Lower Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area

Managed in cooperation with the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

The Lower Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area covers nearly 2,800 acres in Hillsborough County and is part of the larger Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, the largest natural area in the Tampa Bay region with more than 16,000 acres.

This area is primarily composed of hydric hammock and river swamp habitats associated with the Hillsborough River, along with mesic flatwoods uplands and pine plantations in the northern portion of the property.

Hunting

For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Lower Hillsborough WMA.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Camping

Camping is available with a permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. During designated hunting periods, camping is limited to individuals who hold a quota hunt permit.

Recreation

Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and horseback riding.

For information about horseback riding, hiking, bicycling and other recreation, visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s webpage for Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve.

Wildlife

Lower Hillsborough WMA offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities across its diverse habitats. In the river swamps, visitors may spot alligators and a variety of wading birds, while the upland areas support species such as gopher tortoises, sandhill cranes, and several birds of prey. Common bird sightings include wood storks, eastern bluebirds and barred owls. The area also provides vital habitat for white-tailed deer, bobcats and other native wildlife. With some luck, visitors might even catch a glimpse of the Florida panther.

Add your bird observation to the Lower Hillsborough WMA eBird Hotspot.

Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

More Information

For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Lower Hillsborough WMA.

Visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s webpage for Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve.