The boat ramp at Edward Medard Conservation Park will close indefinitely beginning Monday, June 9, while the Southwest Florida Water Management District partially draws down the Medard Reservoir. The County will need to close the boat ramp as a result of the decreased water level but access for smaller vessels such as canoes or kayaks should not be affected.
Maps, brochures, and info
About the park
Originally called Pleasant Grove Park and Reservoir, Edward Medard Park underwent many transformations before it was donated to The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in 1969 by a mining company. In 1972, Hillsborough County signed an agreement with the District to develop the site as one of the County’s largest regional parks.
Among its main attractions is a 700-acre reservoir used for canoeing, boating, and fishing. Also included is a 3-mile trail that offers equestrians, hikers, and bird watchers a pleasant trip through pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks. Please note, we do not provide horseback riding rentals. You must bring your own horse.
The park also has a disc golf course for those Frisbee enthusiasts who want to enhance their disc-throwing skills, while the beach volleyball court provides the players a scenic view of the sunset. Edward Medard Park also offers picnic shelters, a boardwalk, a playground for the kids, and an observation platform overlooking the reservoir.
Park and Boat Ramp passes
You can purchase regularly priced park and boat ramp passes at the following administrative offices or conservation parks:
- Bell Creek Administrative Office
- Conservation Parks Administration Office
- Edward Medard Conservation Park
- E.G. Simmons Conservation Park
- Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park
Free and discounted passes
We offer annual park and boat ramp passes for free or at a discount to eligible disabled veterans and active duty members or honorably discharged Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves
- Free passes - Disabled Veterans
- 25 percent discount - Active duty members or honorably discharged Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves
To receive a free or discounted pass, you must bring your required documentation to either our Branchton or Bell Creek administrative offices. Free and discounted passes are not available at the above listed conservation parks.
For more information about all of our passes and to find eligibility requirements visit our Conservation Parks and Boat Launch Passes page.
Canoeing and kayaking
Canoes and kayaks can be rented on site at the park's entry station. See other locations.
Rentals & Fees
- Local rental (one park) for up to four hours: $25
- Hourly fee for each additional hour: $10 *Fees include tax
Camping
Campers can stay overnight at one of the 42 first-come, first-serve campsites that accommodate both RV and tent camping. All campsites have a picnic table, electricity, a fire ring, and water. Public restrooms with showers and an RV dump station are also available.
RV/Trailer/Tent Campsite information
- 40 sites
- All sites offer 30 amp service, 14 sites also offer 50 amp service
- Sites range from 30 feet in length to 60 feet, with most between 32 - 55 feet
- Fees:
- Regular rate - $24 per night, up to 8 people with 1 RV/trailer or 2 tents
- Adult 55+ discount rate - $18 per night if your party includes an adult 55 or older (must be present for all nights)
- Adult 65+ and resident discount rate - $12 per night if your party includes an adult 65 or older and is also a resident of Hillsborough County (must be present for all nights)
Final Public Notice Medard Boardwalk Repair