Hillsborough River State Park Campground

Star4.57
582 reviews
15402 U.S. 301 North, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Quick Facts

72 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

112 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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Hillsborough River State Park Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$6 per vehicle (day-use fee). Group primitive camping fees: youth (up to 18) $1 per person, per night; adult $5 per person, per night. Specific...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Florida State Parks
Provider
813-688-9500
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 582 reviews

577 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showersshadehikingwater

Some mention

noisesmall

"Overall reviews are generally positive: visitors praise the park's shady, wooded campsites, clean bathhouses, helpful staff, proximity to downtown Tampa, good hiking/biking trails, canoe/kayak access and unique Class II rapids. Glamping receives strong positive feedback. Common negative points include muddy or flood-prone sites, occasional maintenance or cleanliness issues in restrooms, site crowding or limited privacy at some sites, and amenity or trail closures."

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Campground Map

15402 U.S. 301 North, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Hillsborough River State Park Campground

15402 U.S. 301 North, Thonotosassa, FL 33592


Best Time to Camp at Hillsborough River State Park Campground

The park welcomes visitors year-round from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Florida's mild winters make this a perfect cold-weather camping destination, while spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and paddling. Summer brings warm days perfect for splashing in the river, though afternoon thunderstorms are common—plan morning adventures and enjoy the dramatic skies from under your pavilion.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5
Above Average

Shade mitigates heat but Florida summers are hot/humid with storms; wet areas noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 6% in FL

Cooler, drier fall is ideal for hiking and paddling; park features support enjoyment.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 13% in FL

Temperate spring weather and active river/trail offerings make spring excellent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in FL

Mild Florida winters make this a very pleasant season for visits.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; park hours 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

About Hillsborough River State Park Campground

Escape to a lush riverside retreat just minutes from Tampa's urban buzz. Hillsborough River State Park welcomes you with 112 spacious campsites nestled among towering trees, most equipped with water and electric hookups, plus picnic tables and fire rings for those perfect campfire evenings. Adventure awaits with Florida's rare Class II rapids, seven miles of winding trails, and historic 1930s pavilions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Offers tent and RV camping with electric on most of the 112 sites, plus Timberline Glamping and group primitive camping for organized groups (up to 60 people).
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Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of day-use and overnight activities centered on the Hillsborough River and wooded trails, including paddling over rare Class II rapids, multi-use nature trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
HikingAbout seven miles of nature trails including the Wetlands Trail and park loop; some trails (Baynard, Seminole, portion of Rapids Trail) may be closed at times per park notices.
FishingPark is a popular location for fishing the Hillsborough River; commonly seen species include bass, bream and catfish. A fishing license may be required.
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRiver wildlife (including alligators) and typical insect issues reported; some campsites can flood during heavy rain. Park notes that certain areas and amenities may be closed — visitors should adhere to posted signage and avoid closed areas.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Hillsborough River State Park Campground

Reviews

4.6
582 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Hillsborough River State Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall reviews are generally positive: visitors praise the park's shady, wooded campsites, clean bathhouses, helpful staff, proximity to downtown Tampa, good hiking/biking trails, canoe/kayak access and unique Class II rapids. Glamping receives strong positive feedback. Common negative points include muddy or flood-prone sites, occasional maintenance or cleanliness issues in restrooms, site crowding or limited privacy at some sites, and amenity or trail closures.
Review Summaries
Based on 582 reviews

What Campers Love

Shaded, roomy campsites with water and electric hookups on most sites; hot showers and laundry; convenient canoe/kayak launch and rentals; excellent hiking and biking trails; family-friendly programs...
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Based on 582 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect protection and expect muddy conditions after rains; choose sites away from wastewater-treatment area (reviews suggest avoiding sites in the 82–100 range); reserve up to 11 months in...
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Based on 582 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Glamping is the way to go.” — “Rangers were extremely helpful.” — “Lots of hiking, biking, kayaking and great campsites.”
Based on 582 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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