting - Fort Foster Historic Site, a Seminole War (1837) fort is within the park but only viewable on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Rapids trail was so scenic and beautiful! There are alligators and Ibis , different species of Palm trees and foliage.

Like any other Florida state park I've visited, Hillsborough River State Park was very clean and well maintained. More than that, there are a ton of things to do, including beautiful hiking and nature trails, canoeing and kayaking downstream of Class 2 rapids, bicycle and surrey rentals, tram tours of the park and of nearby Fort Foster (used by US soldiers in the Second Seminole War), and much more. There's a large swimming pool that's open in the summer months. All rangers and park staff members were super friendly, courteous and knowledgable. Can't wait to go back!

Every time I go to Hillsborough state park I always enjoy it. The park offers beautiful scenery, different levels of walking trails from easy to intense hike. Trails are clean and well kept. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Entrance fee is $ per car. I plan on visiting again numerous time this winter/spring. Very hot and humid in summer, a lot of mosquitos.

I wanted to stay in the campground and chill for a couple days after a hectic NYE. Unfortunately, like most Florida state parks in the winter, it was full of snowbirds from up north.So I was a day visitor and thoroughly enjoyed hiking the trails with a picnic lunch in between.Lovely park, bit busy as you would expect on new years day, would have enjoyed it more if it hadn't been full of noisy kids. Nice day out in the woods

This is a well mantained and beautiful venue. Connect with nature in this vast wetland. Lots of trails, kayaling, biking, they rent all equipment from multilple seat bikes to canoes and kayaks. We had a 2yr and a 6yr old child with us, they were able to to do the canoes. Lots of fun you can actually see a couple of crocodiles in the wild. The staff was really friendly, prices are fair, parking space, casual dining, clean. Will visit again.

This park has it all. Bike trails, swimming pool, hiking along the river and elsewhere. The campground is clean, roomy and has showers.

Such a pretty place to walk. The rapids trail was simply stunning. We also saw lots of birds and a huge gator! It was easy to find parking. I noticed that they had equipment that you could rent and fire wood to by if you where camping. My friend actually booked a camping weekend for her family because of the beautiful surroundings.