Primitive Island on Withlacoochee

100%

10 reviews

· Hernando, Citrus, Florida · 24 acres

Hosted by Jason And Kristin P.

Tent site

· 8 guests max

Nomadic camping

Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.

Jason and Kristin is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Primitive Island is an island located directly on the Withlacoochee River across from Halpata Tastanaki Preserve. This is a BOAT ACCESS ONLY tent/hammock primitive site. Nearby you will see lots of wildlife. There are multiple springs you can visit while you paddle. The river offers great fishing including bass, bluegill, stumpknockers and blue catfish and those are just some of the fish that live here. Great for kids as they can fish right from the campsite! The river also offers a gorgeous paddling route which includes Nichols spring, Big Blue Spring, Gum Slough and the rainbow river."Primitive Point" is a 24 acre paddle in paddle out peaceful cypress and hardwood island located directly on the Withlacoochee River. Our campsite can accommodate up to 6 people with room for 3 small tents and plenty of trees to hang hammocks. On site you have access to a charcoal grill with utensils ( brush, spatula and tongs), a fire ring for campfires and picnic table with benches. Please note there are no toilets on the island at this time. The river offers great fishing including bass, bluegill, stumpknockers and blue catfish and those are just some of the fish that live here. Great for kids as they can fish right from the campsite! The river also offers a gorgeous paddling route which includes Nichols spring, Big Blue Spring, Gum Slough and the rainbow river. Wildlife abounds!! Being across from the Halpata Tastanaki Preserve, you can wake up to deer, turkeys, wood ducks, scrub jays and sandhill cranes. You can see abundant wildlife as you paddle the river. This is an island and only accessible by kayak, canoe, small boat or paddle board!! The closest ramp to put in at is Spruce street ramp which is 1.2 miles from the campsite. If you really want to take it all in you can launch at Turner camp boat ramp which is 10.6 miles from campsite. For the serious paddler launch at HWY 44, its a 14 mile paddle to Big Blue Spring and 4.8 miles from there to the campsite. (please do your own research as far as multiple day parking at the above mentioned ramps) Along the river you may notice crosses that are memorials for people that spent their lives enjoying the river. There is a small memorial and a cross on a tree at the campsite that is in memory of a friends loved ones that grew up on the island, out of respect we ask that it not be disturbed.

What to expect

Tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

8 guests max

Campfires allowed

Pets allowed

No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets

Picnic table present

No potable water

Bring your own water

No showers

Pack it out

Cooking equipment absent

No wifi

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

No playground

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 1:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Flexible

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 3 months out

Short walk

No wheelchair access

Max 1 vehicle

2WD accessible

Paddle in or Paddle out

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Firewood bundlegood

$10.00

Start your trip off right with a bundle of firewood waiting for you at your camp for your first campfire.

Reviews

100% Recommend11 ratings · 10 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Camping right on the Withlacoochee

Tent · Group trip

Beautiful tranquil spot on the river. Easy 30-45 min paddle downriver from the launch to campsite. Responsive and friendly host- highly recommended stay for anyone looking to getaway for a nice relaxing weekend.

Gabriel M.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Awesome Experience!

Tent · With pets

What an awesome experience! Jason and Kristin were so helpful and awesome to deal with. Would recommend this spot to anyone!

Kevan M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· February 2025

Great campsite, one of the best

Tent

Feeling like you’re deep in FL wilderness just minutes from home - Check! Great location right on the river - Check! Tons of wildlife and an amazing variety of birds including Egrets, Ibis, and Owls - Check! Protected mooring for your boat - Check! Great fishing including panfish and 4-pound catfish - Check! This is a great campsite that we’d recommend to anyone. The hosts were responsive and location directions and check-in was super easy. We plan to go more times because it feels very intimate and special.

John P.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2024

Tent · With pets

We loved camping along the river at your site. It was well marked and easy to find. It was nice to have wood there for the fire so we didn't have to bring it ourselves. We loved the little touches like the solar lights, the picnic table, dog tether, and the hook and ring game. We will be recommending it to our friends!

Amy D.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Don’t miss out!!

Tent · Group trip

I’ve used this website a handful of times and this is by far my favorite location!

Ben L.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Awesome spot on the river!

Tent

This site was incredibly cute and easy to access with our kayak. They thought of everything! There's a shelter for the firewood (the bundles are definitely worth the $10), a dog run, solar lights, picnic table, and even games! The camping area was hilly so we were stoked to have brought our 4-man tent because it fit beautifully on high ground. We decided to tie off at the channel instead of the main river to avoid the spiderwebs. Also, they were great with communication before the weekend and even offered (because they happened to be in town) to park a truck at the boat ramp to hold us a spot. Oh! And the paddle up to the spring was quite the endeavor but WELL worth it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jessica W.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

Island Camp

Tent

The camp was very private and comfortable. Jason and Kristen were very informative, kind and present when needed. We didn’t have any issues with critters or anything else. We look forward to coming back.

Matt C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2024

Tent

Jason and Kristin put effort into making this a functional and fun site! Solar lights fixed in areas around the site, firewood dry storage and grilling kit are incredible accommodations to a primitive site. My wife, dog and I kayaked to the site about a mile away from the launch and enjoyed every moment there. Perfect hammock locations and isolated area makes for a all around 5 star primitive campsite. Highly recommend :)

Matthew P.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2024

Tent

This campsite is a hidden jewel! Overall, the camping experience was amazing! It's very remote and isolated, and the scenery was breathtaking! 10/10

Charles G.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2024

This was so much fun! We were able to see so much wildlife and the campsite was in the perfect spot. Friendly hosts and everyone had an incredible time:)

Madison H.

1 year on Hipcamp