Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

4.33

18 reviews

15003 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida, 34601-4201, United States

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Primitive Camping Florida

Quick Facts

118 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Camping availability...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Withlacoochee State Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

118 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Camping availability...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Withlacoochee State Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free at the Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East. There are no fees for campsites.

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

3527974140

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 18 reviews

729 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhiking

"Overall, the campground is appreciated for its natural beauty and opportunities for solitude, but its lack of amenities and some maintenance issues are noted. Several reviewers highlight the area's wildlife and peaceful environment. One user said, "Richloam is my go-to place, my safe place and where I go to clear my head." Another warned, "This area is closed to camping and hasn't been maintained in a very long time.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

15003 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida, 34601-4201, United States

Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

15003 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida, 34601-4201, United States

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 75 north to Exit 301, bear right onto the exit ramp, turn right (east) on SR-50/US Hwy 98 S and continue to go east on SR-50. You will cross US-301 continuing east on SR-50, you will then turn right (south) onto Clay Sink Road and go approximately 1 mile to the trailhead parking area at the Richloam Fire Tower on the westside of Clay Sink Road. You will be east of CR-575 and west of SR-471.

The campground is hike-in and hike-out only, requiring visitors to traverse approximately three miles from the parking area. Roads leading to the trailhead parking area are paved. The site itself has no road access.

Nearby places

Brooksville, FL (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies like groceries, fuel, camping gear, and other essentials are available within 10 miles of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

The rhythms of the seasons paint dramatically different pictures at Richloam Tract. Autumn and winter arrive as the golden seasons, bringing crystalline skies and temperatures that invite all-day exploration. These cooler months transform the forest into a hiker's paradise, with comfortable days and crisp nights perfect for campfire conversations. Summer tells a different story—one of afternoon thunderheads building like mountains in the sky, unleashing dramatic downpours that nourish the forest before giving way to steamy, jungle-like humidity. Each season offers its own rewards for those who come prepared.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer can be hot though shaded trails provide relief; fewer seasonal positives noted.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn described as a 'golden season' with mild temps and excellent viewing opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is popular for mild weather and abundant wildlife viewing per reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Winter offers crystalline skies and pleasant days, but hunting/burn closures may affect access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak pricing seasons are present, given the free nature of the campground.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping availability is subject to hunting seasons and potential prescribed burns as per the authoritative content. Contact WSF Dispatch to verify.
Current Alerts: Contact WSF Dispatch to confirm emergencies such as prescribed burns or closures during hunting seasons.

About Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

Deep within the Richloam Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest lies a wilderness escape for true adventurers. The Primitive Camp Zone East beckons those seeking solitude and raw connection with nature. This hike-in, hike-out sanctuary strips camping down to its essence—just you, your gear, and the ancient Florida wilderness. While the occasional fire ring or weathered picnic table offers a touch of comfort, this is primitive camping at its finest. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: tracking wildlife through morning mist, discovering rare wildflowers along hidden trails, and settling in for spectacular stargazing sessions under unpolluted skies far from city lights.

Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East is designated as a primitive camping site. Amenities are minimal, and visitors should bring all necessary supplies.

Historical SignificanceThe very name Withlacoochee whispers of ancient times, translating from Native American tongues as 'crooked river'—a testament to the winding waterways that have shaped this land for millennia. Indigenous peoples knew these forests intimately, and their legacy lives on in the landscape. For over a century, as longtime visitors attest, this forest has served as a sanctuary where Florida's wild heart still beats strong. Each trail may follow paths once walked by the Seminole, each camping spot a place where countless generations have paused to rest beneath these same stars.

Weather and SeasonsThe rhythms of the seasons paint dramatically different pictures at Richloam Tract. Autumn and winter arrive as the golden seasons, bringing crystalline skies and temperatures that invite all-day exploration. These cooler months transform the forest into a hiker's paradise, with comfortable days and crisp nights perfect for campfire conversations. Summer tells a different story—one of afternoon thunderheads building like mountains in the sky, unleashing dramatic downpours that nourish the forest before giving way to steamy, jungle-like humidity. Each season offers its own rewards for those who come prepared.

ElevationThe gentle undulations of North Florida's terrain create a subtly varied landscape throughout the camping zone, where slight changes in elevation reveal different ecosystems and viewpoints across the forest expanse.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living canvas where towering longleaf pines create cathedral-like spaces on sandy hills, their open understory allowing golden light to filter through. The landscape shifts like a dream between sun-drenched pine savannas and mysterious hardwood hammocks draped in Spanish moss. Come autumn, the forest floor erupts in a painter's palette of wildflowers—brilliant goldenrod waves in the breeze alongside purple blazing star and delicate native thistles. This is prime territory for wildlife encounters: majestic bald eagles patrol the skies while fox squirrels perform acrobatic displays in the canopy. Patient observers might spot the prehistoric silhouette of a gopher tortoise or catch the white flash of a deer's tail disappearing into the palmetto thickets. Wild turkeys strut through clearings at dawn, their calls echoing through the morning air.

Geological RegionThe Richloam Tract sprawls across an impressive 165,000 acres of Central Florida wilderness, encompassing five counties in a vast tapestry of ecosystems. This corner of the Withlacoochee State Forest showcases Florida's geological diversity—from ancient sand hills that once formed prehistoric shorelines to river valleys carved by patient waters over countless centuries. The landscape is blessed with pristine waterways, including the serpentine Withlacoochee River, the intimate Little Withlacoochee River, and spring-fed Jumper Creek—all designated as Outstanding Florida Waters for their exceptional clarity and ecological importance. Miles of canopied trails wind through this varied terrain, creating natural tunnels of green that transport visitors into the heart of old Florida.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping stay limits are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Max guest per site was not provided.

Groups

No information about group sites is provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe site is marked with yellow bands on trees and is accessible via a three-mile trail from the parking area.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platform is required as the site is free and first-come-first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-serve and do not require reservations.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is in place, so cancellation policies are not applicable.

Accessibility.

Site SizeNo specific details on the site sizes are provided.

PrivacyNo specific information is given about campsite privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors are advised to carry water and supplies due to the lack of facilities. Wear bright clothing during hunting seasons and sturdy footwear for muddy trails.

Activities you can enjoy

Numerous activities are available at the Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East, focused on outdoor recreation and nature appreciation. According to the authoritative content, visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Seasonal hunting is also available, but users are advised to check regulations. In reviews, one user noted, "Plenty of wildlife if you pay attention," and another mentioned spotting multiple turtles, an otter, and other animals.

HikingHiking is a major activity at this campground. The authoritative source describes a roughly three-mile hike from the parking area to the site. Trails are shaded by trees and home to abundant wildlife. One user noted, "The Richloam trail provides for a peaceful walk through some beautiful woods," but warned of deep mud near the trail's start. Another mentioned, "The trail is 28 miles with only one small bend," indicating extended hiking opportunities.

FishingFishing opportunities exist within the Withlacoochee State Forest's lakes and waterways. One user mentioned fishing but expressed disappointment at not catching anything, citing, "Not one damn bite all day."

BikingBiking is supported, with one user completing a 15-mile journey. Trails are described as flat and shaded, providing a comfortable ride. "It was a hot sunny day but the tree-covered trail was cool and somewhat comfortable," noted a reviewer.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity. According to user reviews, visitors have spotted turtles, squirrels, otters, snakes, and birds. "Plenty of wildlife if you pay attention," one review states.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, snakes, and coyotes, as well as challenging terrain, mud patches, and hunting activity during specific seasons.

Active AlertsContact WSF Dispatch to confirm emergencies such as prescribed burns or closures during hunting seasons.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in designated fire rings when available. Always follow 'Leave No Trace' principles.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No quiet hours are specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available within 10 miles, including hospitals, medical clinics, and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned, and user reviews suggest that visitors should pack out all waste, as littering appears to be a problem in the area.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near the Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River, and Jumper Creek, designated as Outstanding Florida Waters.

Camp HostNo campground host is specified.

Weather at Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

Reviews

4.3

18 reviews

Recommended

Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone East is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, the campground is appreciated for its natural beauty and opportunities for solitude, but its lack of amenities and some maintenance issues are noted. Several reviewers highlight the area's wildlife and peaceful environment. One user said, "Richloam is my go-to place, my safe place and where I go to clear my head." Another warned, "This area is closed to camping and hasn't been maintained in a very long time."

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the area's tranquility, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for activities like hiking and biking. "Amazing place to be with nature," one reviewer said, while another noted, "The trail...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the absence of amenities like water and restrooms, as well as maintenance problems. One user pointed out, "This area is closed to camping and hasn't been maintained in a very...

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water and supplies, as there is no potable water or amenities. Wear boots for muddy sections of trails, and visit during cooler seasons for the best experience. One user advised,...

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall appear to be the most popular seasons, with users mentioning mild weather and abundant wildlife. Summer can be hot, but the shaded trails provide some relief. "It was a hot sunny day...

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This area is primitive camping and has a beautiful environment." "Richloam is my go-to place, my safe place and where I go to clear my head." "Make sure you bring everything you need as the trail is...

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews focus on the general area rather than specific numbered sites. One user described the east Pless Place as peaceful for tent camping but noted the lack of amenities, mentioning...

Based on 18 reviews