Croom Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Croom Wildlife Management Area is a 20,000-acre nature reserve situated in the state of Florida.
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Summary
The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, which makes it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts. There are several reasons to visit the reserve, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching. The area is home to several native species, including the Florida black bear, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. Visitors can also spot a wide variety of bird species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Some of the specific points of interest in the reserve include the Withlacoochee River, which runs through the area, and the Croom Motorcycle Area, which is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts. There are also several hiking trails, including the Scenic Trail, which offers beautiful views of the area. Croom Wildlife Management Area is also home to several historical sites, including an old sawmill and a homestead.
One interesting fact about the area is that it was once a popular destination for cattle ranching. However, the land was eventually purchased by the state of Florida to protect its natural resources. Today, the area is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which works to preserve the area's unique ecosystem.
The best time of year to visit Croom Wildlife Management Area is during the cooler months, from October to April. During this time, visitors can enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities without the intense heat and humidity of the summer months. However, visitors should be aware of hunting season, which typically runs from November to January. During this time, certain areas of the reserve may be closed to the public or restricted.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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