The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is one of the largest contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County.
There are lots of different parks and areas all contained within the Preserve with all park sites managed by the Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department.
You can only camp within 2 of these areas, the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area and at Dead River Park.
Other parks and trails are located at the Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System, Flatwoods Park, and the Jefferson Equestrian Area. The Morris Bridge Park, Trout Creek Park, and John B. Sargeant Park, offer day use areas and boat/canoe launch ramps.
The multiple purposes of the LHWP are easily overlooked while enjoying the natural beauty of this suburban woodland. Here one can paddle waters of the Hillsborough River amongst wading birds, turtles, alligators, lilies and cypress swamps; explore over 60 miles of forest trails; fish from riverside boardwalks; or enjoy a relaxing picnic or cookout.
Adjoining the Wilderness Preserve is the 3,000-acre Hillsborough River State Park, which in itself is an area of beauty and tranquility known as the Seventeen Runs of the Hillsborough River. This park also has wonderful camping.
Camping
Dead River Park
· Camping fee.
· 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.
The Oak Ridge Equestrian Area has 2 different campgrounds.
The Oak Ridge Primitive Campgrounds and the Washburn Primitive Campground
· Camping free.
· Campsite available by reservation only and is required and must be displayed or available at campground
· Over 16-miles of equestrian/hiking trail for use by campers located throughout the campground.
· Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills and there are ADA portapotty and non-potable water available.
· The Oak Ridge Campground also has a pavilion
