Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In

Star4.47
36 reviews
15003 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida, 34601-4201, United States
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

39 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

No specific seasonal...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee information is explicitly provided for this primitive paddle-in campground. It is unclear whether there are any associated costs.
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

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Reserve America
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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 36 reviews

1701 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethiking

"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."

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Campground Map

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

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In

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.

Best Time to Camp at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Hotter temps, more bugs and ticks; navigation and comfort challenges rise in summer months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn scenery noted; pleasant forest conditions and good wildlife viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers wildflower viewing and active wildlife, though ticks may increase seasonally.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in FL

Winter cited as ideal: cooler, drier air, fewer bugs and excellent campfire nights.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No peak season dates specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No specific seasonal opening/closing times mentioned. Visitors are advised to contact WSF Dispatch to verify prescribed burns and hunting seasons.
  • Current Alerts: Campers should verify prescribed burns and hunting season schedules by contacting WSF Dispatch before visiting.

About Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In

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.
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Stay Limit
Chainsaw use is prohibited in camping facilities as per Florida Administrative Code, and visitors must wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.


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.
FishingFishing opportunities are available along the Withlacoochee River. User reviews emphasize this is a great area for fishing, with a high probability of encountering alligators.
SwimmingSwimming 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.
BoatingThe 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 viewingThe 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.
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Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In

Reviews

4.5
36 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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
Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the natural beauty of the area, the diverse recreational opportunities (hiking, biking, paddling), and the quiet, secluded environment.
Based on 36 reviews

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.
Based on 36 reviews

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...
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Based on 36 reviews

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...
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Based on 36 reviews

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...
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Based on 36 reviews

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.
Based on 36 reviews

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...
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Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at this specific campground as per the authoritative information provided.
Based on 36 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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