Description

Cedar Hammock Lodge is located within the Richloam Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Sumter County), and is approximately 8 miles from the city of Webster and 7 miles from the city of Mascotte in Lake County. This event facility is a peaceful, secluded paradise situated back off the road.

Geography:

The Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River, and Jumper Creek have all been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters, and each meanders through this forest which spans across 5 counties and exceeds 165,000 acres. Withlacoochee is a Native American word meaning "crooked river". This accurately describes the Withlacoochee River as it makes its 70-mile journey from the Green Swamp, in northern Polk County, to the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown. Complementing the natural water features are the open pine sand hills, dense woodlands, and canopied roads and trails. Tree species found on the forest include slash pine, longleaf pine, pond and bald cypress, maple, southern magnolia, hickory, and various species of oak. There is also an abundance of colorful wildflowers during the Autumn, including goldenrod, thistle, and blazing star. These natural features create excellent habitat for bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoise, white-tail deer, and turkeys, to name a few.

Recreation:

In 1999, the Withlacoochee State Forest was ranked #1 on the World Wildlife Funds "10 Coolest Places You've Never Seen in North America". Facilities include many miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and paddling. Seasonal hunting is available in most of the forest, and fish are plentiful in the many lakes and flowing waterways. Full-facility, primitive, and group camping are available at numerous locations. Many day-use facilities are available on Withlacoochee State Forest for picnicking and wildlife viewing. The Croom Motorcycle Area provides a developed campground and 2,600 acres of off-road trails for motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATVs) enthusiasts.

Facilities:

Facility will accommodate groups of up to 75 people.
Facility has restrooms, outdoor pavilion with a screened in area which Includes picnic tables with ceiling fans and lighting, an outdoor grill. Overnight stays are not allowed.

Nearby Attractions:

Attractions/Theme Parks
Central Florida major theme parks located within 1-2 hour drive time
Busch Gardens
Sea World
Walt Disney World
County/State/National Parks
Preserves and Refuges
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Chinsegut Conservation Center
Cross Florida Greenway
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Dade Battlefield State Park
Fort Cooper State Park
Hillsborough River State Park
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Rainbow River State Park
Three Sisters Springs and Monkey Island
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park/Buccaneer Bay
Withlacoochee State Trail
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historical State Park

Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

Season Schedule

• General Rules