Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the forest office at (352) 797-4140 before your trip to check for prescribed burns. No potable water or restrooms available.

About

Located within the 58,000-acre Richloam Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, this primitive camp zone provides a true backcountry experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The campground is accessible only by a three-mile hike from the trailhead parking area at the Richloam Fire Tower on Clay Sink Road. The camping zone is clearly delineated by yellow colored bands on trees. This is a pack-in, pack-out site with no water, restrooms, or developed amenities, though scattered fire rings and picnic tables may be present in some areas. The surrounding landscape features pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, bottomland hardwoods, and cypress swamps typical of central Florida's natural communities. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The Richloam Tract is managed as a Wildlife Management Area, and seasonal hunting occurs throughout the forest. Hikers should wear bright colored clothing during hunting seasons and contact the forest office for current hunting dates and prescribed burn schedules before visiting.

Directions

From I-75 north to Exit 301, bear right onto the exit ramp and turn right (east) on SR-50/US Hwy 98 S. Continue east on SR-50, crossing US-301. Turn right (south) onto Clay Sink Road and go approximately 1 mile to the trailhead parking area at the Richloam Fire Tower on the west side of Clay Sink Road, between CR-575 and SR-471.

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