How much does camping cost at Hog Island Youth Group Camp?

Camping fees at Hog Island Youth Group Camp range from $10-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hog Island Youth Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Hog Island Youth Group Camp 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 Hog Island Youth Group Camp?

Hog Island Youth Group Camp is open The campground does not indicate specific peak season dates.. 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 Hog Island Youth Group Camp?

Yes, Hog Island Youth Group Camp has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Hog Island Youth Group Camp?

Fire policies at Hog Island Youth Group Camp: Campfires are allowed within the designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hog Island Youth Group Camp have?

Hog Island Youth Group Camp has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hog Island Youth Group Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Hog Island Youth Group Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hog Island Youth Group Camp?

Hog Island Youth Group Camp offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hog Island Youth Group Camp?

Popular activities at Hog Island Youth Group Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hog Island Youth Group Camp

4.49

149 reviews

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

Top 18% in FLWinter

Featured in:Boating Camping Florida

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

115 ft

Price

$10 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on Withlacoochee State Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

115 ft

Price

$10 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on Withlacoochee State Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Hog Island Youth Group Camp

$10.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees depend on the group size and type. Organized youth groups of up to 50 campers can use the site without adding portalets. Firewood is available...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

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3527974140.

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Campground Map

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

Hog Island Youth Group Camp

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

Nearby places

Brooksville (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes)

Dade City (approximately 30 minutes)

Orlando (approximately 1.5-hour drive)

Tampa (approximately 1.5-hour drive).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Brooksville, approximately 15 miles away. Firewood is often available on-site within the campground for donation to the Friends of the Florida State Forests.

Driving directionsVia I-75: Take Exit 309, bear right on the exit ramp to the stop sign at C-476B. Turn right (north) and continue on C-476B to the stop sign. Turn left (west) on C-476 to CR-635. Turn left (south) and continue straight to the entrance of the Hog Island Recreation Area. The Youth Group Area is past the day-use area and campground. 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, head north on I-75 to Exit 309 (Webster). Bear right to the stop sign. Turn right (north) on C-476B and continue to the stop sign passing the National Cemetery and Sumter Correctional Institution. Turn left (west) on C-476 and continue to CR-635. Turn left (south) on CR-635 and continue straight to the entrance of Hog Island Recreation Area. The Youth Group Area is past the day-use area and campground.

Hog Island Youth Group Camp is accessible via both I-75 and the Suncoast Parkway. Roads leading to the campground are paved, but visitors should note that prescribed burns might impact accessibility. Contact Withlacoochee State Forest Dispatch at (352-797-4100) for updates.

Weather at Hog Island Youth Group Camp

Current alert: Visitors should contact Withlacoochee State Forest Dispatch at 352-797-4100 for updates regarding prescribed burns.

Best Time to Camp at Hog Island Youth Group Camp

Winter (November through February) brings the best conditions: daytime highs of 60-75°F, nighttime lows in the upper 30s to 50s, low humidity, and fewer mosquitoes. Trails stay firm for hiking and biking, and wildlife viewing peaks as birds winter here. Spring through September turns humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Reviewers strongly recommend bug spray year-round, especially for ticks.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in FL

Winter called best season: 60–75°F days, low humidity, fewer mosquitoes and good trail conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: The campground does not indicate specific peak season dates.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; specific hunting season advisories apply.

About Hog Island Youth Group Camp

Hog Island Youth Group Camp sits within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, a tent-only facility for organized youth groups of up to 50 people. The camp offers two group sites ($10-$50/night) with flush toilets, showers, and access to the Withlacoochee River. Reviews are mixed: campers praise the spacious sites and natural beauty, but ticks, poorly maintained bathrooms, and noise from other groups are recurring complaints.

This campground is exclusively designed for youth groups and primitive tent camping. It cannot accommodate RV camping or glamping options.

Historical Significance

The Withlacoochee River begins in the Green Swamp and flows 70 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Its name means 'crooked river' in the language of the indigenous peoples who first lived here.

Weather and SeasonsWinter (November through February) brings the best conditions: daytime highs of 60-75°F, nighttime lows in the upper 30s to 50s, low humidity, and fewer mosquitoes. Trails stay firm for hiking and biking, and wildlife viewing peaks as birds winter here. Spring through September turns humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Reviewers strongly recommend bug spray year-round, especially for ticks.

ElevationThe campground rests gently upon Florida's characteristic low-lying terrain, where subtle changes in elevation create diverse ecosystems throughout the forest.

Natural Features and SceneryPositioned on the eastern bank of the Withlacoochee River, designated as Outstanding Florida Waters, within a 165,000-acre state forest featuring open pine sand hills, dense woodlands, canopied trails, slash and longleaf pine, cypress, maple, and oaks.[1][2][4][5][6]

Geological RegionHog Island Youth Group Camp sits at the heart of the Croom Tract's diverse ecosystem, where the ancient sand hills meet the life-giving Withlacoochee River. This remarkable landscape showcases Florida's botanical diversity with majestic slash and longleaf pines reaching skyward, while pond and bald cypress trees stand sentinel in the wetter areas. The forest floor tells stories through its varied cast of characters—stately southern magnolias perfume the air, hickories provide shade and sustenance for wildlife, and numerous oak species create a multi-layered canopy that shelters countless creatures and creates an ever-changing play of light and shadow throughout the day.

Scenic ViewsMost campsites are wooded and shaded, offering privacy and tranquility. Visitors have commented on the beautiful river views.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground is strictly for youth group camping or primitive tent camping. No hotel-style accommodations are available.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit

Maximum stay for reservations is limited to designated youth groups only.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each group site accommodates up to 25 people. Larger groups can be accommodated with special arrangements.

Groups

The area accommodates two groups of 25 or less or one group of up to 50. Portable toilets are required for larger groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo main group sites, both described as spacious or huge. Privacy varies from very private to somewhat exposed depending on which site you book. Natural woodland surrounds most areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made by contacting the Withlacoochee State Forest Visitor Center at 352-797-4140.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability is no longer an option; all sites must be reserved in advance.

Cancellation PolicyRequires special use permit; cancellation policies are not explicitly stated.

Site SizeThe sites are described as 'spacious' and 'huge,' with enough room for group camping.

PrivacyReviews indicate that the sites offer varying degrees of privacy, ranging from 'very private' to 'somewhat exposed.' Many sites are surrounded by natural woodland.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors are advised to reserve their spots in advance due to limited group camping options. Larger groups should consider bringing additional portalets.

Best CampsitesCampsite #21 is paddle-in only, tent-only with no vehicle access, ideal for paddlers; no specific recommendations for other 20 sites.[2][4]

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Amenities available

The Hog Island Youth Group Camp offers basic but functional amenities ideal for organized youth groups. Amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to a bathhouse with running water, showers, and restrooms. Two large fire rings and picnic tables are present, and potable water is available at sites. The campground lacks electric hookups, sewer connections, and Wi-Fi, and relies on water-only systems. A donation-based firewood system is available on-site.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Hog Island Youth Group Camp provides a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The Withlacoochee River offers paddling opportunities, while nearby trails provide options for walking and exploring nature. Reviewers highlight the area's serene environment and ample recreational outlets.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are frequently mentioned in user reviews as a major concern, particularly during April and May. Other hazards include sand fleas, mosquitoes, and poisonous spiders.

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 PolicyCampfires are allowed within the designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not consistently enforced, as noted in multiple user reviews.

Emergency ServicesWithlacoochee State Forest Dispatch (352-797-4100), local ranger station at (352-797-4140), nearest hospital in Brooksville, approximately 15 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are provided on-site for waste disposal, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the Withlacoochee River, with access to a kayak and canoe launch.

Camp HostCampground hosts Joe and Darlene are frequently mentioned in reviews for their helpfulness. Rangers, including Ranger Denver, are noted for their friendliness.

Cell CoverageSpotty but mostly usable cellular service.[9]

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

149 reviews

Recommended

Hog Island Youth Group Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Hog Island Youth Group Camp are mixed. While many praise its natural beauty, spacious campsites, and opportunities for outdoor activities, recurring complaints include poor maintenance of bathrooms, lack of rule enforcement, and tick infestations.

Review Summaries

Based on 149 reviews

What Campers Love

Peaceful paddlers' paradise with direct river access, bathhouse/showers, proximity to hiking trails and wildlife viewing.[2][4][5][9]

Based on 149 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints are related to 'dirty and poorly maintained bathrooms,' 'loud and disruptive campers,' and 'severe infestations of ticks.'

Based on 149 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback notes that some sites offer more privacy than others. Site #13 is praised for its size, and Group sites 1 and 2 are highlighted for accommodating larger groups.

Based on 149 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pets/dogs not allowed in campground; reservations required via ReserveAmerica; day use hours 7am-8pm; access youth group area with special permit.[1][2][3]

Based on 149 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Ticks appear to be a major issue during the spring and early summer months (e.g., April). Winter months are noted for their cooler, more pleasant weather with fewer bugs.

Based on 149 reviews

Camper Quotes

'We hiked about 11 miles on the Iron Bridge trail and it was gorgeous.' 'The bathrooms look like they're barely cleaned, and nothing has been replaced in decades.' 'Ticks are out of control. In...

Based on 149 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 149 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed, and this is explicitly mentioned in both the official information and user reviews.

Based on 149 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Organized youth group leaders who want river access and real infrastructure: flush toilets, showers, fire rings, and potable water at $10-$50/night. Winter trips (Nov-Feb) hit the sweet spot with firm trails, low humidity, and peak wildlife. Hosts Joe and Darlene and Ranger Denve

Skip if

Adult or mixed groups without youth org credentials won't qualify; the stay limit is reserved for designated youth groups only. Bathroom maintenance is a recurring complaint across reviews, ticks are severe April through May, and quiet hours aren't reliably enforced when multiple

Nearby Campgrounds

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Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East

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

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.