Jumper Creek Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In Withlacoochee State Forest

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance reservations accepted. This is a paddle-in site only, accessible by canoe or kayak.

About

Jumper Creek Primitive Camp Zone is a remote paddle-in camping area accessible exclusively by watercraft along the Withlacoochee River, which has been designated as an Outstanding Florida Water. Located on the Jumper Creek Tract approximately 12 miles southeast of Inverness, this primitive zone is marked by yellow colored bands on trees at Shell Island. The site is approximately 5 miles north of the SR 48 bridge or 6 miles south of the Lake Panasoffkee outlet river near CR 470. This is truly primitive camping with no amenities provided, though some areas may have fire rings. There is no potable water, no restrooms, and no electric hookups. Campers must be self-sufficient and pack out all trash. The surrounding forest features slash pine, longleaf pine, bald cypress, and various oak species, creating excellent habitat for bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Recreational opportunities include wildlife viewing, bird watching, fishing, swimming, hiking, star gazing, and wildflower viewing. Hunting is permitted during appropriate seasons with valid licenses. The Withlacoochee State Forest spans over 165,000 acres across five counties and was ranked number one on the World Wildlife Fund's "10 Coolest Places You've Never Seen in North America" in 1999.

Directions

From the Withlacoochee River at SR 48, paddle north approximately 5 miles to Shell Island. From the Lake Panasoffkee outlet river near CR 470, paddle approximately 6 miles south on the Withlacoochee River to Shell Island. Look for yellow colored bands on trees marking the camp zone.

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