Map showing campground location near Zephyrhills, Florida

Camper submitted image from Upper Hillsborough Tract

Upper Hillsborough Tract

Two primitive camping sites occupy this state-managed tract near Zephyrhills, offering different access options for overnight stays. The drive-in primitive site requires a gate code provided with free reservations, while the backcountry site sits about 10-15 minutes on foot from the Chancy Road parking area. Both locations require advance permits and feature basic amenities including picnic tables and fire pits, though the primitive site includes a portable toilet.

Active train tracks run close to the camping area, with trains sounding horns throughout the night. The property borders a mobile home development and experiences road noise from nearby traffic. Fourteen miles of hiking trails provide access to the Hillsborough River, where fishing and frogging are permitted year-round with proper licensing. River crossings lack bridges, and seasonal flooding affects trail conditions. The backcountry site accommodates groups of five to six people maximum in its cleared area.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Atlantic Coast Highway Road Trip

Atlantic Coast Road Trip Segment: Savannah to Miami

Savannah to Miami: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsUpper Hillsborough Tract is located in Florida near Zephyrhills

Public Campground

Coordinates

28.22155653 N
82.07339827 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Drive Time

20 min from Lakeland, FL
43 min from Tampa, FL
53 min from Wildwood, FL

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Upper Hillsborough Tract

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

2.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

sean R.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 2, 2024

Pass on this if you want a peaceful experience

Excited to spend a few nights in some peace and quiet and was pleasantly surprised how close to Tampa this was. All to be extremely disappointed in the fact site is literally 50 feet from an active train track with trains sounding the horn all night long. Besides the road noise felt like we were next to a freeway. Not peaceful at all.

Siteupper Hillsborogh preserve primitive

Month of VisitDecember

Jeanene A.

Legend

Reviewed May. 30, 2019

Dry Season camping only

There are 2 campsites available on this tract - Primitive site is accessible by car, back country by foot only. A free reservation is required for either and must be displayed or available - so make sure you take a copy with you.

Primitive Site - When you receive permit you will also receive a code to get through locked gate. Camp is just down road. These sites are heavily used during open hunting dates on this property. Once those dates have passed it is used typically by the locals for a close by adventure. At the campground the property boundary boarders a mobile home park which you will see on the approach road. There are no amenities except a port o let on site and sparse picnic tables. Make sure you bring bug repellent and keep food locked up.

Back-country Site - Again a no cost permit is required though you will not need a gate key. closest parking area is off Chancy road. It is about a 10 - 15 min hike from parking to site (in season wild blueberries along trail are wonderful). Cleared area is compact so will not hold a group of more than 5-6. There is a picnic table and fire pit. Make sure you bring bug repellent and keep food locked up.

There are 14 miles of trails to explore and you will have on foot access to the Hillsborough River. Where trail crosses river there is no bridge. Fishing and frogging allowed throughout year. Make sure you have your license with you! Hiking between the sites is a great way to see the property. There are many different ecosystems to enjoy and property is seasonally very wet.

SiteBack Country

Month of VisitJuly

(32) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Which counties does Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area span?

Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area is located in central Florida, though specific county boundaries aren't detailed in the available information. Based on its location relatively close to Tampa, it likely falls within Hillsborough County or possibly spans into neighboring counties. For definitive county boundary information, check with the Southwest Florida Water Management District who oversees this conservation area.

How many acres is Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area?

Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area encompasses several thousand acres of protected land. The exact acreage isn't specified in current information, but it's extensive enough to contain multiple camping options including both primitive drive-in sites and more remote backcountry camping areas accessible only by foot. For the most current and precise acreage information, contact the Southwest Florida Water Management District who manages this conservation area.

What wildlife and hunting opportunities exist at Upper Hillsborough WMA?

Upper Hillsborough WMA likely offers various hunting opportunities typical of Florida wildlife management areas, though specific game species and hunting seasons aren't detailed in current information. The area's conservation status suggests it maintains habitat suitable for Florida wildlife. Visitors interested in hunting should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for information about required licenses, permitted game species, designated hunting zones, and seasonal regulations before planning a hunting trip to this management area.

Keep Exploring