Recreation at Withlacoochee State Forest

Withlacoochee State Forest has outstanding forest and water resources that offer a variety of recreational opportunities attracting over 600,000 visitors annually.

All formal organized group activities, including picnicking, trail use and overnight camping, require a State Forest Use Authorization. To obtain a State Forest Use Authorization please call the Recreation/Visitors Center at (352) 754-6896 and we will assist you with your plans.

+ Contact the forest office for specific information.
* Reservations Required.

The Citrus Tract encompasses nearly 50,000 acres and includes three recreation areas with camping. Enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and horseback riding.

The Holder Mine Campground campsites are shaded by live oaks and turkey oaks. This campground is open 7 days a week and is popular with hunters during archery and small game seasons.

Picnicking Leashed pets allowed Hiking Trails: - Citrus A Loop Trail is 8.6 miles - Citrus B Loop Trail is 17.3 miles

• 27 Campsites with electricity, water, picnic table and firering
• Restrooms and showers
• Picnic pavilion
• A dump station is available

Directions: From the junction of SR 44 and CR 581 west of Inverness, turn south on CR 581 and drive 2.5 miles, passing the fire tower, to the sign for Holder Mine Recreation Area. Turn right and continue another mile.

Mutual Mine Campground has campsites in a horseshoe formation next to a picturesque, rain-filled lake which was formerly a mine pit. This campground does not have showers.

Features Nature trail No pets allowed Hiking Trails: - Citrus C Loop is 16.9 miles - Citrus D Loop is 19.4 miles

Facilities 13 non-electric campsites with water, picnic table and firering Restrooms (no showers) A separate youth group area* is located nearby * Reservations Required. Call 352/ 754-6896

Whether you want a day's ride or a full equestrian camping trip, enjoy riding through some of the most beautiful public lands in central Florida. Reservations are required to camp or use the dining hall/pavilion/ BBQ facility. Groups must obtain a State Forest Use Permit. The Tillis Hill Day Use Area has a day use fee. Call 352/344-4238.

Features Pavilion* Community grill* No pets allowed Equestrian Trails: - One Day Trail is is 12 miles - Two Day Trail is 24 miles

Facilities 37 campsites* with electricity, water, picnic table and firering Restrooms and showers (2) 28 horse stalls* . Two stalls are designed for stallions. A communal corral is also available. Dump station * Reservations Required. Call 352/344-4238.

NOTE : ALL horses must have proof of current negative coggins test results when on state lands. ALL children under the age of 16 are required to wear a protective helmet while riding on state lands.

This tract includes recreation at McKethan Lake as well as the Visitor's Center for Withlacoochee State Forest.

Visitor's Center Hours:
Open Monday - Friday, except holidays
from 8:00 am - noon and 1:30- 4:30 pm

Hours may change without notice. Please call ahead if you plan to stop by.

• Three Pavilions*. Daily fee for pavilion
• Picnic tables
• Nature trail
•     - McKethan Lake Nature Trail is 2 miles and included in the Trailwalker program. 
• Fishing
• No pets allowed

* Reservations Required

The Homosassa Tract office is located on US 19 six miles south of Homosassa Springs at the fire tower and Burnt Bridge Road. Take Burnt Bridge Road for two miles west to the end of the road. Park in the lot near the kiosk.

• The Rooks Loop Trail is 2.7 miles and included in the Great Florida Birding Trail

• Homosassa Wildlife Management Area

The Jumper Creek Tract is located along the east side of the Withlacoochee River in Sumter County. Jumper Creek runs through the center of the area and flows north into the Withlacoochee River.

• Canoe launch
• Canoe Trail
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Biking
• Leashed pets allowed

• Jumper Creek Wildlife Management Area: Hunting

With over 56,000 acres, the Richloam Tract encompasses pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, bottomland hardwoods, and cypress swamp. The Little River parcel, located in the northwest portion, is closed to hunting.
The Cedar Hammock Lodge* is available for meetings and special events.
*Reservations Required. Call 352/754-6896.

Located near the entrance to the Baird Unit on C.R. 471.

Multi-Use Trails- Hike, Horse, Bicycle

• Little River Trail is 8 miles and included in the Trailtrotter Program
• The Van Fleet State Trail starts at the Mabel trailhead

NOTE: ALL horses must have proof of current negative coggins test results when on state lands. ALL children under the age of 16 are required to wear a protective helmet while equestrian riding on state lands.

• Richloam Work Center trailhead: East Loop is trail 8.6 miles and the North Loop trail is 13.3 miles
• Ridge Manor trailhead: River Trail/ Hernando trail is 5.2 miles
• Richloam Firetower trailhead: South Loop Trail is 12.4 miles

• Richloam Wildlife Management Area: Hunting
• Richloam WMA- Baird Unit: Hunting

Enjoy a variety of natural upland and wetland plant communities including sandhills, scrub, hardwood hammocks, and open prairie. NOTE: ALL horses must have proof of current negative coggins test results when on state lands. ALL children under the age of 16 are required to wear a protective helmet while riding on state lands.

• Two Mile Prairie (SWFWMD)

The Withlacoochee South River flows through the Withlacoochee State Forest. The takeout is at the bridge on US 41 before Lake Rousseau. (approximate distances in river miles)