Best Tent Camping near Brooksville, FL
The Withlacoochee State Forest surrounding Brooksville, Florida offers several tent-only camping options within its 157,000 acres of pine flatwoods and river systems. Crooked River Campground provides tent-only primitive sites with dense undergrowth between campsites for added privacy. Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites and Croom B Loop Primitive Site offer walk-in tent camping experiences along established hiking trails. Colonel Robins Group Area, located at 13000 Broad Street in Brooksville, features well-shaded natural tent campsites with amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and lantern hangers. Most sites are within a 5-10 mile radius of downtown Brooksville, making them accessible for weekend camping trips.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in the region feature sandy or dirt surfaces with minimal grading. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with Crooked River offering water spigots near campsites and flush restrooms with hot showers accessible by walking. At more remote sites like Croom B Loop, campers should bring all necessary water and supplies, as no potable water is available. Summer rains can cause significant flooding at lower elevation sites, particularly those near the Withlacoochee River. Fire restrictions may apply during dry seasons. Reservations are required for most sites, with some locations offering a limited number of walk-up sites. Special use permits are required for groups using Withlacoochee State Forest, available at no charge by calling (352) 797-4100.
According to reviews, Crooked River Campground offers exceptional privacy for tent campers. One visitor noted, "Most of the sites are secluded with dense forest in between each site. Tent camping only, with a picnic table, fire ring and water faucet." Weekday visits typically provide quieter experiences than weekends. At Tucker Hill, campers appreciate the proximity to extensive trail systems. The Croom Hiking Trail system includes three stacked loops (A, B, and C) totaling over 24 miles of hiking opportunities. Insect repellent is essential for comfortable backcountry tent camping, particularly during warmer months when mosquitoes and ticks are abundant. Fall through spring offers the most comfortable tent camping conditions, with summer bringing intense heat, humidity, and increased chances of afternoon thunderstorms.
