The Withlacoochee State Forest near Bushnell sits on ancient limestone karst terrain with an average elevation of 75 feet above sea level. The region features a subtropical climate with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winter nights occasionally dropping below 40°F. Most tent campsites near Bushnell, Florida require advance reservations through either the Florida Forest Service or Southwest Florida Water Management District systems.
What to do
Paddle the Withlacoochee River: Access the river directly from Crooked River Campground where "you can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do" and "the water was very nice and refreshing against the unbearable heat of Florida." Many campers enjoy Crooked River Campground for its river access via "a staircase which provides access to the Withlacoochee River for small boats."
Explore hiking trails: The Croom tract offers interconnected trail loops through pine flatwoods. At Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites, "you can hike all day and walk the 1/2 mile to car to get camping gear so you don't have to carry a heavy pack all day." The A Loop trail spans 7.39 miles while B Loop extends 8.97 miles.
Wildlife viewing: Morning hours provide the best opportunities for spotting deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. At Flying Eagle Preserve, campers note they encountered "very few people" and primarily heard airboats. The preserve offers extensive undeveloped land "to run and hike about on."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campsites near Bushnell provide natural screening. At Crooked River, "each campground has its primitive camp charm" and campers appreciate that "it truly felt like we were camping alone in the forest and the kids loved getting to explore."
Fire rings with cooking options: Most established sites include fire rings with grates for cooking. Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground is "hands-down my new favorite camping spot in Florida. Free, primitive, private, secluded. Pet-friendly, hammock friendly, boat friendly, fire friendly, & more."
Seasonal advantages: Late fall through early spring offers the most comfortable camping conditions. At Hillsborough River State Park, "the campground here is very nice! The bathrooms are well kept and clean" and at night "the green fireflies put on an amazing light show in the canopy."
What you should know
Water sources vary significantly: Bring adequate supplies for primitive sites. At Croom B Loop Primitive Site, "in summer water can easily be cached in advance" as no water is available at the site itself.
Insect protection essential: Mosquitoes can be intense, especially during summer months. Campers advise "bring bug spray and keep the fire going helps" and note that "ticks can be bad - make sure you bring repellent."
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking through different systems. For Flying Eagle Preserve, "you make a free reservation and receive the gate code to get in" through the Southwest Florida Water Management District website.
Hunting season considerations: Many areas permit hunting during specific seasons. Wear bright colors when hiking during these periods and "check in advance for open hunt season dates and restrictions related to open hunts."
Tips for camping with families
River-adjacent sites for children: Consider sites close to water access points for family entertainment. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, "you can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do" and the park offers "rental canoe staff [who] were amazing."
Spacious sites for play: Some campgrounds offer larger sites ideal for families. One camper noted their Crooked River site "was huge and secluded! Our kids were able to run around and be noisy and we weren't worried about annoying our neighbors."
Wildlife encounters for education: Many children enjoy spotting small creatures. Families report that "the kids really loved cooling off in the river and catching frogs, they all agree that this was their favorite part."
Flooding awareness: During rainy periods, some sites experience standing water. Parents should note some sites "flooded very quickly during the few thunderstorms we experienced" and prepare accordingly with tarps and proper tent placement.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility limitations: Most primitive sites near Bushnell restrict RV access. At Potts Preserve, "the large open pasture/meadow is no longer a vehicle area" and "you can no longer pull your vehicle in next to your campsite."
Noise considerations: Airboat activity affects some camping areas. At Flying Eagle Preserve, "the only noise pollution is from air boats on the nearby swamp river, but this dies down at maybe 10 or 11 pm ET and mostly only on weekend nights."
Alternative RV options: For those requiring hookups, seek established campgrounds. Colonel Robins Group Area offers "limited parking available near sites" with "well water and bathrooms onsite" though primarily designed for group camping.
