Silver Lake Recreation Area

The [Silver Lake Recreation Area](http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Withlacoochee-State-Forest/The-Croom-Tract-at-Withlacoochee-State-Forest#silver) offers three different campgrounds to stay at, depending on what you are looking for. The Silver lake is the most RV friendly with huge shady campsites under large oak trees and each has plenty of grassy field area to make up each of the the sites at [Silver Lake Campground](https://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/silver-lake-campground/r/facilityDetails.do?contractCode=FLFS&amp;parkId=1120180). From most of these sites you can get some views of the water. Silver Lake campground along with the Cypress Glen campgrounds are the 2 of the 3 in the recreation area to include water and electricity hookups.

The sites, while covered and under the oaks are really open and include your typical picnic table, fire ring, etc. with easy access to restrooms and showers located nearby.

Due to state budget cutbacks, the main gatehouse to the recreation area is actually closed (so all of the campgrounds are self-check-in and/or honor system, although there are camp hosts whom can check up on you) and the campsites were in need of a little cleaning, but not bad. That could be easily remedied if everyone just picked up a little bit of the trash and took it to the provided trash stations.

The biggest drawback about this location versions the other campgrounds in the recreation area is this has the closest proximity to I-75\. You’re really close and you can (and will) hear the traffic noise all night long.

For tent camping, this/is could be a deal breaker. However, as this location is more geared towards RV with the water, electric hook ups, and dump station. You’ll have to decide which you value more. 

##### Features

·       Nature trail and boardwalk

·       Fishing

·       Picnicking

·       [Canoe trail](http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Withlacoochee-State-Forest/Recreation-at-Withlacoochee-State-Forest#canoeing)

·       Leashed pets allowed.

##### Facilities

·       These are really pretty developed campsites with electricity, water, picnic table and fire ring with a grate and/or a grill.

·       Decently clean restrooms with flush toilets and warm/hot water showers

·       Dump station in campground for you RVers

Nice, but really for RVs and too near the interstate...

I rated this park a four, only because it's not really meant for a long stay for tent campers or for a lot of activities. There is a beautiful lake that you can canoe/kayak/boat on, and a great trail that runs along side of it, but it is super close to I75\. I am a heavy sleeper, and actually appreciate "white noise" but for others tent camping, it may be inconvenient. I would recommend this as for a one night stop for travelers or for RV's only. There isn't a visitors center and check-in is by honor code. Dogs are allowed so this is always nice for me! There is also dirt biking trails, which is something you don't always see and nice to have. Other that water activities there wasn't much to do on site. Locally and near by is the Dade City Battlefield, which was really interesting and historic information about Florida. There is also an ancient oak tree in the middle of the park which was beautiful! I'd recommend visiting if you stay at this park.

Good for a quick overnight stop or day river trip

stayed for a weekend with co workers. never again. interstate noise is too loud.  will choose another spot over this.

too noisy 

This park is very nice, with spacious sites and water/30amp hook ups. Sites were gravel and well spaced out. Quiet, shady and just a few campers while we were there. The ranger makes his rounds on the paved loops. There are bathrooms and showers as well. Half of the sites were closed due to Covid but we were able to camp without a reservation the beginning of October with no problem.

  

Good cell reception with AT&amp;T and Verizon.

Very Nice

We stayed here in March, 2022. Had a nice little spot, unfortunately, the noice from I-75 disturbed my husband at night. I only heard it when outside (hearing impaired). The have a decent bath house, nice walking trails and it’s closed to Croom trails State ATV/Dirt bike. Not a lot to do but it’s nice for a little get away. And close to home. 