Citrus Tract Primitive Camp Zone Loop C

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made online but are not required. Contact Withlacoochee State Forest dispatch at (352) 797-4100 before each outing to verify prescribed burning schedules. The campground closes if Citrus County is placed under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning by the National Weather Service.

About

Citrus Tract Primitive Camp Zone Loop C offers a true backcountry camping experience in the Withlacoochee State Forest's Citrus Tract. This hike-in only camping zone is delineated by yellow colored bands on trees and sits approximately 4 to 6 miles from trailheads at either Holder Mine or Mutual Mine campgrounds. The forest spans over 165,000 acres across five counties and was ranked number one on the World Wildlife Fund's "10 Coolest Places You've Never Seen in North America" in 1999. The primitive camp zone has no amenities, though some areas may feature a fire ring, picnic table, or bench. There is no water and no restrooms. Campers must be self-sufficient and pack out all trash. Activities in the area include hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, star gazing, wildflower viewing, and nature study. The surrounding forest features open pine sand hills, dense woodlands, and diverse tree species including slash pine, longleaf pine, pond and bald cypress, maple, southern magnolia, hickory, and various species of oak. Wildlife includes bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoise, white-tail deer, and turkeys. This area is part of a Wildlife Management Area, and visitors should wear 500 square inches of blaze orange while hiking during hunting seasons. Campers should contact the Withlacoochee State Forest dispatch at (352) 797-4100 before beginning each day to verify if prescribed burning will be taking place.

Directions

For Holder Mine Trailhead: From I-75, take Exit 329 SR 44 west toward Inverness. At US 41, continue west to C-581 (Pleasant Grove Road) at Applebees. Go south on C-581 approximately 3 miles to FR 10. Turn right (west) and continue approximately 2 miles. Park at trailhead sign on south side of FR 10 outside Holder Mine Campground. For Mutual Mine Trailhead: Follow same route but continue south on C-581 approximately 6 miles to FR 16. Turn left (west) and park at trailhead sign outside Mutual Mine Campground gate. Hike 4 to 6 miles to reach the camp zone.

Nearby Campgrounds