How to prepare for a visit to Conservation Parks and Nature Preserves

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Know before you go! 
Do you know the difference between a Conservation Park and a Nature Preserve? On Hillsborough County-managed lands, the distinction is very important to note before you begin your adventures! Some similarities the two share:
  • Dogs must always be leashed on any Hillsborough County property. Wildlife, other hikers' dogs, and dog-shy visitors may not enjoy your pet's enthusiastic greetings as much as others.
  • All Rules and Expectations must be followed while visiting.
  • Each site has its own web page where you can find any information needed prior to your visit.
  • Hillsborough County provides monthly educational programming such as night hikes and guided paddles. Subscribe to the Trailblazer Newsletter to discover your next guided adventure!
Conservation Parks: Find a Conservation Park
Conservation Parks are perfect for a family outing. Between primitive camping, paved trails, kayaking, fishing, nature centers, playgrounds, pavilions, and so much more, there's something for everyone! At Conservation Parks, you'll discover knowledgeable Park Rangers working hard to maintain the many amenities provided to visitors. While our Parks are focused on conservation, many of these sites - not all - have a history of being disturbed by mining activities in the past. Since sections of these lands are considered "disturbed" and no longer native Florida habitat, structures such as restrooms, pavilions, and playgrounds were constructed where sensitive areas will not be harmed.

Know before you go
  • Make sure you have your $2 ready! Conservation Parks require a $2 fee for entry per vehicle, up to 8 passengers. If you're a frequent visitor, annual passes are available here.
  • If you have any questions about your visit, check the Park’s web site or ask a ranger at the station.
  • Amenity Camping is available at several of our Conservation Parks. Make sure you get there when they open – camp sites are first come, first served. RV sites are also available.
  • Pavilions are open, but some might be reserved. Be sure to check at the ranger station before you head in!
  • Conservation Parks hours vary with the season. Check out the hours before making the drive!
  • Each Park has an individual web page and is your best resource for information – closures, rules, and amenities may vary with each park and are listed on each Park's web page.

Nature Preserves: Find a Nature Preserve
Since Nature Preserves are conserved for the purpose of protecting Florida native habitat, these sites are primarily managed for minimal impact to the land. You won't find restrooms or playgrounds at these sites - they are "nature-centered". Nature Preserves are managed with habitat preservation as a priority, and sustainable recreation such as hiking trails are provided so visitors may enjoy the fruits of our conservation efforts. What you will find is a parking area, hiking trails, and acres upon acres of wild Florida habitat. Nature Preserves provide an immersive experience that will leave you hooked on hiking and ready for more adventure!

Know before you go
  • The first thing you'll notice is there is no ranger station at these sites. Hard-working Land Managers perform tasks like prescribed burns, mowing the extensive trails, and treating invasive species each day throughout the week. 
  • There are no restrooms at Nature Preserves - if you find yourself needing one, be sure to pack out everything you pack into the site.
  • Make sure you bring enough water for your hike, especially in the summer time.
  • Pack in, pack out goes for everything! Some preserves have garbage cans in the parking area, but we recommend bringing a trash bag for anything you need to pack out. 
  • Make sure your dog is leashed at all times – preserves have all sorts of wildlife, even if you don’t see it. Snakes can be hiding in the grass your dog wants to check out! 
  • Download the trail map to your cell phone prior to your hike or use a mapping app such as Avenza - all of our maps are georeferenced and available on this app.
  • Seasonally wet trails are always to be expected when hiking in Florida. Be sure to check each Preserve's web page prior to your hike.
Happy Hiking!

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