Lakes and Rivers Kayaking

Hillsborough River State Park

Class II rapids - genuinely rare in Florida - viewed from a suspension footbridge, plus canoe rentals in a CCC-built park near Tampa.

Ages 5–18+
Cost Paid
Duration ~4h
Difficulty Easy
Setting On the water

Florida does not really do rapids, which is why the small run of Class II water on the Hillsborough draws people from across the state. You can watch it from a suspension footbridge without getting in a boat. Canoe and kayak rentals run a calmer stretch upstream through cypress and oak, with alligators and turtles as standard. The park is one of Florida’s original Civilian Conservation Corps builds from the 1930s and the stonework shows it. Do not come here to swim: the park’s pool has been closed since 2022 and there are no current plans to reopen it, and the river itself is not a swimming river. Parts of the trail network, including a section of the Rapids Trail, have also been closed - ring the park before building a day around any one of them. The shaded campground is good.

Pricing

$6 per vehicle; canoe, kayak and bike rentals extra, roughly $20-35 an hour (verify)

Common Questions

How much does Hillsborough River State Park cost?
Hillsborough River State Park charges admission. $6 per vehicle; canoe, kayak and bike rentals extra, roughly $20-35 an hour (verify)
What ages is Hillsborough River State Park good for?
Hillsborough River State Park is best for kids ages 5 to 18+.
Is Hillsborough River State Park stroller friendly?
No, Hillsborough River State Park is not considered stroller friendly.
Can I bring my dog to Hillsborough River State Park?
No, dogs are not allowed at Hillsborough River State Park.
How hard is Hillsborough River State Park?
The difficulty level is easy. Plan for about 4 hours.
Is Hillsborough River State Park free?
No, there is a cost to visit Hillsborough River State Park. $6 per vehicle; canoe, kayak and bike rentals extra, roughly $20-35 an hour (verify)
What should I bring to Hillsborough River State Park?
Water shoes, bug spray, water. There is nowhere to swim here.
How long does Hillsborough River State Park take?
Most families spend about 4 hours at Hillsborough River State Park.
When is the best time to visit Hillsborough River State Park?
Winter and spring for comfortable paddling. Rapids need decent water levels.
#kayaking #camping #hiking #ccc #family #state-park
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Guides for This Trip

  • First-Time Family Camping Checklist — Four items cover 80% of what 41 family campgrounds actually ask you to bring - and one of them is a swimsuit. The checklist, sorted by campsite type.
  • What to Pack for a Day Hike with Kids — We read the packing notes on 103 family hiking trails. Water beats everything, boots barely show up, and a swimsuit earns its spot way more often.