There's a fee to enter the park, but it's worth it to take a few trails and spend a lot of time outdoors. The trails are easy to navigate and are good for people of all levels. The nature center has a bathroom and a bit of information, but all the displays were empty, including the outdoor one that allegedly used to have a tortoise. There are canoes to rent if you're into that. Overall, it was a nice, uncrowded park to spend some time outdoors. read more

Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Tampa, Florida

We visited this park as part of the 2020-2021 Hillsborough Hiking Spree. I was very impressed by it. We arrived and parked in the parking lot nearest the nature center. The center is currently closed due to Covid but the bathrooms are open. From what I could tell, on our mad dash to the bathroom and distance viewing, the displays are informative and well done. I'd love to return when it is safe to and take a look. The park has three trails that are part of the spree. We hiked the Bobcat Trail since it includes the boardwalk. The trail travels for about a half mile through trees and over dusty shells. Then it connects to the boardwalk. This was by far the best part. We walked along the beautiful, tree lined water, getting up close and personal with a bunch of small black crabs. We scanned the water for manatees but were not lucky to find any. The trail ends back at the nature center. We climbed the back steps to the top level and caught a great view of the river and the distant city. After the hike we hit up the playground for a few minutes. This is always my kids' favorite part. We also stopped off at the butterfly garden which was pretty active on this day. The park was in great shape, the bathrooms were clean, there were lots of people around doing various park things. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, nature hunting and playing on the playground are just some of the things available at your fingertips here. So glad we visited! Can't wait to return to check out the other trails. read more

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Very fun and exciting place to bring the kids! We all had a blast! We rented a canoe $25 for 4 hours. Needless to say me and the kids were pooped after about 1.5 hours. (Guess who had to do all the rowing lol) We saw a lot of wildlife including a lot of jumping fish and many birds. We were told it's a cool place to see manatees and gators but this visit we didn't see any. But we definitely plan on coming back! If you haven't been I'd highly recommend it! The staff were all amazingly nice! read more

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Came with the puppy to explore the trails. It was not hard getting here and I think I've just discovered our new favorite trails in the area. It was so quiet and peaceful out here. And not crowded at all on a Saturday morning. We did the three trails - bobcat, otter and eagle. I was using the AllTrails app to navigate all three as it's not well marked as to where each one is until you're right at the sign. Overall it was about a 2.6 mile hike for us. We started on the otter trail when we should have started on bobcat for a more fluid walk. We had to backtrack a lot to find our way. And the eagle trail kinda dead ends so you gotta go back the way you came. It did get a little busier as we were finishing up around noontime. Everyone we met along the way was friendly - humans and dogs. Saw families playing in fields and people fishing from the dock. No mosquitoes except on the bobcat trail. Can't say how it will be though when the weather is hotter. Huge and beautiful park. We will definitely be back to this one. read more

I was hesitant to review this park because it's a best kept secret. The UTBR Park is nestled on the Tampa-Oldsmar line and borders Old Tampa Bay. The entrance is at the end of Double Branch off West Hillsborough. It is a dead end street so the park entrance is hard to miss. Like other Upper Bay parks this also costs a couple of dollars per car for the day. Unlike neighboring parks the trails at this location are not meant for bicycling. The woodland paths were designed for hiking and discovering nature with some areas designated for picnicking. Most of the trails take 10-30 minutes to venture through but you can combine a few of them to make for a long nature hike. I don't encourage wandering through the paths alone or without someone experienced. There are a few dead ends and extensions to even longer trails. Use what little signage they have to stay on track. What I love about this park is the sense of escape from city life. The beautifully maintained trails take you on a scenic and peaceful journey, occasionally overlooking the water. With a mix of both sun and shade plus balmy gulf breezes, I always leave feeling refreshed. The Nature Center provides an air-conditioned escape with small museum-esque displays. This is also where you pay to rent the kayaks and canoes. Boat rentals are $25 for 4 hours, including life vests. Depending on the current the Courtney Campell Causeway is easy to paddle towards. The park tends to be more crowded during the summer, especially at the playground and rented pavilion areas. I always stumble upon large groups grilling, listening to music and playing volleyball. There are multiple restrooms and water fountains throughout the property as well. There is a little something for everyone at this hidden gem! read more

Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park - Otter Trail - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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We went here this past weekend to paddle-board. $2 entry fee per car. We were the first ones in the park, and the ranger (?) was very helpful and informative. Parking isn't very far from the launch. There is also a kayak/board wash station. Other amenities include water fountain, restrooms, and a really nice education center complete with local mini habitats. For those kayaking or paddling, there are laminated maps inside the education center to borrow. It's important to note that there are two trails, and the one you start on from here goes signs 1-4 and then the next sign on the paddling trail will be 9. This is because 4-8 is from the other trail that meets up with this one. Newbie paddlers can go just up to sign 4 and turn back around. We went all the way out to where it opens up to the Bay. It was easy. What wasn't easy was paddling back against that current!! So be aware of that. read more

We met a ranger outside of Nature Center to rent a canoe. The Nature Center was closed due to pandemic but the restroom was open. They provided map, paddles and life vests. The rangers were so helpful and friendly. It was such a gorgeous November weather to be outdoor! We paddled along the mangrove and saw birds and other nature creatures. People were fishing from their boats or walking on beach. About 45 minutes later, we reached the open water and saw Campbell causeway bridge then we turned back. This is a very nice park, well maintained and pet friendly. I really enjoyed our visit. read more

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Beautifully maintained, well kept and well appointed, this park was a surprise. I love finding out that I can rent a canoe here and spend a few hours out on the bay! The learning center here is great! It's a useful and necessary way to learn about our local eco system. If you've not had the chance, come and visit the Upper Tampa Bay regional park. read more

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I had no idea that this park was here even though I have drove past it many, many times. I kept seeing friends checked in here. Then, one of my friends asked me to go kayaking here. I was definitely in. This was actually my first kayaking experience. It was amazing and will not be my last! You can rent kayaks for $25/each. There is a cool little museum / aquarium inside to look at and cool down in. Luckily, I had my buddy Ed to guide me through this entire process. You pay, sign your life away, and receive a key. You then go outside and grab your oar (paddle? I'm not sure the proper term) and a life vest. We didn't use the life vests, but we buckled them onto our kayaks. We then went down to find our kayaks and unlock them. It is best if you don't kayak solo since you are supposed to carry the kayaks to the end of the dock and not drag them. We carried all our supplies out and we were ready to launch. I picked up on the process quickly and it was a lot of fun. They give you a map when you get your kayak. I let Ed take care of that and just followed his lead. We went out to marker 14, hugged it and returned in. The water was gorgeous. It was nice that there weren't jet skis or many boats around. It was mostly us, nature and an occasional kayaker. We went against the current on the way there which took us 90 minutes. The way back was only 18 minutes. Crazy. Ed swears there is an island to stop on normally, but it was underwater when we passed over it. The park is beautiful. While we were mostly on the water, we passed by the trails that I would like to come back and explore some day. If you are looking for a place to kayak, this is a great spot. I would recommend it! read more

My family has been here several times for picnics/family days. You can rent out the covered shelters, but honestly unless you are going on a holiday you most likely don't need to. We have never paid for one but have always had one, we just get there early and call dibs. The shelters are really nice, you have the grills right up next to you but if you don't happen to get a shelter there are a ton of grilling spots throughout. Behind the first 2-4 shelters there is a large open field. It has a sand volleyball area but we normally play football or kickball. Plenty of room to share with other park visitors. There is also bathrooms that are close by that are the cleanest I've been in at local parks. They have a visitor's center with interesting facts about Tampa and the different animals in the area as well as an updated lookout "tower". The decks are nice along the water and if you pay close enough attention to the foliage you'll see the land crabs even in the branches as you walk by. One of these days we are going to rent a kayak or canoe, they are $25 for 4 hours I believe. read more

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It was my first time here and I feel like I found a secret spot! Haha I'll definitely be coming back to go kayaking!

Upper Tampa Bay Park is conveniently located on West Hillsborough Avenue near the Hillsborough Pinellas border. The park sits on old tampa bay and is hidden off the main thoroughfare. It can be easily accessed by residents of nearby homes and several new apartment complexs that've been built near the entrance. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of this park. I guess if you're looking to throw a small gathering at a pavilion, take a short walk to a small coastline or launch your kayak or canoe it serves it's purpose. However, I enjoy hiking and this park really only has two short trails that I could see. Many of the openings off the main road leading into the woods have chains across reading no trespassing. I seen a county park ranger patrolling the whole time I was there circling the entrance and a large sign greets you when you enter the park that says $30 fine for vehicles that enter and dont pay the $2 fee. I enjoyed my visit walking on the boardwalk trail but just felt crowded. You can't really get away from other people at this park it's not large enough. It's great for the simple amenities it offers and is centrally located for both Oldsmar, WestChase and T&C but doesn't beat my favorite park.. J.B. Starkey in Pasco. read more

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This past Saturday afternoon, a group of friends met for an afternoon picnic at the Upper Tampa Bay Park, located south of Hillsborough Avenue along Double Branch Road in Town 'n Country. This site is built on a 595-acre peninsula, sticking out into Double Branch Bay, and ultimately out into Tampa Bay. The park offers freshwater ponds, salt marshes, oyster banks, salt barrens, oak hammock, and a mangrove forest. The park has a number of boardwalks, nature trails, bike paths, canoe launch, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and very clean public restrooms. There is a huge environmental study center that's operated by the County and Hillsborough Community College, and open to the public as a well-maintained Nature Center. There a $2 per car admission to the park, and plenty of parking once you're inside the gates. The Nature Center is a great place to start your visit, as they have exhibits based around the geology, history, and critters that can be found in this part of Florida. There were several large aquariums showing the fresh water, brackish, and salt water fish and shellfish that can be found in the area. One tank held several large lobsters, and I swear they were laughing at me as I was trying to figure out how to take one home for dinner. There were also exhibits with live snakes, turtles, and assorted critters to keep your little screaming children amused. The Nature Center is also where you can rent a canoe or kayak for the afternoon. Rental prices are $25 for 4 hours per vessel. Right behind the Nature Center is a walkway leading out to an aluminum platform and launch ramp. Very easy access into the water. The picnic shelters are in great shape, very clean with several picnic tables under each roof. There are built-in grills next to each shelter, so you'll need to bring your own charcoal for the cookout. Each shelter also has a large metal trashcan, which makes clean-up a breeze. The view from the shelters is kinda drab (I prefer the view of the water from Philippe Park in Safety Harbor), but the facilities were very nice. All in all this was a great place for an afternoon picnic, or a hike through the woods, or a canoe ride around the bay. Bring your bicycle, your canoe, your kayak, and your walking shoes, and you'll have a great time! read more

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One of my favorite places to take a walk. The trails are easy to follow and are kept very clean. There's multiple boardwalks with picturesque views of the Bay. Depending on the day a variety of wildlife can be found. I've seen a couple eagles, some rabbits, and a seemingly friendly gopher tortoise. If you miss the wild wildlife, check out the Nature Center. There are some pedestrian only trails that you might not go down if you don't read the sign at the end, the trails have a chain across their entrance with a sign that just tells you they are pedestrian only. Hidden back in this area is a Scout Area and BEES (according to a rather large warning sign at the end of a blocked off trail). Parking is $2 like the other parks in Hillsborough county. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent, at $25 for 4 hours it's a little pricey but the trip is worth the price of admission. read more

Amazing place to explore nature. Tons of activities and the park staff keep everything looking great. read more

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Great nature trail for walking, roller skating and bicycle rides. Wide path.

Nice park with a few trails. There's a boardwalk along the bay. You can rent a canoe for $25, and the fee to get in is $2. There's some wildlife. Not much that I've seen. That's why I gave it 4 stars not 5. read more

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I love this park. It's two dollars to enter and park inside the park. Every time I visit I go and pay $25 to rent a canoe or kayak (you can also bring your own) and go exploring double branch bay. Took me about an hour to get out into the Tampa bay. They have awesome fishing, and tons of little hidden beaches along the way. Just be cautious of oyster beds during low tide! read more

Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Just a hidden gem of a park. Perfect upkeep, clean and trimmed throughout the area. The winding access road takes you past very nice picnic areas with single or group tables to suit your need, and plenty of picnic pavilions for shade. There is a nice launch ramp for your kayak or canoe, trails through the park and along the water and a very nice playground area for the kids. Lots of close parking, restrooms, trash receptacles for everyone and even a pier for fishing or watching the birds and the Bay. A very nice place to enjoy your family with a picnic, a walk or just a break to enjoy nature surrounding us. read more

As a native Floridian, I've visited many state and county Parks, and I can tell you that Upper Tampa Bay Park is one of the best I've ever been to as far as county parks. It is extremely well taken care of, has the cleanest bathrooms I've seen ( or smelled) in such a park, and has quite a lot of things there to see. There are a few trails that lead to both sides of the peninsula and offer good views of both Double Branch Creek and Mobbly Bay. The Nature Center, though small in size, is packed inside with dioramas, photos and aquariums, all showcasing local animals and plants. Many people launch canoes and kayaks into the creek and that seems to be the biggest draw for attendees at UTBP; canoes can be rented there by the hour and there is a launching platform that makes it so much easier to embark and disembark. There is a large playground with an open play field nearby, a fairly long boardwalk along the double Branch Creek, a butterfly garden, and benches. There are large group shelters as well as several smaller ones. The shelters are clean, covered, spacious, and feature a grill, tables, benches and a water hose, and are all near the restroom and parking. A couple of the pavilions can be reserved, but most are first come, first served. The one and only negative thing about the shelter is, as mentioned in another review, the view from the pavilions is not grand at all; most views are either the road and bathroom or mangrove that completely covers the view of the water. That's the only bad thing about having a cook- out there and it's a very minor thing I've been on Fridays and Sundays. During the week, it is graciously sparse with park-goers, but naturally becomes quite crowded on weekends. If you want a pavilion, you should go there early, because they are all occupied by 11:30am on the weekends. Also on the weekends, loads of 20 to 40 year old d-bags and their yoga-tights-wearing trophy wives and girlfriends come to the park to walk and flex and preen and stick their noses in the air; par for the course in the Tampa Bay area, which seems to be packed to the brim with young douches and douchettes. Local Instagram "models" (sometimes the same ones I just mentioned) also like to go to UTBP on the weekends to take thong bikini pics of themselves on the water for their daily Attention Whore Instagrams #sunsoutbunsout. So if you go on the weekends, you will have to contend (or enjoy) those groups of park-goers. For only a $2 entrance fee, this is an excellent, lovely park to go to, and I recommend it, just maybe not on the weekends. read more

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As of 12/18/16 looked like price to get in was $25, but actually is still $2, with canoe rentals at $25. Nice park for easy walk in nature. Nice quiet park. read more

My husband and I enjoy this park! We have rented kayaks and launched from here as well. Very clean and the staff is very knowledgeable!!

Nice park with a true canoe/kayak launch ramp. There is even a kayak wash station for when you're done all for $2 or $3 a day...well worth it!! read more

Nice nature park with picnic shelters, canoeing and kayaking. 2$ entry fee per vehicle read more

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I love this place great for kids party's under the pergolas and dropping in the old kayak off the very convenient kayak ramp!!