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Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Park
Dead River Park
(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Park for more
information.)
Size
21 acres
About the Property
Situated at the confluence of Dead River and
Hillsborough River, this park is a pleasant place to
unwind. Nature lovers appreciate a scenic twomile
trail alongside the Hillsborough River.
Access and Parking
• Located about 9 miles northeast of I-75. From I-
75 exit at Fowler Avenue, travel east for 1.5 miles.
Turn left onto US 301, heading north. Drive
about 8 miles and look for Dead River Road on
left. Follow this road 0.75 miles to a gate. If open,
drive to parking lot at end of road — about 2
miles.
• Free admission, but donations to “iron ranger”
appreciated. All donations go toward park
improvements.
• Visitors may drive scenic entrance road to main
parking area during normal operating hours on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• ADA access and facilities available.
Hours of Operation
Daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for bicycle and
pedestrian access. Vehicle access allowed on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Restrooms and Water
Restroom, water fountain and telephone located
by picnic area.
Pets
Must be on leash no more than 6 feet in length.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
• 2-mile unpaved, elevated single-lane road.
• Bicycles allowed on river trail.
• Always yield to foot travelers.
• Do not skid.
• Always wear helmet. Florida law requires
bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
Bird Watching
• Site 104 on western section of Great Florida
Birding Trail.
• Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) for more information.
Camping
• Primitive campsite available to youth groups by
reservation only. Minimum of 6 and maximum
of 30 campers allowed. Groups must have their
own insurance.
• A 0.25-mile hiking trail for use by campers
located adjacent to campground.
• Bathhouse and picnic facilities provided.
Fishing
• Available on Hillsborough River.
• Information regarding license requirements may
be obtained from FWC.
Hiking
• 2-mile entrance road
• 2-mile natural surface river trail
Paddling
• Canoe launch is a short portage from parking
area.
• Canoe landing upstream 1 mile at old Reagan
home site.
• Hillsborough River State Park located further
upstream.
• Downstream is Seventeen Runs, a primevalfeeling
swamp. This portion of Hillsborough
River State Canoe Trail is designated as a
primitive trail. Experienced paddlers only.
Deadfall obstacles are frequent, dry ground for
rest breaks is hard to find and the many forking
channels can easily disorient. Pay close attention
to flow of river and look for trail markers.
Picnic Facilities
• Picnic tables located a short walk from parking
area.
• Disabled individuals may contact park in
advance for special vehicle access.
For More Information
• Hillsborough County’s Dead River Wilderness
Park, (813) 987-6210
• Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and
Conservation Department, (813) 975-2160.
• Hillsborough River Canoe Trail maps available
from Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, Office of Greenways & Trails, 1-877-
822-5208 (toll-free) or (850) 245-2052.
Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands
70