Pless Place Camp

Hey there, Florida wilderness enthusiasts and avid hunters! If your idea of a perfect escape involves truly disconnecting from the modern world and immersing yourself in Florida's untamed natural landscapes, Pless Place Camp in Webster, Florida, might just be the primitive paradise you've been seeking. This isn't your average RV park with all the bells and whistles; Pless Place Camp is a straightforward, back-to-basics camping experience primarily within the Richloam Wildlife Management Area. It's designed for those who appreciate the quiet solitude of the forest, the thrill of the hunt, and the raw beauty of undeveloped wilderness. If you're ready to shed the conveniences and embrace the simplicity of nature, Pless Place Camp offers an authentic Florida outdoor adventure.

Pless Place Camp operates under the management of the Florida Forest Service within the Richloam Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This designation is crucial, as it defines the camp's purpose and its primitive nature. Unlike many commercial campgrounds, Pless Place is geared towards those who seek a truly self-sufficient experience. Its facilities are minimal, emphasizing the natural environment itself as the main attraction. While it historically had a cash drop box, it has transitioned to an online-only reservation system, streamlining access for permitted users. The focus here is on providing a designated, albeit undeveloped, space within a managed wildlife area for approved recreational activities, especially hunting during specific seasons.

The essence of Pless Place Camp lies in its commitment to preserving the natural integrity of the Richloam WMA. This means campers should arrive prepared for a rustic stay – think tent camping, basic amenities, and a reliance on your own provisions. It's a place where the sounds of wildlife replace urban clamor, and the expansive forest becomes your backyard for exploration. While some reviews mention past experiences or specific times of the year, it's essential for prospective visitors to understand that this is a primitive site primarily used by licensed hunters during designated seasons, with clear rules about access and use. For those who embrace the challenges and rewards of true wilderness camping and understand the regulations of a wildlife management area, Pless Place Camp offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with Florida's wild heart.

Pless Place Camp is located in Webster, FL 33597, USA. More specifically, it is situated within the Richloam Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a significant natural preserve managed by the Florida Forest Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This location places it in Sumter County, known for its rural charm and extensive natural lands in West Central Florida.

Accessing Pless Place Camp requires navigating through the WMA. Directions often involve specific turns off major routes like I-75, SR 50, US HWY 301, or US HWY 471. For instance, from I-75, one might take SR 50 east, then turn onto Porter Gap Road, leading through a series of rural roads like Riverland Road and Clay Sink Road, ultimately guiding you to the camp entrance. It's important to have clear directions or a reliable GPS as the camp is not on a main highway, and roads within the WMA can be less marked.

Critically, access to Pless Place Camp is not always open to the general public year-round. It is primarily an "Overnight Hunt Camp" and access is typically tied to hunting seasons within the Richloam WMA. This means that while camping might be allowed during specific periods like general gun season, archery, wild hog-dog, small game, and spring turkey seasons, access outside of these times or for non-hunters might be restricted or require specific permits. Visitors must verify the current access rules and season dates with the Florida Forest Service or FWC before planning a trip, as requirements can change. This controlled access ensures the preservation of the wildlife and the hunting experience, making it a specialized destination for local users.

Pless Place Camp offers a primitive camping experience, meaning amenities are very limited. Visitors should arrive fully self-sufficient and prepared for a rustic stay. Based on available information and recent reviews, the services offered include:

• Primitive Campsites: Designated areas for tent camping. Note that RVs, including travel/camping trailers, truck campers, camper vans, and motorhomes, are generally NOT allowed at district campsites. Only tents, trailers, temporary shelters, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used.
• Picnic Table: At least one picnic table is typically provided per site.
• Fire Ring: Designated fire rings are usually present for campfires, though campers must bring their own firewood and check for burn bans.
• No Hookups: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups at the campsites. Campers must bring all their own water.
• No Restroom Facilities: Primitive camping means no toilets or showers are provided. Campers must follow "Leave No Trace" principles for waste disposal. Portable toilets may be placed during hunting season dates only.
• Online Reservation System: Reservations are now required and can only be made online, replacing the former cash drop box system. These are reservable campsites, not first-come/first-served.
• Vehicle Permit: A vehicle permit, issued by the district, is required for registered overnight visitors to drive to and from the gate to the designated campsite. Vehicle information (make, model, license plate) is needed for all vehicles.
• Hunting Access: The camp is primarily designated as a hunt camp, requiring proof of a current hunting license or management stamp during applicable seasons.

Pless Place Camp, while primitive, offers several distinctive features and highlights that appeal to a specific type of outdoor enthusiast:

• True Primitive Camping: For those who crave an undeveloped, back-to-basics camping experience, this site delivers, offering a chance to truly disconnect.
• Exclusive Access (primarily for hunters): Its designation as a hunt camp means access is often limited to licensed hunters during specific seasons, contributing to a more focused and possibly less crowded atmosphere for this demographic.
• Secluded Natural Setting: The camp is nestled within the expansive Richloam Wildlife Management Area, providing a deep immersion in Florida's wilderness, far from urban noise.
• Opportunity for Wildlife Viewing: Being within a WMA, there's a higher chance of encountering various native Florida wildlife (outside of hunting activities).
• Designated Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Even with its primitive nature, the provision of these basic amenities enhances the camping experience.
• Managed by Florida Forest Service: Offers the assurance of being within a state-managed area, albeit with specific rules for access and use.
• Online Reservation System: While a change for some, this system provides predictability for securing a spot.
• "Quite a Nice Camp": Described as such by reviewers who appreciate its primitive appeal, noting the presence of trees and concrete markers for sites.

It is important to acknowledge that some past visitors have expressed concerns about litter and human waste left by previous campers. While this is not a park-provided amenity issue, it highlights the importance of individual camper responsibility in maintaining the pristine nature of this primitive site.

For inquiries regarding Pless Place Camp, including reservation procedures, season dates, and specific regulations, it is best to contact the managing authorities directly. There is no direct phone number solely for Pless Place Camp itself, as it is part of a larger state forest and wildlife management area system.

Address: Webster, FL 33597, USA (General area within Richloam WMA)

For Reservations:

• Online: Reservations are made exclusively through the Florida Forest Service's online reservation system, often found via platforms like ReserveAmerica or the Florida State Forests website. Search for "Pless Place Overnight Hunt Camp" or "Richloam WMA."

For General Information on Richloam Wildlife Management Area or Withlacoochee State Forest (which often manages aspects of Richloam):

• Phone: (352) 797-4140 (Withlacoochee Visitor Center / Florida Forest Service project office)
• FWC Information: For specific hunting regulations and WMA rules, refer to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website: MyFWC.com/recreation/camping or MyFWC.com (for Richloam WMA brochures and regulations).

It is absolutely critical to check current rules, regulations, hunting season dates, and any required permits (including hunting licenses and vehicle permits) before planning your trip, as these are subject to change and strictly enforced.

Pless Place Camp is exceptionally well-suited for Florida locals who are licensed hunters or those who deeply value a truly primitive, no-frills camping experience within a protected wilderness area. For many Floridians, especially those involved in hunting, the Richloam Wildlife Management Area is a familiar and important natural resource. Pless Place serves as a direct gateway to this experience, offering a convenient base camp for seasonal hunting activities. The shift to online-only reservations means that while casual drop-ins are no longer an option, it provides a structured way for permitted users to secure their spot, which can be advantageous for planning a hunting trip.

Beyond hunting, this camp appeals to locals who are seasoned primitive campers. In a state with many developed campgrounds and RV resorts, finding truly untouched spaces where you can disconnect and rely on your own skills is increasingly rare. Pless Place, with its lack of amenities (no water, power, or modern restrooms), forces campers to be self-sufficient and fully immersed in the environment. For those who view camping as an opportunity to truly rough it, enjoy the quiet of the forest, and observe wildlife in its natural habitat, Pless Place offers an authentic and rewarding experience that harkens back to traditional camping.

While the review noting concerns about litter highlights a challenge (and a call to action for respectful use), the core appeal for locals remains strong: it's a designated, accessible primitive site within a significant WMA, offering a unique niche for hunters and serious primitive campers. It's a place where you can find solitude, hone your outdoor skills, and appreciate the vast, wild beauty that Florida still preserves. For locals seeking an escape from the crowds and a genuine connection to Florida's wild lands, Pless Place Camp, with proper preparation and adherence to regulations, offers an invaluable primitive camping adventure.

Pless Place Camp

Webster, FL 33597, USA