Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone West
00 review15003 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida, 34601-4201, United States
Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone West
$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
There are no fees associated with this primitive camping zone.
About this campground
Deep within the Withlacoochee State Forest, the Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone West offers adventurous souls a true back-to-nature experience. This hike-in, hike-out wilderness sanctuary strips camping down to its essence—no running water, no modern amenities, just you and the Florida wilderness. Follow the yellow bands painted on ancient trees to find your designated camping area, where previous visitors may have left behind a weathered fire ring or rustic picnic table as the only signs of human presence. This is camping as it was meant to be: raw, authentic, and profoundly peaceful.
Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone West primarily offers primitive camping options for hikers. RV camping, group sites, and glamping options are not available at this site.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping in a place so extraordinary that the World Wildlife Fund named the Withlacoochee State Forest the #1 destination on their exclusive list of '10 Coolest Places You've Never Seen in North America.' This prestigious recognition speaks to the forest's remarkable biodiversity, pristine ecosystems, and the kind of untouched wilderness that's increasingly rare in our modern world.
Weather and SeasonsJanuary through early February brings crisp, dry days perfect for hiking under cloudless skies, with comfortable temperatures that make setting up camp a pleasure rather than a chore. As winter melts into spring, the forest awakens with warmer days and increasing humidity that transforms the landscape into a verdant paradise. Seasoned campers know that late winter through early spring offers the sweet spot—mild temperatures, minimal rainfall, and fewer biting insects make this the ideal window for your primitive camping adventure.
ElevationThe gentle Florida terrain here offers relatively level camping spots, making it accessible for hikers of various skill levels while still providing an authentic wilderness experience.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through towering longleaf pines, their needles whispering ancient stories in the morning breeze. The Withlacoochee State Forest unfolds before you in a tapestry of ecosystems—from open pine sand hills that stretch toward the horizon to dense, mysterious woodlands where shadows dance beneath the canopy. The crown jewel is the Withlacoochee River itself, officially designated an Outstanding Florida Water, its dark waters winding through the landscape like a ribbon of liquid obsidian, reflecting the sky and surrounding forest in its pristine surface.
Geological RegionYour camping adventure unfolds across 165,000 acres of protected wilderness spanning five Florida counties, where nature has painted a masterpiece of ecological diversity. Towering slash and longleaf pines create cathedral-like groves, while ancient pond and bald cypress trees stand sentinel in wetland areas, their knees rising from the earth like natural sculptures. The hardwood hammocks burst with southern magnolia, hickory, and majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss. Come autumn, the forest floor erupts in a golden symphony of wildflowers—brilliant goldenrod and purple blazing star create a natural carpet that attracts butterflies and photographers alike to this ecological wonderland.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe description does not include any specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of primitive sites, but no specific size descriptions of individual campsites are available.
Sites PrivacyThere is no information available about the level of privacy offered at the campsites.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFirst-come, first-served basis applies, so arriving early is advisable.
Best CampsitesSite 001 is the only designated area within the primitive camp zone.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
There is no explicit limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No restrictions are explicitly mentioned.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe camp zone boundaries are delineated by yellow bands on trees.
Open and Closed SeasonThis primitive camping zone is open year-round but is subject to prescribed burns and seasonal hunting closures.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required or available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a walk-up basis due to the absence of reservations. Visitors should verify potential prescribed burns by contacting WSF Dispatch before their outing.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system applies; this area operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Activities you can enjoy
Activities include hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, star gazing, wildflower viewing, and nature observation. The nearby Withlacoochee State Forest offers additional activities such as horseback riding, bicycling, paddling, and seasonal hunting.
Hiking
The campsite is located along the Croom Hiking Trails, which span over 5 miles from the trailhead. These trails provide opportunities for both casual and serious hikers to explore the 165,000-acre Withlacoochee State Forest.Biking
The Withlacoochee State Forest offers miles of biking trails suitable for various skill levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a key attraction at the campground. The area is home to bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoise, white-tail deer, and turkeys.Winter Activities
There are no specific winter activities listed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not specified.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Cooking fires are allowed, but visitors must adhere to strict fire regulations.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include seasonal hunting activity and prescribed burns. Visitors should wear bright clothing during hunting seasons and contact WSF Dispatch ahead of their trip for updates.
Active alertsPrescribed burns may occur periodically. Contact Withlacoochee State Forest Dispatch for daily updates.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.4 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
For emergencies, contact Withlacoochee State Forest Dispatch at 352-797-4100. The nearest emergency services are based in Brooksville, located approximately 9 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesThe campground is open year-round; no specific peak season has been designated.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers are likely expected to pack out what they bring in.
Proximity to water featuresThe Withlacoochee River is a key feature, offering meandering water views within the forest.
Common complaintsThere are no user reviews available to provide complaints or feedback.
HostNo campground host is present.
Campground Map
15003 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida, 34601-4201, United States
Driving directionsVia I-75: Take Exit 301 and head east on SR-50/US Hwy 98 S. Continue to the third traffic light. Turn left (north) on Croom-Rital Road. Continue approximately 8.5 miles to the Tucker Hill Trailhead. 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. From SR-50 in Brooksville, take US-41 (Broad Street) north to C-480 (Croom Road). Turn right and continue east on C-480 to Tucker Hill (Fire Tower) Trailhead approximately 5 miles.
This is a hike-in, hike-out facility located along the Croom Hiking Trails. Accessibility may be challenging due to the 5.25-mile hike from the parking area. Roads leading to the parking area are paved but primarily involve rural roads.Nearby places
Brooksville: 9 miles northeast. Other nearby attractions include major cities and theme parks within a 1-1.5 hour drive.
Nearby supplies
It is recommended to cache water prior to arrival. For any additional supplies like groceries or fuel, Brooksville is the nearest town at 9 miles northeast.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone West has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews provided for this campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user-provided positive highlights are available.
Common Concerns
No specific complaints or issues are provided by users.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user recommendations are provided.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are indicated in the reviews.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are included.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific feedback is available.
Accessibility Features
No reviews discuss accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews address pet policies or experiences related to pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025