Recreation & Culture

Park & Trail Closures

Occasionally our parks, or certain sections of our parks, must close due to environmental concerns or construction, or are closed for a national holiday, but due to constantly changing weather conditions some conditions/closures may not be posted on the website.

For the most up-to-date park and trail conditions, please call the park or look for signage at the park.

Holiday closures

All of our conservation and wilderness parks are open on most holidays, but are closed or close early on the following days:

  • Thanksgiving Day - all closed
  • Christmas Eve
    • Veteran's Memorial Park and Dead River Wilderness Park closed
    • All others close at 2 PM
  • Christmas Day - all closed
Bell Creek Preserve

The Bell Creek Nature Preserve Administrative Office located at 10940 McMullen Rd, in Riverview is closed Monday, December 25th - 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday and Monday, January 1st in observance of the New Year's Holiday.

Updated: 11/29/2023
Branchton Park

New amenities construction will cause intermittent parking lot closures

Construction for new amenities will take place from June 21 through the end of 2023. This construction will cause the parking lot to close intermittently. On days when the parking lot is closed, the public can access the park on foot or by bicycle. No public parking will be available.

Updated: 09/15/2023
Conservation Parks Administration Office

The Conservation and Environmental Lands Administrative Office located at 13173 N. US HWY 301, in Thonotosassa is closed Monday, December 25th - 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday and Monday, January 1st in observance of the New Year's Holiday.

Updated: 11/29/2023
EG Simmons Conservation Park

Temporary closure for West Campground

The West Campground is currently closed due to construction.

Updated: 11/14/2023
Lettuce Lake Conservation Park

Temporary amenities closures

The below amenities located at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park have been temporarily suspended due to scheduled maintenance. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

  • Special Events
  • Playground Usage
  • Shelter 1 Rentals
  • Shelter 2 Rentals
  • Shelter 3 Rentals
  • Shelter 4 Rentals
Updated: 11/02/2023
Lithia Springs Park

Swimming and Camping Updates

  • Swim times will be divided into two, four-hour time limits with a maximum capacity of 200 swimmers during each time slot.
  • Time Slot #1: 9 AM - 1 PM
  • Time Slot #2: 2 PM - 6 PM
  • Sanitation of the swim area will occur in between the two time slots.
  • Swim bands will not be sold one hour prior to swimming area closing.
  • Note: Swimming area subject to close due to thunder, lightning, and inclement weather.
Updated: 09/20/2023
Oscar Cooler Sports Complex

Parking lot closure

Parking lots will be closed Monday 11/20/23 - Wednesday 11/29/23, for repaving.

Updated: 11/08/2023
Upper Tampa Bay Trail

Landlines Down

The landlines at the Upper Tampa Bay Trail are down. Staff can be reached at 813-459-6828.

Updated: 07/31/2023