Withlacoochee State Forest offers dispersed camping near Webster at elevations between 40-75 feet above sea level. The forest spans over 157,000 acres across five Florida counties with a subtropical climate averaging 70°F year-round. Most camping areas remain accessible even during summer's heavy afternoon thunderstorms, though dirt access roads can become challenging after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking local trails: River Junction Campground provides access to numerous forest trails where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. "We enjoyed the water and the trails in the area. The day time nature is great. Then at night we got to hear different creatures of the night," notes one River Junction Campground visitor.
Paddling opportunities: Launch from shoreline access points at Crooked River Campground for river exploration. "We got to say it was nice to have a clean bath house with showers! We enjoyed a group paddle down the river for a few hours. We shuttled some cars down that way so we could paddle far down and ride back," explains a camper.
Stargazing: Clear night skies in less developed camping areas offer excellent celestial viewing. "The coyotes at night is one of the coolest things to listen to at night. Do be scared get out and find adventure," mentions a River Junction camper describing nighttime activities.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Webster feature secluded camping spots. "My boyfriend and I just camped here for 4 days. Weekends have a different vibe on the weekdays it's quiet. Each campground has its primitive camp charm," shares a Crooked River visitor who appreciated the privacy.
Water access: Hog Island Campground offers direct river access for cooling off. "The sites are good sized with some privacy between them. A boat ramp area to basically launch canoes or kayaks. Pretty nice paddling you can go either way and make it back to the boat ramp," notes a camper who enjoyed the water features.
Wildlife encounters: Cypress Glen Campground visitors regularly report animal sightings. "We went when it was a rainier weekend and the water went through my site to the lake/river behind. The bathroom is located in the middle along with the trash drops which are located at the 'top' of the slope," explains a camper who observed the natural water flow through the campground.
What you should know
Highway noise consideration: Some pet-friendly camping locations sit closer to Interstate 75 than others. "I love this campground & have stayed here many times over the past 15 years. There is pretty constant noise from the interstate & weekends can be loud," explains one Silver Lake Campground visitor.
Road conditions: Access roads can become challenging after rain. "The road in called SW 113 ST was hardcore off road muddy driving. We pay for the sites so the road in could have been a lot less treacherous. Potholes all the way to the site," reports a River Junction camper.
Site flooding: Low-lying areas can collect water during storms. "My only 'complaints' are that it flooded very quickly during the few thunderstorms we experienced and there was some poison ivy in an easy to run into area," notes a Crooked River visitor regarding site conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Frog hunting: Children enjoy searching for amphibians near water areas. "We loved exploring the trail and then letting the kids play in the water while we tried to catch some bass... The kids really loved cooling off in the river and catching frogs, they all agree that this was there favorite part," shares a Crooked River camper.
Private sites for noise management: Colt Creek State Park offers spacious sites where children can play without disturbing neighbors. "Camp spots are big, flat with gravel parking areas. Power and water an each site for RV camping. Nicer (newer) bathrooms than most FL state parks," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening animal spotting excursions engage children. "Get up early in the morning and take walk and you are sure to see some deer. Restrooms are dated but clean. Firewood available for donation," shares a Hog Island camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for size: RVs require careful campsite selection in dog-welcoming campgrounds near Webster. "We booked site #50. The site was level for us because my trailer is small but some leveling would be required for bigger rig. Some of the outer loop sites Had steep drop offs," advises a Cypress Glen visitor.
Access challenges: Larger rigs face limitations at certain campgrounds. "Be aware, it may be very difficult to get large RVs in the sites. The trip into the campground is very bumpy & narrow, with low hanging trees," warns a River Junction camper about vehicle size constraints.
Dump station locations: Sumter Oaks RV Park offers full hookups and dump facilities. "This is a visually nice park with a lot of shade, full hook ups, showers and laundry. Lots of wildlife and a farm next door with goats and donkeys," notes a visitor describing the amenities.
