We love backpacking and to get to this site you will hike some beautiful trails! 

Site also known as Croom PCZ East

The Croom Hiking Trail is made up of three stacked loops: A, B, and C. The thru-portion of the Florida Trail(blazed orange) follows the eastern and northern perimeter.

The  trailhead we used is  located on Croom Road adjacent to the Tucker Hill fire tower. (day use fee) Turn east onto Croom Road(Hernando CR 480) from US Highway 41, just on the north side of Brooksville. Another access to the trails is at day use area of the Silver Lake Recreation Area (where there is also car camping and RV camping opportunities)

Overnight primitive camping is permitted only within the Primitive Camp Zones(PCZ’s) designated by yellow-banded trees.  PCZ East is located north of Croom Road between Forest Road 9 and Nobleton Croom Road approximately 6 miles east from Tucker Hill.

Ticks can be bad -make sure you bring repellent, this site not far from road so in summer water can easily be cached in advance. You can hear some road traffic but it usually dies down early. Make sure to hang food/trash for safety at night.

Only cooking fires are allowed in the primitive camping zones. Bonfires are not permitted. Fires may be prohibited during times of high wildfire potential Please help keep the camp zone in its natural state. All litter must be packed out. Do not bury or burn it. Report any irregularities to the Visitor Center.

 All groups using the Withlacoochee State Forest are required to obtain a Special Use Permit from the Visitor Center. I always check for permits even when hiking alone as I would not want to encounter a large group when seeking a quiet evening. Permits are no charge, Day use area has parking fee - Permit access # is (352) 797-4100

Check in advance for open hunt season dates and restrictions related to open hunts. Use of trails is not recommended during the muzzleloading and general gun portions of the annual hunting season. Bright colored clothing is recommended when hunt seasons are open. Hunting rules and regulations for the Wildlife Management Areas are available at www.myfwc.com or the Withlacoochee Visitor Center.