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Established Camping

Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest

Tillis Hill Recreation Area, near Lecanto, Florida, is a peaceful campground that caters to both tent and RV campers, making it a solid choice for a relaxing getaway. With amenities like electric hookups and clean bathhouses, it’s designed to keep your camping experience comfortable.

The campground is surrounded by beautiful woods, perfect for star-gazing on clear nights. Visitors have noted the tranquility of the area, with one camper mentioning, “It is a great place to get away from city lights, noise, etc.” If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll appreciate the horse stalls and miles of trails right from your campsite.

While the access road can be a bit bumpy, the spacious sites offer a nice retreat into nature. Just keep in mind that cell service can be spotty, so plan ahead if you need to stay connected. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, or simply unwind, Tillis Hill has a lot to offer for a memorable camping experience.

Description

State Park

Whether you want a day's ride or a full equestrian camping trip, enjoy riding through some of the most beautiful public lands in Central Florida. Reservations are required to camp or use the dining hall/pavilion/ BBQ facility. Groups must obtain a State Forest Use Permit. The Tillis Hill Day Use Area has a day use fee. Call (352) 344-4238. Features - Pavilion - Commercial BBQ grill/smoker - Dining hall/meeting room No pets allowed Equestrian trails: - One Day Trail is 12 miles. - Two Day Trail is 24 miles. Facilities - 37 campsites with paved slabs, electricity, water, picnic table and fire ring (2) bathhouses - 28 horse stalls. Two stalls are designed for stallions. A communal corral is also available. Dump station Reservations required. Call (352) 344-4238. NOTE : ALL horses must have proof of current negative Coggins test results when on state lands. ALL children under the age of 16 are required to wear a protective helmet while riding on state lands.

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Location

Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest is located in Florida

Detail location of campground

Directions

Directions: From Pleasant Grove Road (C-581), turn (west) on Stage Coach Trail (C-480) and continue approximately 4 miles to Forest Road (Trail 13) and turn right (north). Continue approximately 1.5 miles to the fork in the road and take the right fork up the hill to Tillis Hill Recreation Area and Campground.

Coordinates

28.74345184 N
82.41517697 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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1 Star

29%
58%
15%
0%
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4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2023

3 stars isn't bad

I'm giving 3 stars because I was pretty satisfied and that's it. To me, 5 stars means spectacular. Here's what I can say, pro, con, and fyi. Pro - it's nicely tended, as a state campground it's got pretty nice amenities (electricity and water hookups, dump station is on site). The bathrooms are clean, except for the windows and ceiling. Broken screens have allowed insects (and probably other pests) to get in and the spider nests along the ceiling were - ick). But the facilities work, plenty of hot water in the shower, toilets clean etc. Horse stalls are in good condition as well. It's quiet and very dark at night. Great for star-gazing. Cons- Try to get a sense of the space before picking your site. The photos etc made it look like easy back-in but gets are some sites with trees very close and the lane is super narrow. I had a rough time backing in, even with help because there wasn't room to pull forward to maneuver. BUT I moved to another site and it was perfect. Close to the bathroom, easy back in and still had some shade. The more shade you get the more chance you'll have a tight squeeze backing in. I had a rough time coming in at night, the keypad for the gate isn't lit and it's very low (could hardly reach from my truck). Also, I found it odd that the camping area and approach is paved, but about 1-1/2 miles of the trail is gravel. So you go from paved to gravel to paved. Go SLOW on the gravel stretch, it's very bumpy and you'll raise a white cloud of dust. The dump station is near the gate, but it's narrow and the placement of the trees and gate can make it tricky to pull out. Hard to describe - just be cautious pulling into the dump station - plan your exit before you pull all the way in or you might have trouble (especially if someone is waiting and you can't back up. FYI Cell service is bad for AT&T. I'm told other carriers are better. It's a fairly remote public campground. Plan your trips, you won't want to get to your site and realize you should have picked up ice because it will be 20 minutes one way to get out. I'd absolutely stay there again, now that I know where the best sites are and that I should have a cell-signal booster. It really is a nice place - beautiful woods.

Site26 and 37
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Mandie Z., June 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Mandie Z., June 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Mandie Z., June 11, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2022

Peaceful

Barely anyone here, which is great! Bathhouse clean and showers have good water pressure. Lots of butterflies and native plants around.

Site27
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 31, 2021

Increíble y natural

Un exelente campamento, los baños y todas la áreas están muy limpias. Esta pensado especialmente para los amantes de los caballos y la naturaleza. Hay variedad de mariposas y aves tambien pude ver venados, ardillas y armadillos. El día aquí es cálido y por las noches baja un poco la temperatura. Solo por reservacon. Sin dudas vamos a regresar.

Site026
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Mina  G., May 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Mina  G., May 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Mina  G., May 31, 2021
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2020

Great quite spot

Overall, a great place to get away from city lights, noise, etc. It is about 1-1 1/2 miles off main road. Be mindful and take your time on the dirt road leading to the campgrounds. It can be very ruff during certain times of the year.

The main camping area is large. The sites themselves are spacious. The sites have water, and power hook up. There is 1 main dump area with 2 dump stations. The bathhouse is clean and has hot water and showers.

If you own a horse these campgrounds have a stable to house your animals while you stay. I believe there are 2 trails just for horseback riding. Speaking of animals no other animals are allowed because of the horses.

If you enjoy hiking, biking, or off roading. There is 2,600 acres of off-road trails for motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts. During the day you may hear some of the “off roaders” come thought the camping area to use the bathhouse as it is the the closest thing to use. Also keep in mind during certain times a year you will hear gun fire because of the near by hunting areas. Nothing crazy though.

Other then the above list things at the camping area there is no other entertainment, playgrounds... etc. So what you bring is what you got.

We have enjoyed our time here and have been a few times now. If you lucky enough to stay during clear night skies...all the stars light up the area and it is very nice.

  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Doug E., December 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Doug E., December 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Doug E., December 18, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Mar. 3, 2020

Very peaceful

Sadly, can't bring your dog. The "right" road is a 1 1/2 mile drive(see reservations) on for the most part, smooth limestone. 20-30-50 power and fresh water at sites. We have a 34' class A and had no issues with trees. Yes two or three spots with pot holes, but manageable. Looking to sit out and listen to mostly nature, this is a great place. There is horse stalls with plenty of trails and overnight for horses. There is even a large pavilion to use or rent for gathering with a dining hall as well. See a large smoker near the pavilion as well. Has clean bathhouses / bathrooms. Camp host and fire ranger are around all day, maintaining the grounds and answering any questions. We met a few very nice travelers to boot. A sheriff went by daily on a 4 wheeler. So security is abound. Gate code you get with your reservation for the gate at night after hours. Some sites are a challenge to level, seems the park was built some time ago and the Earth's shifting has made some uneven. The dump station (with left and right dumping) and adjacent is a dumpster located as you leave.

  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Robert M., March 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Robert M., March 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Robert M., March 3, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2018

good camp area.

a little bumpy getting here but was a good weekend getaway. loved walking in the caves around the corner.

  • Review photo of Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest by Nate D., October 8, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

Perfect place to camp with horses!

The stalls are awesome and you can ride right from the campground on to miles of trails in the Withlacoochee forest! The only downside is that dogs are not allowed.

SiteSite 4
Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest?

    Camping at Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest can cost between $5.00 and $60.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest has 50 amp electric hookups and water hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Tillis Hill Recreation Area - Withlacoochee State Forest?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.