Citrus Tract Primitive Camp Zone Loop D

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact forest dispatch at 352-797-4100 before your visit to check for prescribed burns. Blaze orange clothing recommended during hunting seasons.

About

Citrus Tract Primitive Camp Zone Loop D is a dispersed backcountry camping area located on the Citrus Loop D Trail within the 50,000-acre Citrus Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest. This hike-in only camping zone is delineated by yellow colored bands on trees and sits approximately 4 to 8 miles from the trailhead parking areas at either Mutual Mine or Tillis Hill Recreation Area. The primitive zone offers true backcountry camping with no water, no restrooms, and minimal to no amenities, though some areas may have a fire ring or picnic table. The Withlacoochee State Forest features diverse natural communities including open pine sand hills, dense woodlands, and canopied trails through slash pine, longleaf pine, cypress, maple, and oak forests. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. The area features elevation changes unusual for Florida, along with unique geological features like sinkholes and caves nearby. Campers should note this is within a Wildlife Management Area and must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange during hunting seasons. Contact the forest dispatch at 352-797-4100 before each outing to verify if prescribed burning is scheduled. The forest will close if Hernando County is placed under a tropical storm or hurricane warning. Reservations are first-come, first-served and can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Florida State Forests reservation system.

Directions

For Mutual Mine Trailhead: From I-75 Exit 329, take SR 44 west to US 41, continue west to CR-581 (Pleasant Grove Road) at Applebees. Go south 6 miles to FR 16, turn right. Parking at trailhead sign outside Mutual Mine Campground gate. For Tillis Hill Trailhead: From I-75 Exit 329, take SR 44 west to CR-581, go south 10 miles to CR-480 (Stage Coach Trail), turn right. Continue to FR 13, turn right, go 1.5 miles to fork and take right to Tillis Hill Day Use Area. Hike 4 to 8 miles on Loop D Trail to reach camp zone marked by yellow bands on trees.

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