Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance reservations required. Contact WSF Dispatch at +1 (352) 797-4100 before arrival to verify prescribed burn schedules. Visitors should wear 500 square inches of blaze orange during hunting season.

About

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, approximately 9 miles northeast of Brooksville, Florida. Accessible only by paddling 1.2 miles north from the Silver Lake Recreation Complex boat ramp, this primitive camping zone sits on the west bank of the Withlacoochee River, marked by yellow colored bands on trees. The site is part of the larger 165,000-acre Withlacoochee State Forest, which was ranked number one on the World Wildlife Fund's "10 Coolest Places You've Never Seen in North America" in 1999. This is a true primitive camping experience with no amenities, no water, and minimal infrastructure, though some areas may feature fire rings or picnic tables. The surrounding landscape includes the Withlacoochee River, designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, along with open pine sand hills, dense woodlands, and canopied trails. Recreational activities include paddling, hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, and nature study. Wildlife in the area includes bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and turkeys. Campers should contact the forest office before arrival to check for prescribed burns and be aware that seasonal hunting occurs in the forest.

Directions

From I-75: Take Exit 301 for SR-50/US Hwy 98 South. Head east on SR-50/US Hwy 98 South to Croom-Rital Road at the 3rd traffic light. Turn left (north) on Croom-Rital Road and continue approximately 3.5 miles to the Silver Lake Recreation Complex entrance on the right. Continue past the gate house to the day use area. Launch from the boat ramp and paddle north on the Withlacoochee River for approximately 1.2 miles. The paddle-in zone is on the west side of the river, marked by yellow bands on trees.

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