Withlacoochee Wilderness Camp-Camp Withlacoochee
I always enjoy exploring in Withlacoochee State Forest, there is a lot of amazing nature to experience and some interesting history to discover along the way as well. On this adventure I took a journey to an area that used to be a a Girl Scout camp during the 1960’s. It may not sound that interesting but they just don’t make like camps like this anymore, at least not here in this forest. There are some neat structures still standing including some old treehouses that were used as campsites during that time. Although they aren’t in the best of condition it may not be much longer before they collapse and are gone forever. So it is one of the reasons I take pride in exploring and documenting these places so that the history lives on for future generations to learn about. There aren’t any main trails that lead to the site but I did find some old paths around the area that must’ve been used during that time. The site borders the Withlacoochee River so access would’ve been by foot or by boat. It is definitely a place that is off the beaten path…
Withlacoochee Wilderness Camp-Camp Withlacoochee Article
The Suncoast Council in the 1960’s established this campsite deep within the Withlacoochee State Forest. It was called “Camp Withlacoochee” or “Withlacoochee Wilderness Camp” and was built on 72 acres. Girl Scouts from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties utilized the camp throughout the 1960’s to the 1980’s. Valuable life lessons and outdoor skills were taught at the camp.
I produced a video during my exploration and I dedicate that and this post to those who camped and enjoyed the wilderness here over the years. Many memories were made here and I have heard received messages from some of the folks who camped here and they all really cherished this place. It’s sad that this place is abandoned and no longer in use because if it was fixed up I am sure that many new generations of scouts would really enjoy it and this wilderness area!
Do you have a story or childhood memory from staying at this camp or possibly some old photos? If you would like to share about it please feel free to contact me at floridatrailblazer@gmail.com or post about it on my Florida Trailblazer Facebook Group or Page. Below is my video and some photos from my exploration, thank you and enjoy!
MY VIDEO
Abandoned Girl Scout Camp in Withlacoochee State Forest
RESOURCES
Camp Withlacoochee featured on Vintage Girl Scout Website
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What a cool place! We recently had a boy scout camp here near Houston razed to put a development on. Sad to see this one in the current condition but at least it is protected in the state forest
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Thank you. This is wonderful to remember. I appreciate your efforts to preserve our history. And thank you for sharing with us. Elaine
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My wife went to this camp. She has the patch as well as a couple photos from when she stayed there.
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I remember camping here as a girl scout. Sad to see that it is gone.
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I camped here as a girl scout in the mid to late seventies (GS Troop from Brandon). The treehouses had a trap door in the floor with a rope ladder that let down. If I recall correctly we canoed on the Withlacoochee river and found white clay on the river banks.
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