Description
The Richloam Tract Primitive Camp Zone North is located within the Richloam Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Sumter County), about 20 miles east of Brooksville, FL. This campground is a hike in and hike out site only. There is no water and there are no amenities, although some areas may have a fire ring and/or picnic table. The camp zone is delineated by yellow colored bands on the trees and is approximately four miles from the parking area. Recreational activities featured here are: hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, star gazing, wildflower viewing and nature study.
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. For additional information about Withlacoochee State Forest, please Click Here.
Recreation:
In 1999, the Withlacoochee State Forest was ranked #1 on the World Wildlife Fund's "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. And, the Croom Motorcycle Area provides a developed campground and 2,600 acres of off-road trails for motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATVs) enthusiasts. For additional information about Withlacoochee State Forest, please Click Here.
Facilities:
No amenities - some areas may have fire rings, picnic tables, and grills
No portable water in Primitive Camp Zone. Potable water available at the Richloam Fire Tower.
Nearby Attractions:
Air and Seaplane Adventures (Mt Dora and Tavares)
Central Florida major theme parks (within 1-1 1/2 hour drive time)
Professional and college sports stadiums (within 1 hour drive time)
Art Galleries
Boyett's Grove (Brooksville)
Bushnell Motorsports Park
Dade City Wild Things Zoo
Fantasy of Flight Museum (Polk City)
Florida Bass Conservation Center (Webster-south of SR 50)
Florida Citrus Tower & Presidents Hall of Fame (Clermont)
Lowry Park Zoo (Tampa)
Museum of Drag Racing (Ocala)
Pioneer Florida Museum (Dade City)
Safari Wilderness (Lakeland)
Tree Top Adventures/Zip Line (several within 1- 2 hour drive time)
Webster Farmer's Market
Wineries (Clermont, Land o Lakes, Spring Hill, Tarpon Springs, Mt Dora, Eustis, Oxford, Orlando)
County/National/State Parks
Colt Creek State Park
Dade Battlefield State Park
Florida National Cemetery
Van Fleet State Trail
Horseback Riding - On forest roads only. No designated trails.
Please contact WSF Dispatch at 352-797-4100 before you begin to verify if there will be any
prescribed burns during your trip.
No potable water, no restrooms, it is suggested trail users wear bright colored clothing during hunting
season.
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