East Croom Hunt Camp

Closed — Open seasonally November 29, 2025 through March 2, 2026. Proof of current hunting license or management stamp required for reservations. Portable toilets placed during hunting season only. Camp may close at any time due to adverse conditions.

About

East Croom Hunt Camp is a primitive seasonal campground located in the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest in Hernando County, Florida. This hunt camp is specifically designed for hunters and requires proof of a current hunting license or management stamp along with a valid driver's license for reservations. The campground features 25 primitive sites, each accommodating up to 15 people and camping units up to 30 feet in length. The Croom Wildlife Management Area encompasses more than 20,000 acres along the Withlacoochee River, featuring cypress swamps and longleaf pine forests. Wildlife commonly seen includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, fox squirrels, alligators, and swallow-tailed kites. The area offers extensive recreational trail systems including hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails, plus the paved Withlacoochee State Trail. This is a true primitive camping experience with no water, electricity, or permanent facilities. Portable toilets are placed only during hunting season dates. Campers must stay within designated site boundaries, and all camping equipment must be removed by the permit end date. Generators must be shut down between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. The discharge of firearms is prohibited on, from, or across any campsite. Maintenance and mowing of sites are the responsibility of permit holders. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Florida State Forests reservation system.

Directions

From I-75, go west 1/4 mile to Trail 17. Turn left (south) on Trail 17 and go 1 mile to Trail 13. Turn left (east) on Trail 13 for approximately 1/8 mile, then turn left into East Hunt Camp.

Nearby Campgrounds