Camp And Play At Edward Medard Park for National Park And Recreation Month

Hillsborough County’s Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the public to check out Edward Medard Regional Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road during July, National Park and Recreation Month.

The park extends along 1,284 acres owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District where a water control structure and reservoir offer flood protection along the Alafia River. In 1972, under an agreement with the District, Hillsborough County developed this site as one of its largest and most popular regional parks.

 Although the park’s main attraction, a 700-acre reservoir used for canoeing, boating and fishing, is currently closed to allow water to raise naturally after a SWFWMD levee reconstruction project, Edward Medard Park still has much to offer.

Located on what was once a phosphate mining site, the park offers unique topography with elevation changes that have become very popular for children’s play. A 3-mile trail that is accessible (dry) most of the year offers equestrians and hikers a pleasant trip through pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks.

For overnight stays, the Park has 40 campsites to accommodate both RV and camping, including two group sites. All campsites are full service, each providing a picnic table, electricity, a fire ring, and water. Public restrooms with showers and an RV dump station are also available.

Edward Medard Park also offers picnic shelters, a boardwalk, a playground, a beach volleyball court and an observation platform overlooking the reservoir.

The park also boasts a new disc golf course. Although the course has not yet been dedicated, and staff are adding finishing touches, the course is now open to the public. Disc golf is similar in objective to traditional golf; the goal is to complete each hole with the fewest attempts.

Hours: Spring/Summer 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Fall/Winter 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Fees:  Entry: $2 per vehicle carrying up to eight people and $1 each additional person

 Annual Entrance Pass: $50 individual, $100 family

Shelter Rental: $40/day, small shelter; $70/day, medium shelter

Campsites: $24 per night, $18 per night for seniors

Camping is on a first come, first served basis; Reservations are not accepted. Campers must register with the office before taking a campsite.

Activities & Features:  Bird watching, Boardwalk, Disc Golf, Equestrian Trail, Hiking, Nature Study, Picnic Area, Playground, Unique topography

Photos of the park can also be viewed online.

For more information on the park, contact 813-757-3802. To rent a shelter, call 813-931-RENT.