Withlacoochee State Forest

Category: State park in Brooksville, Florida

Address: 15003 N Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601, USA

Phone: +13527974140

Reviews

roger bori

Apr 20, 2022

The Withlacoochee Red Trail Loop is one of the most scenic trails around Tampa Bay that I have walked. It was cool weather so I didn't see much wildlife. I found the scenery was very nice, especially around the river. An added bonus is the tower along the path. I can see why the previous commenters were confused by the All Trails map. I found that I had to follow the orange blazes for 3/4 of the loop, then switched to follow the blue blazes. This is the only way I could stay on the All Trails path.

Melinda Torres

Apr 7, 2022

I have been through many nature trails in Florida...but never in my life have I ever experienced ticks. This area is heavily populated with ticks. My friend and I had hundreds of ticks crawling up from our feet just from walking one of the trails. Never going back to this place. Too many ticks of all different sizes.

JustHavinFun

Nov 1, 2021

This state forest offers an abundance of destinations to enjoy nature. Cooler temperatures in October and November make those months my favorite time to hike and explore the forest. Photos and video accompanying this review were taken near the intersection of Stage Coach Trail and Citrus Way.

Melissa

Dec 22, 2016

Ahh yes, the Withlacoochee State Forest, one of Florida's largest forest. it has so much to offer and so many cool places to see. Here you will find all kinds of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. if you get lucky, you will find Dames and Peace Caves and some others (although I believe some are being protected and have recently been closed to the public). There has been lots of vandalism in the caves, also known as, "Cave art" along with littering so when we visit we carry an additional bag and throw trash away when ever we see it. Always leave with more than what you came with, this will help clean this beautiful forest and allow for continued visits. I visited the Withlacoochee forest twice this year and both times were different. The first was dry season. We visited the caves and it was as dry as can be, no moisture what so ever. We crawled into the cave pods through tiny holes that would lead us into these huge pods filled with "fools gold". It was pretty exciting to see these tiny crystallized bead-like "gold"; unfortunately, once you touch these tiny little pebbles, they pop! We found slate and shells as well. Sometimes, I would take photos and this weird blob of green and blue would show up on my photo even though I couldn't see it in person (I found that... super creepy). Anyways, We went back during wet season and realized we really couldn't do much but walk around. All of the caves were filled with water so you couldn't crawl through them. It was a different feel, much more moist, but still cold as you climb down the slippery rocks. My suggestion is, if you're visiting the caves don't go alone. Take someone with you and take a head lamp. We were lucky to find a new friend who had explored these caves before so he was pretty much our guide. He showed us around and knew which caves led to another opening. It was STUNNING. One of my favorite experiences.

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Questions & Answers

Can ya ride atv 4 wheelers

Pamela Hawkins | Aug 24, 2018
Daniel Driggers | Aug 24, 2018

No. Only tagged vehicles are allowed.

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Always wanted to view this cave. Fl resident and never been here.

Vivian Self | Aug 24, 2019
Brian Brumfield | Aug 24, 2019

AWESOME

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can you hike and stop and camp here

Jason “Deathman” Carter | Aug 24, 2019
Daniel Driggers | Aug 24, 2019

Yes, miles and miles of trails. Camping is permitted in some areas but we've camped other areas as well.

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Are campfires permitted?

Carter Webb | Aug 24, 2019
Kyle Reece | Aug 24, 2019

Yes they are

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What are all of the dates for gun and bow seasons? And are horses able to go in the forest on bow season? I have my horse by the west side of 491 at cowpen trailhead. I go through the east side entrance into the forest.

Audra Dye | Aug 24, 2019
Katherine Towery | Aug 24, 2019

If you go to the Florida fish and wildlife page it will give you all the dates, but yes you can ride 365 days a year.

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Are there Horse trails & horse camping?

Edith Erickson | Aug 24, 2018
Karen Hartley | Aug 23, 2020

Oh Yes. Miles & miles of horse trails. We have a Bed n Barn right in the Withlacoochee Forest Croom Track. H and L Ranch and Blueberry Farm is located on Evaline Street. Tack up your Horse's and ride right into the forest. Bring your LQ Trailers & stay awhile with us.

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Can you dig for fossils on the withlacoochee river

Steve Whited | Aug 23, 2020
Light Lines & Good Times | Aug 23, 2020

No!

Which trails allow primitive camping? Can I venture off the trails at my own risk? and Is it ok to pitch a tent conveniently? or do I have to find a camp site?

Adam | Aug 23, 2020
Robert Morgan | Aug 23, 2020

No

What is the elevation

Pamela Nevins | Aug 24, 2019
Katherine Towery | Aug 24, 2019

Rd 75 ft at high points

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Ate dogs allowed , with owner cleaning up after them of course .??

Barbara Kuniski | Aug 24, 2018
Ric Aguilar | Aug 24, 2018

Yes, dogs are ok

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Is campground open near brooksville?

Deb Scalise | Aug 24, 2018
The Sunshine Explorer | Aug 24, 2018

It may be, but a lot of state parks are closed because they are making sure there is no danger of falling trees or limbs. Contact the forestry division for better details.

How much to camp here?

Howard Creps | Mar 26, 2022
C M | Mar 26, 2022

So reservations are made online through reserve America. It's not expensive. $30 a day give or take

Can you camp here for free?

Howard Creps | Mar 26, 2022
C M | Mar 26, 2022

No. All sites are pay. Use the reserve America website.

Can anyone tell me how to get to the Oriole cemetery?

Bruce Waits | Sep 27, 2021
Florida Explorer 777 | Sep 27, 2021

(28.5395520, -82.2164160) these are the coordinates for the gate to Oriel cemetery. Do not use coordinates that are provided online as they will put you on private property and at risk of being shot. Check out my YouTube channel: Florida Explorer 777 for videos at this location. There’s also an old Girl Scout camp and an old Homestead site that are nearby the cemetery. You can message me on Google or Facebook for more information. Have a blessed day friends praise Jesus!.

I’m looking to organize a camping trip with some friends. And I’m looking for an authentic forest camping experience, not like at a RV/tent camping grounds. And was wondering, is this the type of place where you can do that?

Kyle Flanagan | Aug 23, 2021
Harmony Nutt | Aug 23, 2021

No but if you go on reserve america.com its a site to reserve camp grounds its wonderful

Are there utv trails, side by side?

Crystal Rolison | Aug 23, 2021
Patrick Taylor | Aug 23, 2021

Out by the interstate and SR 50, Croom Motocross Area

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Can you enter at night (to access primitive camping)?

Manu Burkart | Aug 23, 2020
Dave Carper | Aug 23, 2020

One of the best places around if u know the area to set up an get away from people an the hustle an bustle of life.

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Do you allow rv s and if yes how much a night for seniors

Alethia Byrer | Aug 23, 2020
Richard Abel | Aug 23, 2020

Nope

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Can you go target practice

Eric Neptune | Aug 23, 2020
Karen Magno | Aug 23, 2020

No

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Is there an area to stay in your RV?

Oki Doki | Aug 23, 2020
Samantha Sapp | Aug 23, 2020

Yes lots of room but book early if possible fills up fast

Can anyone tell me where I can take trucks down trails and camp?

A Google User | Aug 23, 2020
Jennifer Hetsler | Aug 23, 2020

For trail riding there's a place called Trail 13 and it's on a GPS and for camping that I am not sure about

Can I use a metal detector ??

Luis Muñoz | Aug 24, 2019
Jeff Noreika | Aug 24, 2019

With permission from the Park Ranger, I believe you can. You would have to call them and see.

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Can I run a commercial backpacking trip on the Florida Trail within the State Forest? I'd be happy to apply for a permit if so.

Steve Silberberg | Aug 24, 2019
Brian Brumfield | Aug 24, 2019

It would be best to contact them directly.

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Is there bike rental nearby?

Kristine | Aug 24, 2019
Dawn Leach | Aug 24, 2019

I dont think so.

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Are motorcycles aloud on the trails if they are street legal but dual terrain

Cory Griffin | Aug 24, 2019
Patrick Taylor | Aug 24, 2019

Only in the motocross area off SR50 at I-75....

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Is there any places for kids?

Amanda Sage | Aug 24, 2019
Cami S. | Aug 24, 2019

There's a short (2miles) nature trail and picnic table at a lake at McKethan Lake Trail if the kids like picnics. It's $2 pp to park. There is also a black top area to ride bikes on which doubles as the road to get in and out but is not busy at all. No dogs allowed. I looked at map and don't see any jungle gyms, sorry. Other than that, no. The Forest is mostly trails, picnics, and camping. Visit the site for more info FloridaForestService.com

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Is metal detecting permitted ?

Michael Sedlacek | Aug 24, 2019
Tange Foreman | Aug 24, 2019

Go to my florida.com or my State Forest.com

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how do i get tobtge caves from us 41

Sean D | Aug 24, 2019
Audra Dye | Aug 24, 2019

They are closest to FR 22. park along the roadside and walk the FR you will get to them.

Can i take my jeep here? And what are the hours. Richloam says 24 hours.

TheCodeFirst | Aug 24, 2018
Terry Carroll | Aug 24, 2018

You can drive pretty much whatever you want to, but there's no off-roading. There's a lot of animals out there that are surrounded by development and need a sanctuary to survive. I don't think you really want to get caught off the roads here. Could be a pretty stiff fine and a good measure lost respect. Just sayin'

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Can you target practice in a safe location of coarse within the forest?

mark cummings | Aug 24, 2018
Cami S. | Aug 24, 2018

Call the office or visit the website please

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What are the hours on holidays ? Are they open new year's day ?

Ricki Colvin | Aug 24, 2018
Trizzy | Aug 24, 2018

Open trail

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Rules and regs

Darro Boomhower | Aug 24, 2018
Green Ranger | Aug 24, 2018

There is the main forestry office located on 41 just north of Lake Lindsay Rd. They have information there. Also online.

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