Colonel Robin's Group Area

For youth organizations, scout troops, or any group of Floridians seeking a dedicated space to connect with nature and each other, Colonel Robin's Group Area offers an exceptional opportunity. Nestled within the vast and celebrated Withlacoochee State Forest in Hernando County, this campground is specifically designed to accommodate groups, providing a clear, quiet, and well-maintained environment for outdoor adventures and team building.

Colonel Robin's Group Area is more than just a collection of campsites; it's a peaceful, secluded haven that serves as an ideal base for educational programs, leadership development, and recreational outings. While it's particularly popular among Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops, its amenities and setting are suitable for various adult and youth groups looking for an immersive experience in one of Florida's most highly-regarded state forests. The forest itself was even ranked by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the "10 Coolest Places You've Never Seen in North America" in 1999, highlighting the natural splendor awaiting visitors.

This group camp allows participants to escape the everyday hustle and bustle, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. With essential facilities like running water and restrooms, it balances rustic charm with necessary conveniences, ensuring a comfortable stay while encouraging exploration and outdoor skill development. If your group is planning an unforgettable Florida adventure, Colonel Robin's Group Area provides the perfect backdrop.

Colonel Robin's Group Area is located at 13000 N Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601, USA. This address places it squarely within the Headquarters Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, a vast and highly acclaimed natural area spanning across five counties in Central Florida. The campground is approximately 6 miles from the charming city of Brooksville in Hernando County.

The strategic location within Withlacoochee State Forest is a significant advantage. The forest is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including pine sandhills, dense woodlands, and canopied roads and trails. It's home to the Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River, and Jumper Creek, all designated as Outstanding Florida Waters, offering picturesque scenery and opportunities for paddling and wildlife viewing. This immersion in nature provides an ideal setting for group activities and outdoor education.

While the campground boasts a "peaceful, secluded paradise situated back off the road," it remains relatively accessible for Floridians. The address on N Broad St (US-41) means that while there might be some ambient road noise from US-41 as noted in a review, direct access to a major thoroughfare is convenient for arrival. It's easily reachable from various parts of Central Florida via major highways:

• Via I-75: Take I-75 to Exit 309 (CR 476b/CR 673). Follow CR 673 (which becomes CR 476B) north, then turn left onto CR 476 west towards US 41 (Broad Street). Head south on US 41 for approximately 2.5 miles, and the entrance to Colonel Robins will be on your right (east side of the roadway), marked by a mailbox at 13000 Broad Street.

• Via Suncoast Parkway (SR 589): Take Exit 46 (Cortez Blvd/SR 50). Head west on Cortez Blvd/SR 50 for approximately 4 miles, then turn right onto Cobb Road (north) for about 2 miles. Turn right (west) onto Yontz Road for approximately 3 miles, crossing US 98. Turn left onto US 41 (Broad Street) heading north for about 2.5 miles to the entrance.

This accessibility, combined with the secluded natural setting, makes Colonel Robin's Group Area an ideal meeting point for groups traveling from different parts of Florida, providing a deep dive into nature without being overly remote.

Colonel Robin's Group Area is specifically tailored for group camping, providing essential services and facilities to support a comfortable and functional outdoor experience. While it maintains a primitive feel, it offers key amenities that distinguish it as a dedicated group camp within the state forest:

• Group Camping Only: This area is exclusively designed for group camping, ensuring that facilities and space are dedicated to larger parties, typically accommodating groups of up to 25 people.

• Restroom Facilities: The campground provides designated restrooms with running water, which is a significant convenience for group camping, enhancing comfort and hygiene.

• Picnic Tables with Lantern Hangers: Each campsite or designated group area comes equipped with picnic tables, often with integrated lantern hangers, providing practical spaces for dining and gathering.

• Large Fire Rings with Grates: Campers can enjoy traditional campfires with large fire rings that include grates, suitable for cooking over an open flame.

• Hammock Stands: Uniquely, the facility includes hammock stands, some designed for up to four hammocks, making it a popular destination for youth and adult groups who enjoy hammock camping.

• Drinking Water: Access to potable drinking water is available on-site, a crucial service for all campers.

• Limited Parking: While there is "limited parking available near sites," it accommodates vehicles for group leaders and necessary supplies.

• Night Security Lighting: Some areas may feature night security lighting, contributing to a sense of safety and ease of navigation after dark.

• Reservations Required: As a group camp, reservations must be made in advance directly with the Division of Florida Forestry (or through ReserveAmerica), ensuring availability and proper group management.

These services focus on providing the fundamental needs for group outdoor activities, allowing organizations to focus on their programming within a well-equipped natural environment.

Colonel Robin's Group Area offers several key features and highlights that make it an attractive and effective choice for group camping in Central Florida:

• Exclusive Group Camping Designation: The primary highlight is that this area is reserved for groups, ensuring a dedicated space away from individual campers. This fosters a stronger sense of camaraderie and allows groups to conduct their activities without impacting other visitors.

• Peaceful and Secluded Location: Despite being accessible, the camp is described as a "peaceful, secluded paradise situated back off the road," offering an immersive natural experience away from excessive noise (though some road noise from US 41 is noted).

• Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviews praise the "clear road," "quiet location," and "great looking camp sites," indicating a well-kept environment. The presence of "Running water and rest rooms" are also highlighted as positive amenities.

• Ideal for Scout Troops: A reviewer specifically notes it as a "Great camp for Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops," underscoring its suitability for youth outdoor education and scouting activities.

• Hammock Stands: The unique inclusion of hammock stands (for up to 4 hammocks) provides an alternative and popular sleeping option, especially for youth groups.

• Access to Withlacoochee State Forest Trails: Being within the Headquarters Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest provides immediate access to miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, and potentially horseback riding, allowing groups to explore the diverse Florida landscape.

• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The surrounding Withlacoochee State Forest is rich in natural beauty, with diverse tree species and abundant wildlife (bald eagles, fox squirrels, white-tail deer). This offers excellent opportunities for nature observation and environmental education.

• Proximity to Historical Sites: The area has historical significance, including connections to Colonel Raymond Robins and the Chinsegut Hill Historic Site, adding a layer of educational opportunity for groups interested in local history.

These features combine to create a functional, enjoyable, and enriching outdoor experience tailored specifically for groups.

As Colonel Robin's Group Area is part of the Florida State Forest system and managed by the Division of Florida Forestry, it operates differently from commercial campgrounds. Therefore, traditional "promotions" in the form of discounts or package deals are generally not offered. Instead, its "special offers" are inherent in its public service mission and structure:

• Affordable Group Rates: The pricing structure for group camps within Florida State Forests is typically very budget-friendly, making outdoor experiences accessible to a wide range of youth and adult groups. While a specific nightly rate isn't provided in the prompt, it's generally significantly lower per person compared to private campgrounds.

• Dedicated Group Space: The "offer" is the exclusive use of a group-specific camping area, providing privacy and ample space for group activities without interference from individual campers. This dedicated environment is invaluable for organizations needing structured outdoor settings.

• Managed and Maintained Facilities: Being part of a state forest system means the campground adheres to certain standards of maintenance and safety. The presence of running water, restrooms, and clear roads, as highlighted by reviewers, are reliable "features" that simplify group logistics.

• Educational and Recreational Access: The intrinsic value of being situated within the expansive Withlacoochee State Forest offers an unmatched "promotion" of natural resources. Groups gain free access to miles of hiking, biking, and nature trails, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing and environmental education, all included with their camping fee.

• Support for Youth Development: For organizations like Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops, the very existence and suitability of this camp serve as a critical "offer" for their mission of youth development, outdoor skill building, and leadership training.

To confirm the most current pricing and reservation policies, groups should directly contact the Withlacoochee State Forest Headquarters. While no flashy discounts, the value lies in the dedicated, well-equipped, and affordable access to a premier Florida natural environment for group activities.

For organizations and groups interested in reserving Colonel Robin's Group Area for their next outdoor adventure within the Withlacoochee State Forest, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 13000 N Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601, USA

• Phone: (352) 797-4140 (This is the general information line for the Withlacoochee State Forest Headquarters, which manages this group area.)

Reservations for Colonel Robin's Group Area must be made in advance, typically by contacting the Withlacoochee State Forest directly or through the ReserveAmerica platform for Florida State Forests. It is highly recommended to call to confirm availability, group size restrictions, and any specific requirements for your visit.

For Floridians, particularly those involved with youth organizations, scouting programs, or any group seeking an authentic and purposeful outdoor experience, Colonel Robin's Group Area is exceptionally suitable. Its specialized design and location within one of Florida's premier state forests offer a unique and invaluable resource right in their backyard.

Firstly, its designation as a "group camping only" area is a key advantage for local Floridian organizations. This ensures that groups have dedicated space and facilities, fostering a more cohesive and productive environment for activities like team-building exercises, educational workshops, or simply shared recreational time, away from the general public. For Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops, as noted by a reviewer, this provides the perfect setting for earning badges, developing outdoor skills, and building camaraderie among young Floridians.

Secondly, the camp's setting within the vast Withlacoochee State Forest offers unparalleled access to Florida's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Locals understand the value of vast, untouched natural areas, and this forest delivers with miles of trails for hiking and biking, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife. This provides a rich, living classroom for environmental education and physical activity, allowing Floridian youth and adults to deepen their connection with their state's unique natural heritage.

Furthermore, the presence of essential amenities like running water and restrooms balances the rustic outdoor experience with necessary comforts. This makes the camp accessible and manageable for a wider range of groups, including those with less extensive camping experience, ensuring that the focus remains on learning and enjoyment rather than logistical challenges. The "clear road" and "great looking camp sites" also contribute to a positive and well-managed environment.

While the noted "road sounds from US 41" might be a minor consideration, it is often a small trade-off for the convenience of being relatively accessible from major Florida population centers. Colonel Robin's Group Area stands as a testament to Florida's commitment to outdoor education and group development, providing a valuable, well-equipped, and naturally immersive setting for local communities to foster growth, adventure, and appreciation for the Sunshine State's incredible wild spaces.