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Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area

Open/Closed Status

Check our Notices for the open/closed status of Wildlife Management Areas.

Notices
Upper Hillsborough

Managed in cooperation with Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area (WMA) consists of more than 5,000 acres on either side of the Hillsborough River in Polk and Pasco counties 2.5 miles east of Zephyrhills on CR 54. Most of the uplands are slash and longleaf pine flatwoods with an understory of palmetto and gallberry. Swamps are found along the river.

For more information on hunting, see FWC's regulations summary brochure.

The most popular area with bicyclists and horseback riders is the unpaved loop road south of CR 54 through pine flatwoods. Spurs off this road provide additional access for hikers and hunters. Wildlife that make their home on the area include white-tailed deer, northern bobwhite, armadillo, gray squirrels, feral hogs and a variety of birds. There are no bridges at Hillsborough River crossings and these areas will be wet or flooded. Horses are prohibited during hunting seasons and are permitted at other times with written permission from Southwest Florida Water Management District. Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands. For more detailed information go to Nicole's Law. All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.

Camping is permitted at designated campsites during hunting periods and at other times with written permission from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

There are no boat ramps on this area.

Rules Regarding Dogs

  • For purposes other than hunting, dogs are allowed during hunting periods, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
  • During non-hunting periods the possession of dogs shall only be as authorized by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
  • Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access" by FWC administrative action. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.
  • For regulations regarding hunting dogs, see FWC's regulations summary brochure.

More Information