Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

About

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East is a dispersed primitive camping area within the Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida's third-largest state forest. Located on the Croom Tract approximately 9 miles northeast of Brooksville, this backcountry zone provides a true wilderness experience for hikers seeking solitude. Access is via a 0.5-mile hike from the Tucker Hill Trailhead parking area along the Croom Hiking Trails. This is a no-frills primitive camping experience with no assigned amenities. Some areas may have fire rings, picnic tables, or benches, but none are guaranteed. There is no potable water on site; campers must bring all water or cache it before arrival. Only cooking fires are permitted. The area is part of a Wildlife Management Area, so campers should wear 500 square inches of blaze orange during hunting seasons. Before beginning each day of your outing, contact Withlacoochee State Forest Dispatch at (352) 797-4100 to verify if prescribed burning will take place that day. Drought conditions and burn bans may affect camping availability.

Directions

Via I-75: Take Exit 301, head east on SR-50/US 98 S to the third traffic light, turn north on Croom-Rital Road and continue approximately 8.5 miles to the Tucker Hill Trailhead. Via Suncoast Parkway: Take SR-50 through Brooksville to US-41 north, then C-480 east for approximately 5 miles.