Hillsborough River State Park, the first state park of the Florida was built by the Civilian Conservation Corporation in between 1934 and 1936 but was unlocked for the common people in 1938. Here, the park was built in 2,343 marshland acres, 1,040 highlands and waterlogged acres which in totality is 3,383 acres.

This park is certainly an abode to Fort Foster which is an imitation of unique Second Seminole war military fort that displays period artifacts. It possesses 112 campsites, lots of picnic areas, pavilions, swimming area along with gift shop, pool-side cafe & various other facilities.

This state park of Florida is open from 8 a.m. until sunset for 365 days a year. But the guided tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays only.

The Hillsborough River State Park is just a perfect place for natural lovers and can be enjoyed by bicycling, fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking etc. Here, bicyclists can take pleasure in the 1.6-mile marshland re-establishment nature track, a 2.2-mile park ring or travel through the encampment area. Kayaking and canoeing lovers can get pleasure from paddling along side Hillsborough River which runs throughout the park. The park is great for camping and visitors can bring their personal canoe or rent it from the park.

Tampa, Florida visitors can wander beside the river on the footpath or take pleasure in a hike throughout pine flat-woods, hardwood hammocks and cypress swamps. Hikers may also spot some flora and fauna such as tortoises, gopher, owls, woodpeckers, deer and bobcats etc. You can also enjoy seasonal swimming in an ADA available artificial swimming pool.

This not all, if you are a nature lover there is lot more for you. So, just pack your bag and run to the park for great joyful days with your family or friends.

Hillsborough River State Park is a popular attraction for the tourists in Tampa hotels, with activities that include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, camping, birding, and nature photography, apart from camping. Here, we will tell you how to spend a day at the camping ground at Hillsborough, one of the original state parks in Florida.

Indulge In Bicycling

Apart from the camping ground Hillsborough River State Park, Wetlands Restoration Nature Trail (1.6 mile) as well as the 2.2 mile Park Loop also provide the perfect options for you to indulge in bicycling. If you are under 16 years of age, you would have to compulsorily wear a helmet while bicycling. For more rules related to this, check out the state park website.

ftp://ftp.dep.state.fl.us/pub/parks/D4/hillsboroughriver/docs/HRSP%20Bike%20Tour.pdf

Enjoy Campfires

What better way to spend time to the camp that by indulging in campfires. In fact, it is the perfect gathering place for Friday evening campfire programs, presented by park staff. However, do keep the campfire rules in mind.

ftp://ftp.dep.state.fl.us/pub/parks/D4/hillsboroughriver/docs/HRSP%20Camfire%20Programs.pdf

Go For Canoeing & Kayaking

If you are willing to move a bit away from the camping ground at Hillsborough River State Park, do make sure to indulge in canoeing and/or kayaking and have a lot of fun.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver/Activities.cfm

Florida is known for its beautiful natural beauty, conservation of plant and animal life and wondrous state parks. The Hillsborough River State Park in Tampa, Florida is one such wonderful establishment. A number of travel deals with hotels in Tampa include visits to the Hillsborough River State Park as a part of the vacation package.

1. What is the Hillsborough River State Park?

The Hillsborough River State Park has been built in the Hillsborough County and is a well-liked state park that was founded in the year 1935. The Hillsborough River State Park has been built over an area of 3,383 acres of land. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection administers the functioning of the park. The Hillsborough River State Park falls into Category V of the IUCN which thus classifies it as a Protected Landscape/ Seascape.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsborough_River_State_Park

2. What are the activities on offer at the Hillsborough River State Park?

Visitors to the Hillsborough River State Park can choose a number of ways in which to spend their time. The activities at the park are:

- Kayaking

- Camping

- Swimming

- Bird Watching

- Nature Photography

- Fishing

- Canoeing

- Picnicking

For canoeing and cycling, interested parties can rent bicycles and canoes from the park. The canoe launch is a hand portage variety. Small motors with a horsepower of 5 are permitted on the river. Other river sports including jet skiing and tubing are not permitted.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortfoster/default.cfm

3. What are the facilities for swimming?

For those who wish to swim, the pool has been separately set up. Swimming in the river itself is not permissible. The pool can be accessed according to the seasonal temperatures. Usually, it is open during the warm season from 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening on weekdays and for an hour more on Saturday and Sunday.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/HILLsBOROUgHRIVER/FAQ.cfm

4. What are the hours and timings followed Fort Foster at the Hillsborough River State Park?

The tours at the Fort Foster at the Hillsborough River State Park are conducted at 2:00 in the afternoon on Thursday and Saturday and at 11:00 in the morning on Sunday. The Fort does not usually have any scheduled timetable and is not open for general visits. One can visit only in the case of special events and arranged tours.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver/