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Hillsborough River State Park

Park

Just northeast of Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park features river paddling, hiking, a boardwalk across cypress swamp and short Class II rapids on the Hillsborough River.

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In this guide

Hillsborough River State Park essentials

Address: 15402 US‑301 N, Thonotosassa, FL 33592, USA
Website: floridastateparks.org
Hours: Park open daily sunrise-sunset; facilities hours vary
Admission: Park entrance free; certain facilities and activities may have fees (e.g., guided programs)
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About Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park is a Florida state park protecting a stretch of the Hillsborough River and surrounding upland habitats near the Tampa metropolitan area. It preserves riparian forest, river corridor and recreational facilities.

The area was set aside to protect the river corridor and to provide public recreation; park development over time added trails, boat access and visitor facilities to support outdoor use.

The park sits northeast of the city of Tampa along the Hillsborough River within Hillsborough County in west-central Florida.

  • Activities: Park amenities focus on river-based recreation with marked trails and facilities for paddling and picnics along the Hillsborough River.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Hillsborough River State Park

December through April offers the most comfortable conditions for hiking and paddling; summer is hot and stormy but full of life along the river.

Winter-Spring
December-April · 15-25°C
Dry, comfortable weather and lower humidity; best for hiking and paddling.
Summer
May-September · 25-33°C
Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms; waterways are lush and full.

Weather & Climate near Hillsborough River State Park

Climate

Hillsborough River State Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1291 mm/year), wettest in August.

Air Quality: AQI 32 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 9° - 22° 15° 70 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
February - 10° - 23° 16° 82 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
March - 13° - 25° 19° 92 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
April - 15° - 28° 21° 49 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
May - 18° - 31° 25° 93 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
June - 21° - 32° 27° 174 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
July - 22° - 33° 28° 186 mm - - 2.3 m/s - -
August - 22° - 33° 28° 205 mm - - 2.3 m/s - -
September - 22° - 32° 27° 160 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
October - 18° - 29° 23° 62 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
November - 14° - 26° 20° 54 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
December - 10° - 23° 17° 64 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park is about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Tampa, accessible via US‑301. From Tampa, take US‑92/US‑301 towards Thonotosassa; the park’s address is listed for GPS. The park has parking and picnic facilities and is managed by Florida State Parks.

Tips for Visiting Hillsborough River State Park

  • Paddle the Hillsborough River early in the morning for wildlife sightings - otters and wading birds are most active.
  • Use the nature center's interpretive maps to choose among the easy boardwalks and longer paddling routes.
  • Visit in spring for wildflowers and migratory bird activity.