Croom Motorcycle Area

6420 La Rose Rd., Brooksville, FL, 34602

East of Brooksville, just off Interstate 75 at State Road 50, the Croom Motorcycle Area is one of Central Florida's best-known places to ride off-highway motorcycles and ATVs. Managed by the Florida Forest Service as part of the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, the 2,600-acre area is open to riders seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and daily visitors must be out by closing. The terrain is the legacy of the area's past: it sits on old phosphate mine land, which gives riders sandy, rolling ground, tight scrub, hardwood hammocks and open pits. The area was established in 1973. Today it offers a network of trails for a range of abilities, a large sand area where riders can practice, and a designated training area and young-rider area for beginners and children. The forest is also home to a population of white piebald deer, sometimes called ghost deer, along with wild turkey, bobcats, gopher tortoises and bald eagles. Anyone riding must follow the Forest Service's rules, which are posted at the gatehouse. Helmets are required for all riders at all times. Riding is for daylight hours only, and there is no alcohol and no pets. Motorcycles may not carry passengers, and ATVs may carry a passenger only if the manufacturer designed them for more than one rider. Vehicles must be 55 inches or less in width and 1,500 pounds or less in dry weight, and the agency says utility vehicles known as ROVs are not currently permitted. Riders under 16 need adult supervision, and each vehicle needs a Forest Service permit, available as a one-day or annual pass. Current fees are set by the agency, so check the official page or call the gatehouse before you go. Visitors who want to stay longer can camp at the Buttgenbach Mine Campground, which offers developed sites with 30- and 50-amp electricity, water, picnic tables and fire rings, along with restrooms, showers and a dump station. Reservations are made through ReserveAmerica or by calling 1-877-879-3859. The area also has two day-use areas, Hammock and Sand Hill, and a training pavilion that requires a reservation. Visitors on Google praise the extensive trails, the practice area and the friendly rangers, and many describe it as a place to bring the whole family. The entrance and gatehouse are at 6420 La Rose Road, Brooksville. For permits and information, call the gatehouse at (352) 797-5759 or the Withlacoochee State Forest Visitor Center at (352) 797-4140.