Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
General Camping Information
For the camper, you have a choice of camping styles from entirely primitive, to tenting with facilities, to bringing your recreational vehicle, to renting a cozy cabin. It also means you can plan to take advantage of other recreational or educational opportunities during your stay here.
Primitive Camping
If your idea of camping is a small clearing in the forest where you can pitch your tent and almost believe you're living 200 years ago, Citrus County is the place for you. There are a number of public lands with designated primitive campsites along the established hiking trails.
Two primitive campsites within the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest are located along established hiking trails. Combined with an extensive trail system, the 41,222 acre Citrus Tract offers a terrific opportunity for a back-to-nature extended backpacking vacation.
There are three Southwest Florida Water Management District "Save our Rivers" projects: Flying Eagle Preserve, Potts Preserve and the Chassahowitzka River Tract. All have primitive campsites available by reservation. Primitive camping is also offered at Fort Cooper State Park in Inverness.
Tenting in Less Primitive Settings
If you prefer to tent in a less primitive setting, the Chassahowitzka River Campground and the Mutual Mine, Holder Mine and Tillis Hills Campgrounds within the Citrus Tracts of the Withlacoochee State Forest offer a bathroom facilities, potable water, and fire rings/cooking grills.
Recreational Vehicle Camping
Combining the comforts of home with camping experiences, the recreational vehicle is welcome in the public areas mentioned in the above paragraph. In addition, there are many private facilities to accommodate your recreational vehicle.
Many people enjoy combining camping with other hobbies or activities. Many private facilities offer quick and easy access to other recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, canoeing, hiking or horseback riding.
Cabins
If you like the great outdoors but prefer the comforts of home, try one of our many lodges or cabins. Citrus County offers a selection of cabin locations, from the Tsala Apopka Lake chain to scenic areas on some of our many rivers.
Primitive Camping Guidelines
If you choose to primitive camp within a public land or park, please follow these simple guidelines to preserve and protect our natural resources ... and make a safer trip for yourself, too:
- Always let someone know your itinerary.
- Register with the appropriate state agency that manages the campsites. Contact them at least two weeks prior to your planned visit.
- Conduct a safety check of equipment and supplies before you start.
- Check weather advisories before and during your trip.
- Camp only within designated areas. Build fires only where allowed and within established fire circles.
- Gather small sticks or branches for burning rather than cut standing dead or living trees. Consider using a lightweight gas stove instead of a fire.
- Dig catholes and latrines 200 feet or more from water, campsites and trails. Cover them thoroughly before breaking camp.
- Leave no litter. Bring a trash bag with you. Always pack out garbage and trash; never bury it.
- Don't scar, nail or cut trees or shrubs or dig ditches around your tent.
- Remember, the best primitive campers ... Leave No Trace.
Much of the information above is provided courtesy of theCitrus County Tourist Development Council. Visit their web site for additional information and further assistance in your inquiries.
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