How much does camping cost at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East?

Camping fees at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East first-come first-served or reservation?

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Primitive camping is easiest to reserve, but availability for walk-up sites is not specified.

What is the best time to visit Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East?

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East is open Null. 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 Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East?

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East?

Fire policies at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East: Cooking fires are permitted. Fire rings may be available at some sites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East have?

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East?

Pets are not allowed at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East?

Popular activities at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

4.53

40 reviews

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

Top 18% in FLWinter

Peace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Florida Primitive Camping Florida

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

75 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Croom Wildlife Management Area

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

75 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Croom Wildlife Management Area

Get Directions

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee information is provided for reserving a site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

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

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

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

Nearby places

Brooksville (9 miles northeast)

Tampa (approximately 1 hour drive)

Orlando (approximately 1-1.5 hour drive).

Nearby supplies

Visitors are advised to cache water prior to arrival due to lack of water facilities. Supplies for groceries and other essentials are not explicitly mentioned.

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.

The campground is a hike-in, hike-out site located one half mile from the parking area. Roads to the trailhead are accessible but require careful navigation through rural routes.

Weather at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

Best Time to Camp at Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

Winter delivers the best camping conditions. Daytime highs run 60–75°F, nighttime lows 40–55°F. Mosquitoes are minimal, trails are dry, and clear skies make for good stargazing. Ticks are a year-round problem but less aggressive in cooler months. Summer brings heat, humidity, and relentless bugs. Weekdays and non-holiday weekends stay quiet; MLK and Presidents' Day weekends draw more visitors.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in FL

Winter temps (40–75°F), minimal mosquitoes and excellent stargazing; reviews favor winter visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Null
Current Alerts: Warnings include potential prescribed burns and active hunting seasons.

About Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East sits within Withlacoochee State Forest, a hike-in dispersed camping zone marked by yellow bands on trees. This is true primitive camping: no water, no facilities, just secluded sites scattered across forested terrain. Bring everything you need, including cached water.

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East offers primitive camping with minimal facilities. It is not suitable for RV or group camping due to its hike-in, hike-out nature.

Historical Significance

Remnants of a WWII airfield, abandoned Girl Scout camps, Depression-era CCC camps, and old mines scatter through the forest. Each layer tells a different story, though specific details about names, dates, or structures are sparse.

Weather and SeasonsWinter delivers the best camping conditions. Daytime highs run 60–75°F, nighttime lows 40–55°F. Mosquitoes are minimal, trails are dry, and clear skies make for good stargazing. Ticks are a year-round problem but less aggressive in cooler months. Summer brings heat, humidity, and relentless bugs. Weekdays and non-holiday weekends stay quiet; MLK and Presidents' Day weekends draw more visitors.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain creates natural amphitheaters and intimate camping spots throughout the primitive zone.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground is situated in Withlacoochee State Forest along 13 winding miles of the Withlacoochee River, featuring cypress-dominated forests, large expanses of longleaf pine, open pine sandhills, dense woodlands, and waterways designated as Outstanding Florida Waters. Flat terrain with dense forest surroundings provides a true backcountry experience.[1][2][3][4]

Geological RegionImmerse yourself in one of Florida's greatest natural treasures - the sprawling 165,000-acre Withlacoochee State Forest that stretches across five counties like a green sea. Ancient sand hills tell stories of prehistoric shores, while towering forests of slash pine, longleaf pine, and pond cypress create diverse ecosystems. The pristine waters of the Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River, and Jumper Creek - all designated as Outstanding Florida Waters - wind through the landscape like liquid silver. Majestic southern magnolias perfume the air, completing this remarkable geological and botanical wonderland.

Scenic ViewsScenic views include native wildflowers and expansive forest landscapes.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging accommodations such as cabins or hotel-style lodges are not available at this primitive campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Not specified

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutYellow bands on trees mark the dispersed camp zone boundaries. No defined sites or spacing. Pick your spot within the marked area and set up where terrain allows.

Reservation PlatformsNo online or phone reservation platforms are indicated.

Walk-in AvailabilityPrimitive camping is easiest to reserve, but availability for walk-up sites is not specified.

Cancellation PolicyNot specified

AccessibilityThe site has no explicitly described accessibility features for individuals with disabilities. One review by a couple with disabilities reported challenges due to unlevel trails and sandy terrain.

Site SizePrimitive site with undefined dimensions.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are undefined given the primitive nature of the campground. No information is provided about campsite spacing.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are not described individually beyond the primitive nature of the facility.

Best CampsitesPrimitive camp zones delineated by yellow bands on trees; PCZ West is 5.25 miles from Tucker Hill Trailhead parking, PCZ East is 6 miles east from Tucker Hill along Croom Road. Some sites may have fire rings or picnic tables.[1][2][4]

Amenities available

"Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East" is a hike-in, hike-out primitive camping area in the Withlacoochee State Forest, located approximately 9 miles northeast of Brooksville, FL. There are no standard amenities such as water, electricity, or restroom facilities. Some areas within the camp zone may feature fire rings and/or picnic tables, but this is not guaranteed. The site is delineated by yellow bands on trees and is situated roughly half a mile from the parking area. Campers are advised to bring all necessary supplies and pre-cache water, as there is no potable water available on-site.

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at the Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East include hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, stargazing, wildflower viewing, and nature study. The location is connected to the extensive Croom Hiking Trails, providing opportunities for exploration. Seasonal hunting is also available in the Withlacoochee State Forest.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks reported in user reviews. Visitors should check for prescribed burns and hunting seasons.

Active AlertsWarnings include potential prescribed burns and active hunting seasons.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilet facilities are not provided 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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCooking fires are permitted. Fire rings may be available at some sites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include WSF Dispatch at 352-797-4100 and day-use area bathrooms available at Tucker Hill Day Use Area. Emergency medical facilities are not specified.

Trash & RecyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities is available. Campers should plan to pack out all waste.

Water FeaturesWithlacoochee River and hidden springs provide scenic attractions.

Camp HostDay-use area contact and WSF Dispatch available for assistance.

Cell CoveragePhone service mentioned as a feature at Croom B Loop Primitive Site, but details on carriers or quality unavailable.[2]

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

40 reviews

Top-Rated

Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews highlight the secluded and natural appeal of the Withlacoochee State Forest and its camping zones, but the primitive nature of the site means it lacks amenities. Visitors appreciate the hiking opportunities and scenic beauty but caution about ticks and difficult trail navigation.

Review Summaries

Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

True backcountry experience, diverse habitats for hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, stargazing; plentiful fish in lakes and waterways; extensive trails.[1][3][4]

Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Ticks are a significant issue, as highlighted in multiple reviews: "Ticks are there in droves." Navigation can also be challenging due to poorly marked trails and overlapping loops.

Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are not available for this campground.

Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Hike-in/hike-out only; be completely self-sufficient as no water or amenities available; cache water prior to arrival; wear 500 square inches of blaze orange during hunting seasons; reservations...

Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is preferred for camping, with cooler temperatures making the experience more comfortable. Summer months are noted for intense heat and high tick activity.

Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Enjoyed our stay...really great shade trees," said one user. Another added, "Way finding was a little tough, but we managed. Great place to unwind."

Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

"It is not a level walk, and the sand trails make for hard walking," observed a disabled reviewer.

Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at this campground.

Based on 40 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Winter backpackers who pack in all water and can navigate looping, poorly-signed trails will find genuine solitude here. Deer, bald eagles, and gopher tortoises are regular sightings, and cool-month nights make stargazing worthwhile.

Skip if

No water on-site and a half-mile-plus hike from the parking area rules this out for car campers. Summer adds relentless ticks and humidity. Mobility issues are a real problem on sandy, root-crossed terrain.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.5

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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.