The Phoenix Backpacking Club

This trip description is mostly copied from Brownie’s original Winter Camp 101, January 2011.

A trip for anyone wanting to try winter camping, wanting to try that new gear, or for someone with a little cabin fever. If you don't have the latest and the lightest equipment, and want to try some winter camping before investing some serious money into equipment, this trip is for you. We will be hiking only about a mile on the Tanbark Trail from Hickory Creek parking area, so some extra pounds may not be as big a deal as it might on an 8 or 9 mile hike. This trip is geared towards the beginner, but experienced winter campers are more than welcome.

The start will be later than normal. Meet at the Hickory Creek Wilderness Parking lot no later than 12:30 PM. we begin hiking at 1 PM. If the Hickory Creek lot is snowed in, move .25 miles up the road to the Hearts Content Rec Area, on the left.

Trekking poles or a hiking staff (or even traction devices for your boots if you have them) are recommended as we will experience a short steep (and if icy, slippery) section through some rocks while heading into the valley where East Hickory Creek is. Should there be enough snow and you own snow shoes, bring them. If you don't own any, that's ok too, as we are going a short enough distance to "break trail" by post holing.

Sunday we will be out well before noon. One supper and one breakfast will be needed. There is a stream at our camp area to get water from, or just carry in what you will need. We will make a fire for warmth and fellowship in the evening.

Winter camping can be a real blast but it can also be a real bummer if you are not prepared. Please check the forecast for expected temperatures and adjust your sleep system accordingly. If you have any concerns or questions you can contact me or leave a comment.

Please follow leave no trace principals.

The 2026 edition of the 201 Winter Camp will begin when 101 is over. Thanks to Brownie for originating these trips. We will start our trek at the site of our Winter 101 camp. We can discuss at breakfast what are plans will be. Numerous options exist, depending on trail conditions and participant’s preferences.

Anyway, Sunday: After 101 is over, we will prepare to day hike: Options include off trail, either from the parking lot or from camp into the wilderness eventually heading down to East Hickory Creek. We hike along the creek until we reach our campsite. Another option is to hike out and back on the Tanbark Trail as far as we want. Etc. Restart our fire and settle in for a relaxing evening.

Monday: After breakfast, back to the cars.

Travel may be on or off trail. A hill we may go down is fairly steep so plan accordingly. Snow shoes may be an option, micro spikes are recommended.

Leave no trace principals apply. Leave your politics home. Only wood in the fire. Alcohol in moderation, smoke down wind.

Florida National Scenic Trail thru Ocala National Forest 67 miles.

Feb 27/28- Arrive at my home. 14211 NE 208th Court Fort McCoy FL 32134. I live in a rural area and have an Airbnb house, pet friendly, next to my own. It has 6 beds and 2 baths. Here is the link: https://www.airbnb.com/hosting/listings/editor/48513022/details/custom-link
I also have 2 bedrooms in my own house that are available but you would share with me, my two pigs and cats.
I have blocked the calendar so everyone is welcome here. There is also plenty of room to hang or pitch a tent if you prefer. If you would like to stay earlier of later to explore the area, just let me know. I live alone here so I would love the company!

Orlando is the cheapest airport to fly into but is close to 2 hrs to my house. Gainesville or Daytona are 1 hr. away but more expensive. I can pickup people from the airport if I can coordinate it. Otherwise, you would have to rent a car.
The drive from Penn/Ohio is 14-15 hours and I have plenty of parking if you want to bring a trailer or boat. It is prime bass season.

Feb 28th- Shuttle car(s) to Buckman Lock
Feb 29th- Drive to Clearwater Lake Rec Area to start hike. Hike 14 miles past Alexander Springs to primitive site just south of Buck Lake Group Camp. Water available.
March 1st- Hike 13.6 miles through Faries Prairie to Juniper Springs Rec Area. May camp there for a fee or hike further North and find a primitive site with water availability.
March 2nd- Hike 13.7 miles through Juniper Prairie Wilderness and Hopkins Prairie to primitive site with water.
March 3rd- 11.9 miles to Grassy Pond. If open, we can stop at the 88 store and pub. This is also the closest the trail gets to my house so we can resupply there.
March 4th-Hike 13 miles past Lake Delancy to Rodman Reservoir and Campground. Camp there for a fee or search area for primitive site.
March 5th-Hike 4.3 mile to cars at Buckman Lock. Drive back to my home.
March 6/7th- Home or stay longer. I live on Lake Kerr so fishing is always good. Manatees are still in the springs nearby so that is always fun to kayak among them. You can also check out Silver Springs State park to see a full variety of wildlife, including monkeys. I have two single kayaks and one double sit upon kayak for use.
Things to note:
1. Happy Camper is fatter, older and slower. This will be a relaxing hike to soak in the area. Mileage can be adjusted based on the needs of the group.
2. The water out on the trail is generally surface water, not creeks, unless we are near a spring. Make sure you have a water filter.
3. The trail is packed sand and FLAT. No mountains in FL. This should make the mileage workable. Since I haven't done this trail in its entirety myself, I'm not sure if there are swampy areas. There appear to be several boardwalks along the way to traverse them.
4. The springs we will pass are cold springs that maintain a year- round temp of 72 degrees. If you want to take a dip, have at it.
5. Be aware that black bears and snakes are numerous here. I have bears in my yard weekly. Bear cannisters are not required, but do plan accordingly.
6. AllTrails has the hike on the app-Florida Trail-Ocala National Forest. You can also purchase a paper map on The Florida Trail Association website, Maps 19 & 20.
7. Trail dogs welcome!
8. PLEASE!!!! Leave your politics and firearms at home.
9. If you are flying in, map out a stop to get backpacking food, camp fuel or bear spray along the way since there is not close availability at my home.
10. Avg temps are highs of 70 and lows of 40. Pack accordingly.
Hope you can join! Questions? Message Kathy here or text me at 440-759-2086