Q: Are flotation devices allowed?

No flotation devices in the deep end Arm floaties/life vests are allowed in all parts of the spring Round rings and blow up toys are allowed in the shallow areas

Question 1

Do I need a fishing license?

Accepted Answer

You must possess a valid Florida Fishing license to fish in all Hillsborough County parks and nature preserves
Additional regulations apply to Fish Management Areas, such as Edward Medard Reservoir

Get a Fishing License

Question 2

Are there any age restrictions for operating a motorized boat?

Accepted Answer

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Question 3

Does my boat need to be registered?

Accepted Answer

All vessels with gas powered or electric motors must be registered with the State.

Learn more about boating regulations.

Question 4

What are the rules and regulations for camping?

Accepted Answer

Check out the Camping FAQs in our Camping section.

These cover:

Length of stay
Maximum levels for people, tents, and RV's
Hours and registration
Prohibited activities
Alcohol consumption and possession
General camping rules

Question 5

Do any County operated parks have swimming?

Accepted Answer

Lithia Springs Conservation Park has a natural spring which flows year-round, cool, clean water into the Alafia River. The spring provides an excellent swimming experience all year long.

Question 6

Is there a fee to swim at Lithia Springs?

Accepted Answer

$2 per person fee, in addition to the fee to enter the park, including campers
- Purchase a wristband at the main office for anyone wishing to swim
- You must have a wristband to go through the swimming area entry gate
A responsible adult over the age of 18 must supervise children in your group who are under 12 years old and must purchase a wristband, even if they are not swimming

Question 7

Are food and drinks allowed in the swimming area?

Accepted Answer

No food and/or coolers in the swimming area
Drinks are acceptable in a non-disposable container (Yeti Cups, Tumblers, Thermos, etc.)

Question 8

Are flotation devices allowed?

Accepted Answer

No flotation devices in the deep end
- Arm floaties/life vests are allowed in all parts of the spring
Round rings and blow up toys are allowed in the shallow areas

Question 9

Are there any other items not allowed in the swimming area?

Accepted Answer

No bluetooth speakers
No hammocks or anything attached to trees or fence within the swimming area

Question 10

What should I bring with me?

Accepted Answer

The correct trail map for your destination
A compass or GPS
Plenty of drinking water
Wear appropriate shoes and sun protection

Question 11

What is the difference between a conservation park and a nature preserve?

Accepted Answer

Conservation parks usually have bathrooms, manicured pathways, picnic areas, playgrounds, and on-site staff. Some parks also have boat launches, canoe and kayak rentals, and campgrounds with amenities such as potable water, electric and showers.

Nature preserves have minimal development because they are intended to protect wildlife and their habitats. You should expect to find unpaved parking lots, interpretive kiosks, and primitive trails. Importantly, most nature preserves lack water or bathroom facilities, so please plan ahead.

Question 12

What are fire lanes?

Accepted Answer

In addition to marked trails for public use, our conservation parks and nature preserves also have unmarked fire lanes. Why? Because fire plays a natural and essential role in maintaining Florida’s native habitats.

Public trails are marked with blazes and numbers corresponding with the trail map. Fire lanes and other management roads are not marked.

Please make sure to bring a trail map and pay attention to where you’re going. You can even download a georeferenced PDF that is compatible with smartphone tracking apps.

Question 13

What are trail maps?

Accepted Answer

Trail maps are provided to help you find your way around our sites.

Map backgrounds are aerial images, which allow you to interpret natural features such as water bodies, forests and fields.

Trail colors and numbers indicated on the map match those found on marked trails.

Each map includes a compass rose for orientation, a scale bar for estimating distance, and a legend to identify amenities such as the parking lot, preserve or park entrance, kiosk, shelters, restrooms, picnic tables and trails.

Question 14

What safety guidelines should I follow when hiking in nature preserves?

Accepted Answer

Bring plenty of water
Download the map
Tell someone your plan
Wear proper shoes and sun protection
Stay on marked trails
Be aware that during the rainy season, many trails will have standing water
If you think you are lost, call us at (813) 672-7876
In case of an emergency, call 911

Question 15

What are the rules for horseback riding in County parks and preserves?

Accepted Answer

Riders may be required to show documentation that their horse has a current negative Coggins test
Only ride in areas designated for horseback riding
- See horseback riding locations
All riders 15 and under are required to wear a helmet

Question 16

How can I rent a shelter?

Accepted Answer

Visit our shelter and meeting room rental page for how to, fees, and things to consider, as well as links you will need to reserve a shelter or meeting room.

Question 17

Can I have a bounce house by the shelter for my event?

Accepted Answer

You must use an approved vendor that has met Hillsborough County's insurance requirements
View the list of approved bounce house vendor

Question 18

Can I put up decorations?

Accepted Answer

You can decorate, however there are restrictions. Prohibited items include:

Staples, nails, pushpins, tacks or paint
Metallic decoration sprinkles, glitter, confetti, rice, and birdseed
Candles

You must removes all decorations and dispose of them properly.

Under no circumstances can you nail, pin, or staple anything to any tree, park sign, facility, and/or along the roadways.

Question 19

Can I play music?

Accepted Answer

To provide a positive experience for all park visitors we do not allow amplified music or speakers. (i.e. other visitors should not be able to hear your music)

Question 20

What are the rules for grills?

Accepted Answer

Hot coals must be extinguished prior to leaving
Do not place coals in trash cans
Fires are only permitted within the provided grills
Ground fires are strictly prohibited
Personal propane, electric grills, and use of canned-heat (sternos) are permitted

Question 21

How long do I have the shelter and what are the clean-up rules?

Accepted Answer

You must leave the shelter one hour before the park closes
Bag and dispose of all trash in the receptacles provided
If there is excess trash that doesn't fit in the cans, It is your responsibility to remove and dispose of it offsite

Rules & Expectations

Conservation parks and nature preserves rules to know before you go

General rules that apply to all Hillsborough County conservation parks and nature preserves

Before you go

FAQs

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