About the park
John B. Sargeant Sr. Conservation Park is part of the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve and is best known for boating access to the Hillsborough River. Downriver, the Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail winds through a jungle of hardwood trees, lilies, and wading birds and is popular for both new and experienced paddlers. Upstream, the river widens to flow through the broad hardwood swamp known as the Seventeen Runs.
The site was formerly known as Flint Creek Park and was renamed in 1989 in memory of John B. Sargeant, Sr., who served as a member of the Hillsborough River Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Park activities and features include a small boat ramp, picnicking, boardwalk, and fishing.
The Old Fort King Trail
Once a historic road built for travel between Fort Brooke in Tampa and Fort King in Ocala, it's believed that the original road was built over old indigenous trails and is believed to also be used by Hernando DeSoto in the 1540's. In 1835, Seminole warriors ambushed Major Francis Dade's detachment as they marched for Fort King to enforce a controversial treaty to remove the Seminole from their lands. "Dade's Battle" ignited the Second Seminole War.
Nearby, Fort Foster was established in 1836 to safeguard the bridge that carried Fort King Road across the Hillsborough River. Remnants of that road can be seen at the Fort Foster historic site in Hillsborough River State Park.
The Old Fort King Trail runs where the original road once was, taking hikers and equestrians on a 6.7 mile trail from John B Sargeant Sr. Conservation Park, through Dead River Conservation Park, and into Hillsborough River State Park. Sections of this trail are paved, but much of it is dirt trail and can be seasonally wet and muddy. The trail is "out and back," so hikers not being picked up from the end of the trail should prepare for a full 13.3 mile hike.
Resources
Canoeing and kayaking
Canoes and kayaks can be rented on site by visiting the park office
Rentals and Fees
- Canoe and kayak rentals are available 7 days a week from 8 AM until 1 PM
- Local rental (one park) for up to four hours: $25
- See other conservation parks where you can rent a canoe or kayak. (See other locations)
Park rules to know
- Swimming is not permitted
- Dogs must be on a 6-foot hand-held leash
- Alcohol / intoxicated people are not permitted in the parks
- Florida law requires bicyclists under the age of 16 to wear helmets
- See more rules and expectations
Annual park passes and boat ramp passes
Use of the boat ramp requires a $5 launch fee. Annual boat ramp passes are available for use of all Hillsborough County boat ramps.
For more information about all of our passes and to find eligibility requirements for free and discounted passes, visit our Conservation Parks and Boat Launch Passes page.
