Hillsborough River State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Set adjacent to a wilderness preserve just 30 miles from Tampa and eight miles from Zephyrhills, Hillsborough River State Park is a quiet, peaceful escape from busy city life in Florida. From the moment you pull into your campsite, you’ll feel the difference thanks to rich green forests that grow right up to the rushing river and the call of birds that rings through the trees. This is one of the only places in Florida where you can kayak over rapids and explore a historic military fort in one day. With the park’s trail network and expansive swimming pool, your next adventure is just a short walk from your RV site. Come any time because Florida offers gorgeous weather every month of the year.
Spring 55-85 F
Summer 75-90 F
Fall 60-85 F
Winter 50-75 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Hillsborough River State Park
Stay cool during your trip to Hillsborough River State Park by bringing your RV. You’ll love having a clean, dry place to relax after long days in the sunshine or during one of Florida’s legendary rainstorms. If you haven’t found your own RV yet, why not try out a new model with an RVshare rental? Choose from a range of options for all budgets and travel needs.
Hillsborough River State Park Campground
The Hillsborough River State Park Campground offers 112 sites, each with its own water supply, picnic table, and fire ring. Bring RVs up to 50 feet. There’s a dump station nearby as well as hot showers, bathrooms, and a laundry room. Feel free to bring your four-legged friends as long as they’re on a leash or in the RV the entire time. This is an extremely popular campground, so it’s a good idea to make reservations as far in advance as possible. Expect to pay a reservation fee on top of the per-night charge of $24 per site.
River Palm RV Resort
Located just a mile from the park entrance, the River Palm RV Resort offers convenient access to all of the activities. Plus, you’ll get to come home each evening to a site with full hookups and plenty of room for big rigs. The heated pool, clubhouse, and kitchen make your stay even more relaxing. This campground is open to people 55 and older. Rates start at $50 per night.
Spanish Main MH & RV Resort
Spanish Main MH & RV Resort is another place to find full hookups, without the age restrictions. In fact, this is a fantastic spot for families. The park offers a heated pool, two fishing ponds, basketball courts, a playground, and more. Every week, the staff hosts group events like ice cream socials and special performances. The 270 RV sites offer ample shade and room for rigs up to 45 feet long. Cable TV and Wi-Fi are also available.
What to Do at
Hillsborough River State Park
Inside Hillsborough River State Park
The most popular activities at Hillsborough River State Park involve the river itself; many people rent canoes or kayaks from the park and spend a few hours paddling. With its Class II rapids, the river offers plenty of family-friendly excitement. You can also fish for catfish and bass right from the banks. On hot days, head down to the park’s large swimming pool for a refreshing dip. Bring your hiking boots or mountain bike to explore over seven miles of trails. For history buffs, the park offers a replica of Fort Foster, a spot where soldiers lived and fought during the Second Seminole War.
How to Get to
Hillsborough River State Park
Hillsborough River State Park is located right off of Highway 301. Take this road north from Tampa or south from Zephyrhills for an easy and lovely drive.
By Car
Entering Hillsborough River State Park
Every day of the year, Hillsborough River State Park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sundown for day-use activities. Campers have access to park facilities 24/7.
Hillsborough River State Park Per vehicle (single occupant) : $4.0
Hillsborough River State Park Per vehicle (up to eight people) : $6.0
Hillsborough River State Park Extra passenger : $2.0
With its wild river scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventure, Hillsborough River State Park makes a fun weekend getaway. Its large developed campground is also a great spot for a longer vacation. No matter what type of vacation you’re planning, the RVshare crew is curious to find out what you think of the park. If you want to share your photos, tag RVshare on social media or attach them to an email and send it to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillsborough River State Park
The climate of Hillsborough River State Park is warm and humid. The average temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The park experiences a lot of rainfall, so it's vital to pack appropriate clothing and gear if you're planning on visiting.
The best time to visit Hillsborough River State Park is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the park experiences less rainfall and fewer crowds. However, it's still beautiful during the wet season.
You must reserve a camping spot at Hillsborough River State Park. The cost is $6 per night for a campsite with water and electricity hookups or $4 per night for a primitive campsite. There are also group camping rates available.
Pets are allowed at Hillsborough River State Park, but they must be kept on a leash. Additionally, there are certain areas of the park where pets aren't allowed, such as the swimming area and playground.
Some wildlife to spot includes snakes, turtles, and a variety of birds. The park is also home to deer, bobcats, and otters. The wet season is the best time to see alligators as they're more active in the warm weather.