Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In
00 review15003 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida, 34601-4201, United States
Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fee information is explicitly provided for this primitive paddle-in campground. It is unclear whether there are any associated costs.
About this campground
Escape to a true wilderness adventure at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone, where your journey begins with a peaceful 1.2-mile paddle north from Silver Lake Recreation Complex. This remote paddle-in sanctuary within the Withlacoochee State Forest offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience, far from the crowds and conveniences of modern life. Here, under towering pines and star-filled skies, you'll find solitude broken only by the gentle flow of the river and the calls of native wildlife. Simple fire rings and weathered picnic tables mark the only human touch in this pristine landscape, inviting you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms.
The Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In is strictly a primitive camping area, accessible only by paddling along the Withlacoochee River.
Historical SignificancePaddle through living history in the Withlacoochee State Forest, where nature has reclaimed fascinating remnants of Florida's past. Hidden among the trees lie ghostly traces of World War II training airfields, where pilots once prepared for overseas missions. Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps camps stand as monuments to American resilience, while mysterious caves and abandoned mines whisper tales of earlier industries. This five-county wilderness preserve serves as both a natural sanctuary and an open-air museum, where each paddle stroke might reveal another chapter of Florida's rich heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Florida's most comfortable outdoor conditions year-round, with temperatures gracefully dancing between 68°F and 88°F. Winter months bring crisp, dry air perfect for cozy campfires and crystal-clear night skies, while summer transforms the landscape with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the forest and fill the air with the sweet scent of rain-washed pine. Spring and fall offer ideal paddling weather, when gentle breezes ripple across the water and wildlife activity peaks throughout the forest.
ElevationThe gentle, rolling terrain creates an ever-changing perspective as you explore this riverside wilderness, with subtle elevation changes that reveal new vistas around each bend of the river.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape painted with nature's finest brushstrokes along the Withlacoochee River's western banks. Ancient pines tower over open sand hills that glow golden in the morning light, while dense hardwood hammocks create shadowy sanctuaries teeming with life. Come autumn, the forest floor erupts in a spectacular wildflower display, carpeting the ground in vibrant purples, yellows, and oranges. Watch for the majestic silhouette of bald eagles soaring overhead, playful fox squirrels darting through the canopy, graceful white-tailed deer emerging at dusk, and wild turkeys strutting through the underbrush. Every sunrise brings new wildlife encounters in this thriving ecosystem.
Geological RegionSet within the remarkable Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, this paddle-in paradise showcases Florida's diverse natural heritage. The landscape alternates between airy pine sand hills that whisper of ancient dunes and mysterious hardwood forests that hold their secrets close. At the heart of it all flows the Withlacoochee River, designated as Outstanding Florida Waters for its exceptional ecological value. This pristine waterway meanders through the forest like a liquid highway, connecting diverse habitats and creating a corridor of life that has sustained wildlife for millennia. The unique geology of rolling hills, sandy soils, and spring-fed waters creates an ecosystem found nowhere else, making every visit a journey through one of Florida's last wild frontiers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not provide specific accessibility features due to its primitive nature. Access is paddle-in only, potentially limiting accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThe description of campsite sizes is not provided.
Sites PrivacySpecific information about campsite privacy is not available. The area is delineated by yellow bands on trees, suggesting a natural and minimally developed setting.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo explicit recommendations for specific campsites.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite recommendations provided.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Chainsaw use is prohibited in camping facilities as per Florida Administrative Code, and visitors must wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The number of guests per site is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe camp zone is delineated by yellow-colored bands on the trees, forming a primitive layout.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific seasonal opening/closing times mentioned. Visitors are advised to contact WSF Dispatch to verify prescribed burns and hunting seasons.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platform information available for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up/first-come-first-serve information is provided. This campground is primitive and does not specify reservation availability.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy information provided.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, swimming, fishing, stargazing, wildflower viewing, and nature study. These activities highlight the area's rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Hiking
"There is so much to see on the hiking and biking trails through this area," as noted by one user. Visitors can explore trails winding through the Withlacoochee State Forest, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural landscape.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available along the Withlacoochee River. User reviews emphasize this is a great area for fishing, with a high probability of encountering alligators.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the Withlacoochee River, though no designated swimming areas are noted. Visitors are advised to ensure safety measures when swimming in natural, undeveloped water bodies.Biking
"There is so much to see on the hiking and biking trails through this area," highlighting the multi-use nature of the trails in the Withlacoochee State Forest.Boating
The campground is accessible via paddling, and boating activities like canoeing and kayaking are encouraged. The Withlacoochee River features many hidden springs and abundant wildlife.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding forest habitat supports a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, white-tail deer, and turkeys. Bird watching and general wildlife viewing are popular activities.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreational activities are described.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are central to the experience of accessing and enjoying this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed only where fire rings are provided, though availability is limited.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hour information provided.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area may have ticks and other wildlife hazards, as noted in user reviews. Alligators are common in the Withlacoochee River. Visitors should also be aware of hunting seasons.
Active alertsCampers should verify prescribed burns and hunting season schedules by contacting WSF Dispatch before visiting.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available at WSF Dispatch at 352-797-4100. Brooksville Regional Hospital is approximately 9 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season dates specified.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided regarding trash or recycling facilities. Campers are advised to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on the Withlacoochee River, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Common complaintsTicks are frequently mentioned as an issue. Some find the trails poorly marked and navigation difficult.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
15003 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida, 34601-4201, United States
Driving directionsVia I-75: Take Exit 301 - SR-50/US Hwy 98 S. Head east on SR-50/US Hwy 98 S. Continue east to Croom-Rital Road located at the 3rd traffic light. Turn left (north) on Croom-Rital Road and continue approximately 3.5 miles to the entrance to Silver Lake Recreation Complex 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 location is on the west side of the river. Via Suncoast Parkway: Take the Suncoast Parkway (TR-589) north to the Interchange 46-SR-50 Bear right (east) onto SR-50 and continue through Brooksville following the SR 50 Truck Route. Continue east on SR-50 passing under I-75 to Croom-Rital Road located at the 3rd traffic light east of I-75. Turn left (north) on Croom-Rital Road and continue approximately 3.5 miles to the entrance to Silver Lake Recreation Complex 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 location is on the west side of the river.
Road access is excellent, with clear directions provided for both I-75 and the Suncoast Parkway. However, access to the site requires paddling approximately 1.2 miles on the Withlacoochee River, as it is a paddle-in/paddle-out only campground.Nearby places
Brooksville: ~9 miles northeast. Major nearby population centers include Tampa (~55 miles) and Orlando (~75 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, camping needs, and fuel are in Brooksville, approximately 9 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its serene natural environment and the variety of outdoor activities it offers. However, some users note challenges such as ticks, navigation difficulties, and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the natural beauty of the area, the diverse recreational opportunities (hiking, biking, paddling), and the quiet, secluded environment.
Common Concerns
Common issues include tick infestations, poor trail signage, and navigation challenges. Additionally, the lack of amenities such as potable water and restrooms is noted.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing sufficient water, wearing bright clothing during hunting season, and preparing for ticks with insect repellents and protective clothing. Navigating trails may require...
Show more
Seasonal Insights
Winter is highlighted as an ideal time for camping, with cooler temperatures and fewer bugs. Summer conditions are described as hot, with increased challenges from ticks and potential navigation...
Show more
Camper Quotes
- "Great place to unwind and enjoy the woods." - Jason Olson
- "The trails are maintained well, great family ATV park." - Paul Carr
- "Bring sunscreen, DEET, high socks. Many ticks were dropping on...
Show more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews mention areas such as Crooked River Campground and Hog Island, emphasizing their unique features. Some users highlight ticks as an issue in the broader area.
Accessibility Features
No reviews directly address accessibility features for the Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In. Some broader reviews mention that uneven and sandy trails pose challenges for individuals with...
Show more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at this specific campground as per the authoritative information provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025