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Nearby Parks: Dade Battlefield Memorial State Park Dade Battlefield Historic State Park Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park Lake Louisa State Park Chinsegut National Wildlife Refuge (historical)
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| State Park Overview: |
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Withlacoochee State Forest is currently the third largest state forest in Florida and is divided into eight distinct tracts of land. Using sound ecosystem management, the Division of Forestry provides for multiple-use of the forest resources which includes timber management, wildlife management, ecological restoration, and outdoor recreation. The size and diversity of Withlacoochee State Forest provides visitors with a variety of natural communities, wildlife and recreation activities to enjoy.
Withlacoochee State Forest was acquired by the federal government from private landowners between 1936 and 1939 under the provisions of the U.S. Land Resettlement Administration. The U.S. Forest Service managed the property until a lease-purchase agreement transferred the property to the Florida Board of Forestry in 1958. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| Withlacoochee State Forest has several waterways which flow through different portions of the property. The Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River and Jumper Creek have all been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters. The most notable is the Withlacoochee River which meanders through 13 miles of the forest.
A variety of tree species create dense woodlands and canopy trails. Species found on the forest include: slash pine, longleaf pine, pond cypress, bald cypress and a mixture of oak, maple, southern magnolia, gum and hickory. Springtime forest visitors will be delighted with the colorful blossoms produced by the abundance of wildflowers. Flower varieties such as goldenrod, thistle and blazing star can be found along state forest roadways. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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kids favorite getaway
my kids love this park!!! the nature trails are very well kept, the playgrounds are clean & there is always somewhere beautiful to have a family picnic! we have celebrated a total of 10 birthday parties there & never have been disapointed!!
Written by amber c. f.
15-Jun-2008
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FAB. TIME
tent only perfect, nice large private camp site, best time i ever had
Written by trissy40
21-Oct-2008
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Our favorite camping site! We love it!!
The park is beautiful. We love the primative camping and the park rangers are awesome!
(name not given)
19-May-2009
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great place, great people
I have three four wheelers and a motor home. I moved to North Carolina last year and have made three trips back to Crooms. I LOVE IT!
Written by Jerry M
22-Sep-2009
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Best Camp I ever had
We took the Cub Scouts camping here and had a blast. From the lakes made from old phosphate mines to the caves, to the nature trails. This place was awesome!
Written by Jimboween
30-Mar-2010
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fav. forest
this is where i always go hiking and caving
(im a professional caver)
(name not given)
2-Sep-2010
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| Area Activities |
| Boating | |  | Riverscape Boat Tours LLC - Ocala, FL Ride silently on nature tours on the silver river. The most beautiful river in the world. We transport guests back in time to wild Florida as it was thousands of years ago - untouched and untamed. Sparkling clear water that has over a hundred feet visibility. Book the Silver River trip now as the boats fill fast.
Web Site: http://www.riverscapesboattours.com |
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| | Fishing Charters | |  | Flatwater Adventure Tours - Brooksville, FL Flatwater Guide has two astonishing adventures to choose from. Bass Fishing and a Nature/Scenic tour. Fish for Largemouth Bass in remote areas of the Withlacoochee
River, where it's not uncommon to fish all day and not see another living soul. You could also choose a lazy canoe tour up and down the pristine Weeki Wachee Springs
canoe trail where you can see tons of different fish, wildlife and see the amazing Manatees in their natural habitat.
Web Site: http://www.flatwaterguide.com/Home_Page.html |
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| | Horseback Riding | |  | Cactus Jack's Trail Rides - Ocala, FL We offer trail rides to singles, couples, or groups. All rides are guided to assure safety for rider and horse. There are trails through the Florida Horse Park and into the Cross Florida Greenway Trail system. Most trails are shaded and quite scenic.
Web Site: http://www.cactusjackstrailrides.com/ |
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| Area Accommodations |
| Campgrounds | |  | Wynnhaven Riverside RV Park - Bushnell, FL Wynnhaven Riverside is located on County Road 48 in the small town of Bushnell, Florida. Whether you are visiting Florida and want sun or prefer to camp in the shade of Florida's grand oak trees, we have units available for both. Web Site: http://www.wynnhavenriverside.com |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
 | Withlacoochee State Forest in Florida - State Forests in Florida- The Florida Division of Forestry has guided the operation of state forests ... Email Us at Withlacoochee State Forest State Forests and Recreation Withlacoochee State ... |  | Withlacoochee State Forest ? Croom Off-Road Bicycle Trails - Withlacoochee State Forest ? Croom Off-Road Bicycle Trails Declared as one of the "10 Coolest Places in North America" by the World Wildlife Fund, the Withlacoochee State Forest has numerous ... |  | Withlacoochee State Forest ? Croom Horse Trails - Withlacoochee State Forest ? Croom Equestrian Trails Declared as one of the "10 Coolest Places in North America" by the World ... World Wildlife Fund, the Withlacoochee State Forest has numerous ... |  | Trails at Withlacoochee State Forest - State Forests in Florida ... Forest in pdf format (use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view) Trails at Withlacoochee State Forest Withlacoochee State Forest has 3 nature trails, 92 miles of hiking trails ... |  | Camping in Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida - Camping in Withlacoochee State Forest, near Brooksville, Florida November 15-16, 1997 JEC III perched in a tree. Hanging out at the nature trail. Oak tree and resurrection fern. Ablajan marching ... |  | Mountain biking Florida - Withlacoochee State Forest - Mountain biking Florida - Withlacoochee State Forest ... miles Navigable Driving Map Useful Links Check the Weather Withlacoochee State Forest - Croom Tract October 6, 2002 - 12-mile Loop ... |  | Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida Photos - Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida Photos at Outdoor Travels ... Photo Archive: Withlacoochee, Croom Tract 12-mile Yellow Loop Riding a palmetto studded trail - Kelli In the woods - Dana Riding a ... |
| Directions: |
| Withlacoochee State Forest's location provides convenient access for many visitors since it is within two hours driving time from Cape Canaveral, Orlando, and several other points of interest. The State Forest is located in west central Florida with headquarters located on U.S. Highway 41 approximately seven miles north of the town of Brooksville and 50 miles north of the city of Tampa. Contact us at:
Withlacoochee State Forest
Recreation/Visitors Ctr.
15003 Broad Street
Brooksville, Fl 34601
Phone 352/754-6896 |
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