Hillsborough River State Park

A historical and beautiful place to visit. It is 2900 acres of river swamps with flora and fauna native to Florida. It is located about nine miles north of Tampa and six miles south of Zephyrhills on U.S. Hwy. 301 and has great historical ties with the Seminole wars. Entrance to the park also includes entrance to the Fort Foster Interpretive Center, which contains exhibits interpreting the fort, the Seminoles, and the Seminole War.

Tours to visit the actual reconstructed Fort Foster State Historic Site, which is located just across the highway from Hillsborough River State Park, are held on weekends or can be reserved. Fort Foster, and the bridge it protected, has been reconstructed on its original location. The fort is manned by soldiers on special weekends where they carry out their duties at the fort, explain its function and give their personal views of the war and life as a soldier. Replicas of their uniforms, weapons and other equipment used during the Second Seminole War are used during these recreations.

There are five trails in the park — Baynard Trail, Wetlands Restoration Trail, River Rapids Trail (with unique Class II rapids), Florida Trail, and the Fort King Trail — where visitors can hike or bike. The Hillsborough River runs through the park providing multiple recreational opportunities, including fishing, canoeing and kayaking. If you want to cool off after your hiking or biking then this park has a huge pool that accommodates over 200 swimmers. Picnic areas and playgrounds are available for visitors and large groups can even rent enclosed pavilions or a recreation hall equipped with a kitchen.

It also has a campsite with 112 pitches, all have electricity, water a picnic table and grill. There are also restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Directions from the Interstate 4 westbound are: Take Exit 10. Travel north on CR 579 to Hwy. 301. Follow the signs and travel north seven miles. The park will be on your left.

Admission fees are around $4

More info can be found on the Perfect Florida Villas forums or The Perfect Florida Guide