Hog Island Youth Group Camp

Open — Open year-round for organized youth groups with advance reservations. Requires a special use permit from Withlacoochee State Forest by calling the visitor center at (352) 797-4140.

About

Hog Island Youth Group Camp is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest in Sumter County, approximately 15 miles from Brooksville. Situated near the bank of the Withlacoochee River, this peaceful youth group camping facility offers two tent-only group sites that can each accommodate up to 25 people, or up to 50 people total in one group without requiring additional portable toilets. The campground features water access, a bathhouse, two large fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground provides direct access to the Withlacoochee River, designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The surrounding Withlacoochee State Forest spans over 165,000 acres across five counties and features open pine sand hills, dense woodlands, and diverse wildlife including bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, white-tail deer, and turkeys. Recreational opportunities in the forest include extensive trails for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and seasonal hunting. This facility is specifically designed for organized youth groups and requires a special use permit from Withlacoochee State Forest by contacting the visitor center. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Florida State Forests reservation system. Sites cost $18.35 per night year-round.

Directions

From I-75: Take Exit 309, bear right on exit ramp to C-476B. Turn right (north) and continue to stop sign. Turn left (west) on C-476 to CR-635. Turn left (south) and continue straight to the entrance of Hog Island Recreation Area. The Youth Group Area is past the day use area and campground.

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