North Tampa Area Parks

The Tampa area boasts record numbers of sunny days, offering ample opportunity to take advantage of the city, county and state parks that dot the area. From small parks with jogging trails, to parks with lakes and rivers, boating and canoeing, you'll find it nearby (along with a sunny day).

Instead of exercising in our fitness center, hop in your car and take a quick drive to one of many parks in the area and take a brisk walk or jog. Or, take a break with your family from the fast food and sometimes faster vacation pace and have a picnic under a pine tree next to a river or lake.

Note that the selection list is in alphabetical order and indicates the distance to the park. For those who wish to scroll the entire list, it is in order by distance from the hotel.

Trails are a mix of paved, single track, and double track trails near the Hillsborough River. Avoid area if it has rained in the past 24 hours for off road adventures. Water and restrooms are available periodically on the 10+ miles of paved sections and off-road trails are marked. Head East on paved sections to reach Morris Bridge. Head South to a wide, unshaded double track trail along a dike, leading to Trout Creek. Just North of the dam on the West there is access to the Tampa Palms paved and unpaved trail network. Bike down the hill next to the river and pass under I-75. Tampa Palms trails meander around neighborhoods and are mostly paved. These unpaved trails are very short, and are for residents and their guests only.

Activities center around the nature center and boardwalk leading to an observation tower on the Hillsborough River. Bicycle and exercise trails meander through the 240-acre park. Hours: Daily (Sunrise - Sunset)

Consists of six areas in northeast Hillsborough County offering fishing, canoeing, hiking, bicycling, boardwalks and picnicking. Hours: Daily - Sunrise - Sunset

This 3,950-acre park offers camping, picnicking, canoe rentals This man-made pool has accesibility for the handicapped. and seasonal swimming in an ADA accessible man-made swimming pool. Nature trails allow visitors to wander through hammocks of live oaks, sabal palms and hickories which border the scenic Hillsborough River. The trails are wide, however, caution should be taken when walking the trails due to the erosion and exposed roots which make the surface rough.

This 600-acre park consists of five lakes and numerous pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks. Activities include fishing, picnicking, BMX track, radio-controlled car track, and archery range. It is the site of the Bakas Equestrian Center for handicapped riders. Hours: Daily (Sunrise - Sunset)