What is there to do?
Have a hard time finding out where you can do what activities in Hillsborough County? Never fear. While there are a lot of ways to recreate, we've created this guide to help get you started.
Additional fees may apply depending on the activity or site; for instance entry to a Conservation Park is $2/vehicle, launching a motorized boat at a boat launch is $5, and renting a kayak is $25. If you want to save some money on entry fees, you might consider purchasing an Annual Pass.
Lastly, take a few seconds and check the page of the park or preserve you plan to go to before heading out - trail closures, construction, or other things that may impede your recreation will be noted.
The easiest way to begin outdoor recreation is to just get outside and start walking - and there are plenty of places to hike in Hillsborough County. You can join the Hiking Spree between November and March to get rewarded for your hikes, or you can hike all year long at any of our parks and preserves.
Best known for biking, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail might seem an unlikely member of the Conservation Parks, but the popular trail is great for biking. There are six trailheads where you can start from and travel for miles - even meeting up with the Suncoast trail at its end in Odessa.
Balm Boyette Nature Preserve (South) is for the more rugged biker who is looking to bike off the paved paths. This preserve has over 25 miles of biking trails of various skill levels, made for novice and expert riders.
The "Wilderness Parks" offer several locations perfect for biking; Flatwoods and Morris Bridge stand out, but be sure to check out Trout Creek, and Dead River too!
While many parks and preserves feature natural water and wetlands, swimming is not available at many parks. Despite some preserves having "beach" in their names, they are not open for swimming.
Swimming is best done at these two parks:
Lithia Springs is perfect for a 72 degree dip in a spring on a hot day. The springs can get pretty busy, so plan your day early or check their website for availability. There is a $2 swimming fee.
The beach at EG Simmons is perfect for those who want a saltwater beach day, volleyball, and a view of St Pete across the bay.
While swimming isn't abundant, fishing is. Freshwater fishing, brackish, and saltwater fishing are available in several parks and preserves. Check out Edward Medard for freshwater fishing on a 700 acre reservoir, EG Simmons to launch your boat into Tampa Bay for saltwater fishing, or Upper Tampa Bay Park for some relaxing bracking water fishing on the creek or in Old Tampa Bay.
Want to hike out into the woods and primitive camp, or do you want to park the RV and fire up the grill? You can do both in Hillsborough County!
Amenities Camping can be done at Edward Medard, EG Simmons, and Lithia Springs. Sites are first-come-first served and range between $12 and $24 per night.
Primitive Camping can be done at Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve or Alderman's Ford Conservation Park. Reservations MUST be made in advance to primitive camp by using the online registration system for Alafia River or calling Alderman's Ford park directly at (813) 757-3801.
Involved in the Scouts or another youth organization? We offer youth group camping as well.
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Bring your own or rent one of ours, canoes and kayaks are some of the best ways to see our parks and preserves. You can rent canoes or kayaks at Edward Medard, EG Simmons, Lake Park, John B Sargeant*, Lettuce Lake, and Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Parks. (*limited hours)
Have your own kayak? You can launch at all of the above locations, and also these other sites: Alderman's Ford, Lake Rogers, Lithia Springs, Morris Bridge, and Trout Creek Conservation parks and Camp Bayou and Cockroach Bay Nature Preserves.
While we don't rent out horses or lead trail rides, equestrians are welcome to bring their own horses to explore around 100 miles of equestrian trails in Hillsborough County. Some favorites are Northwest Equestrian Park, Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve, Edward Medard Conservation Park, Sydney Dover Trails, and Lake Frances Nature Preserve.
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Our parks and preserves are also great for picnicking, playgrounds, celebrating a birthday, bird watching, and more! If you have any specific questions about what activities you can do, and where you can do them, feel free to reach out to CELMoutreach@hcfl.gov
