Tillis Hill Equestrian Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

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.

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.

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.