How much does camping cost at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest?

Camping fees at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest?

Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest is open No specific peak season dates provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest?

Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest have?

Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest?

Pets are not allowed at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest?

Popular activities at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest

Q: Can I have a campfire at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest?

Fire policies at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest: Fire pits and rings with grates are provided. Firewood is available on-site for donations.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4 reviews

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

Top 21% in FLFall

Scenic Views

Featured in:Boating Camping Florida

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

85 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Withlacoochee State Forest Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

85 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Withlacoochee State Forest Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for Crooked River Group Camp is $30 per night for organized youth groups only. No additional fees were mentioned.

Group Site Fee$30.00

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Campground Map

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

Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest

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

Nearby places

Brooksville (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Tampa (50 miles, approximately 1 hour), Orlando (80 miles, approximately 1.5 hours).

Nearby supplies

Firewood is available on-site for donations. Brooksville has grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations approximately 5 miles away.

Driving directionsVia I-75: Take Exit 301 - SR-50/US Hwy 98. Head east on SR-50/US Hwy 98. 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. Follow the road to the right for the campgrounds. Crooked River Youth Group Area is in the last campground at the end of the campground road. Via Suncoast Parkway: Take the Suncoast Parkway (TR-589) north to 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. Follow the road to the right for the campgrounds. Crooked River Youth Group Area is in the last campground on the campground road.

This campground is accessible via paved roads and is a short 5-mile drive from I-75. It is also accessible via Suncoast Parkway (TR-589). Roads are generally well-maintained, but it is recommended to verify road conditions in case of prescribed burns or seasonal changes.

Weather at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest

Current alert: Contact WSF Dispatch for active alerts regarding prescribed burns or other advisories.

Best Time to Camp at Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest

Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs settle into the 65–80°F range with crisp mornings and low humidity, making paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing comfortable. Wildflowers and autumn understory color peak, bird activity picks up, and insect pressure drops compared to summer. Winter brings cooler, dry weather with temperatures between 51°F and 67°F. Summer turns humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall both work well, though fall edges ahead for comfort and scenery.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 21% in FL

Sources state fall has best conditions: 65–80°F, crisp mornings, ideal for paddling and hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round availability, but prescribed burns may occur seasonally; contact WSF Dispatch for details.

About Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest

Crooked River Group Camp sits within Withlacoochee State Forest near Brooksville, offering a single tent-only group site designed for up to 25 campers. The site is part of the Silver Lake Recreation Complex and runs $30 per night. With a 4.8-star rating and strong reviews praising the forest's well-maintained trails and natural beauty, it draws youth groups looking for a straightforward base camp in Florida's pine hill country.

The Crooked River Group Camp is designed for youth groups with an emphasis on tent camping in a natural setting. It does not feature RV sites, cabins, or glamping options.

Historical Significance

The name Withlacoochee comes from a Native American word meaning "crooked river," referencing the winding waterways that define the landscape. The 165,000-acre forest earned the #1 spot on the World Wildlife Fund's list of '10 Coolest Places You've Never Seen in North America.'

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs settle into the 65–80°F range with crisp mornings and low humidity, making paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing comfortable. Wildflowers and autumn understory color peak, bird activity picks up, and insect pressure drops compared to summer. Winter brings cooler, dry weather with temperatures between 51°F and 67°F. Summer turns humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall both work well, though fall edges ahead for comfort and scenery.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain creates a diverse tapestry of ecosystems perfect for exploration and discovery.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a corner of the vast Withlacoochee State Forest, where pine sand hills rise and fall beneath a canopy of slash pines. Bald cypress trees line the edges of Silver Lake and nearby wetlands carved by the Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River, and Jumper Creek. Autumn brings unexpected color when native wildflowers bloom across the forest floor. Wildlife sightings are common: bald eagles overhead, gopher tortoises in the sandy flats, and wild turkeys in the underbrush. The elevation stays around 85 feet, keeping the terrain gently rolling rather than flat.

Geological RegionThis enchanting corner of Florida showcases nature's architectural mastery across the vast Withlacoochee State Forest. Pine sand hills rise and fall like frozen waves, crowned with stately slash pines that whisper in the breeze. The intricate water network—including the namesake Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River, and Jumper Creek—has carved intimate valleys and created rich wetlands where bald cypress trees thrive. During autumn, the landscape erupts in unexpected color as native wildflowers bloom in abundance. This geological wonderland supports an impressive cast of wildlife, from soaring bald eagles to prehistoric gopher tortoises and strutting wild turkeys, making every visit a potential wildlife documentary.

Scenic ViewsCampground offers views of Silver Lake and the surrounding woodlands.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge or luxury accommodations are mentioned in the authoritative content.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

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Check-in

Check-in timing not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Check-out timing not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Youth Group Area will accommodate 25 or less campers. Maximum consecutive nights allowed unknown.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 25 guests allowed per group campsite.

Groups

The group site is exclusive to youth groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) with a maximum capacity of 25 campers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOne group site sits at the end of the campground road. The youth area accommodates up to 25 tent campers.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by contacting WSF Dispatch at 352-797-4140.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo information provided regarding walk-up or first-come-first-served availability.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific rules provided regarding cancellation policies.

AccessibilityThe bathhouse in the campground is noted to be accessible. Other accessibility features are not detailed.

Site SizeThe youth group area accommodates up to 25 campers and is specifically designed for tent camping.

PrivacyThe level of privacy between campsites is not mentioned in the source materials.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesSuitable for organized youth groups only. Not recommended for individual campers or families due to group-only restrictions.

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Amenities available

Crooked River Group Camp at Withlacoochee State Forest offers an array of amenities tailored to organized youth groups. The campground is equipped with fire pits and/or rings that include grates or grills, picnic tables, and restrooms. A bathhouse is also accessible. Visitors have access to a day-use area featuring picnic facilities, restrooms, and a pavilion available for rental. Additionally, there are facilities for boating and fishing, as well as hiking trails within the recreation complex.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Crooked River Group Camp provides numerous recreational opportunities including access to the Withlacoochee State Trail, fishing, boating, and hiking. Wildlife viewing is also emphasized as a key activity, supported by the site's direct connection to the Withlacoochee River system.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, contact with prescribed burns, and seasonal weather conditions such as heavy rain and thunderstorms.

No Flush ToiletsThere is no indication of flush toilets being available at the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire pits and rings with grates are provided. Firewood is available on-site for donations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours provided.

Emergency ServicesWSF Dispatch (352-797-4140), Brooksville Regional Hospital (approximately 10 miles), local ranger stations accessible within Withlacoochee State Forest.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Silver Lake, part of the Withlacoochee River system, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and paddling.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Crooked River Group Camp Withlacoochee State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the natural beauty and well-maintained facilities of the Withlacoochee State Forest. Commonly appreciated features include the rail-trail, camping accommodations, and the availability of diverse activities. While some visitors focused on the hiking opportunities, others praised the clean and organized setup.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's proximity to the scenic Withlacoochee State Trail and the diverse recreational options such as biking and wildlife viewing are often highlighted. One user described it as 'beautiful...

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

There were no significant complaints noted in the user reviews provided.

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews do not provide specific feedback about individual campsites or loops within the campground.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are encouraged to explore the Withlacoochee State Trail and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The area is described as having numerous recreational opportunities that are enjoyable year-round. Specific seasonal variations in user experience were not detailed.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Beautiful and well maintained State Forest with an excellent rail-trail, camping facilities and amazing natural beauty and waterways!' - Wind Tree Studios - 'Got to be one of the best places to go...

Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed in the Youth Group Area, and this restricts pet-related feedback from users.

Based on 4 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Scouts, church groups, or youth organizations who want a no-frills base camp: fire rings, accessible bathhouse, Silver Lake views, and a direct connection to 70 miles of trail for hiking or biking the Withlacoochee State Trail.

Skip if

No hookups, no RVs, no pets, and reservations require a phone call to WSF Dispatch at 352-797-4140. Adults-only or family groups can't book it at all; it's restricted to organized youth groups.

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Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle In

Escape to your own riverside sanctuary at this paddle-in primitive camp, tucked away on the tranquil west bank of the Withlacoochee River. Accessible only by water from Silver Lake boat ramp, these secluded sites offer true backcountry solitude within the vast Withlacoochee State Forest—perfect for paddlers seeking an authentic wilderness experience where the only sounds are lapping water and calling birds.