If you’re an adventurer looking for a hidden gem in Florida, Dames Cave in the Withlacoochee State Forest is your must-visit destination.
Although not a tourist attraction, this cave system is a non-challenging hike that offers cool views of rock formations, wildlife, and flora and fauna.
But before you start planning your trip, keep in mind that going inside Dames Cave may not be for everyone.
If you’re claustrophobic or feel uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, then this may not be for you.
Furthermore, know that you will explore at your own risk and must be aware of your surroundings.
In this article, I’ll provide you with important tips on how to get to Dames Cave, other hiking trails and caves to explore, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Key Takeaways
- This Florida hidden gem is located in the Withlacoochee State Forest.
- You will be exploring the cave at your own risk.
- In addition to Dames Cave, there are other hiking trails and caves to explore in the Withlacoochee State Forest.
- Please practice responsible tourism and follow the Leave No Trace principles when exploring outdoors.
How to Get to Dames Cave
Getting to Dames Cave can be a bit tricky because there are no signs or markings that will lead you to the cave. To get here, you will need to drive along Lecanto Hwy in Florida, which is about 69 miles north of Tampa.
Once you are on Lecanto Hwy, keep an eye out for an unofficial sandy parking lot with trash bins located alongside the road. This is where you will park and it’s also the trailhead entrance that will take you to Dames Cave.
After parking your car, you will need to hike along the sandy trail. This hiking trail will take you straight to the four caves in this area.
It is important to mention that although there are 37 caves in the Citrus Tract area of the Withlacoochee State Forest, most of them are closed to the public.
Although the caves in this forest are not as popular as the underwater caves in Florida like Devil’s Den, it’s still quite a special place to explore.
⚠️ Do not attempt to go inside the cave chamber without experience, preparation and/or are alone at the time of visiting. Explore at your own risk and use common sense.
Important Tips to Follow When Exploring Dames Cave
After around a half-mile hike along the trail, you will walk towards a big area with wire around it; this is Dames Cave.
Unfortunately, locals have vandalized the cave–hence the nickname ‘Vandal Cave‘, which is why you will see the cave covered in graffiti.
To get inside the cave, go past the wire and go down through the cave’s opening. Make sure you are prepared with all your essentials before going inside the cave chamber.
Here are some important tips you should keep in mind to ensure your safety.
1. Bring a Headlamp or Flashlight
To enjoy exploring all the nooks and crannies of this cave, it’s crucial to have a source of light when exploring the cave.
Dames Cave is divided into different rooms, and one of the rooms has a narrow opening at the bottom.
If you plan to go through this passage, you will need a headlamp or flashlight because it is pitch black in there. Make sure to also bring extra batteries or a backup light source.
2. Wear Hiking Boots to Explore the Cave Chamber
Caves are always damp and slippery, so it is important to wear the right shoes to prevent injuries. And trust me, after hiking in Utah cost me 2 foot surgeries, I know a thing or two about what not to do.
Proper hiking boots with a good grip and ankle protection are recommended.
By all means, please don’t wear your worn sneakers or sandals to go cave exploring. Oh, you won’t believe the things I’ve seen!😅
3. Don’t Go Alone
Although hiking alone can be enjoyable, cave exploring is a whole different story. Even though Dames Cave is small, still many things can go wrong.
I highly recommend bringing a hiking buddy with you even if they wait for you outside the cave. Just have someone nearby who can hear your voice from inside the cave.
4. Pay Attention to How You Feel
If you are feeling nervous or anxious, it is best not to go inside the cave chamber. Some narrow passages inside the cave are not recommended for people who suffer from claustrophobia.
Listen to your body and do what feels comfortable for you. If you can’t go inside the cave, you can see what it looks like from above.
There is a large opening that you’ll see on the trail from which you can take a peek at the inside of the cave.
Hiking Trails and Other Caves to Explore Besides Dames Cave
If you’re looking for more caves to explore besides Dames Cave, the Citrus Tract area in Withlacoochee State Forest has a few other options.
Sick Bat Cave, Danger Cave, and Peace Cave are all easily accessible from the trail. However, it’s important to note that entering any of these caves without proper expertise can be dangerous.
If you’re inexperienced at cave exploring, It’s best to admire them from the outside and appreciate their beauty without risking your safety.
For those who want to do more hiking, there are a few options. The trails in the Citrus Tract Area have a lot of intersecting trails that can be quite confusing and it’s easy to get lost.
Therefore, please be sure to grab this trail map before you begin your hikes.
Another great option with 47 miles of paved trail, is the Withlacoochee State Trail. This trail is great for biking, hiking, and skating.
Lastly, Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area also has some good hiking trails like the Cypress Circle Trail and Wild Turkey Trace Trail.
Whether you’re looking for caves to explore or just want to enjoy a scenic hike, Citrus County has plenty to offer. Just remember to always be safe and respect the natural environment.
Did you know about the cave systems in Florida? Let me know in the comments!
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I live close to Dame’s Caves and have photographed there many times. The graffiti is even worse now, it’s destroyed the beauty of them. There is a hidden chamber in the main cave that you have to crawl to get into, you will need a light source in it. Please also remember, snakes and other animals do fall/crawl into the caves and could be dangerous, so use extreme caution when entering it, especially in the winter months.
Thank you so much for these insightful tips, Don! I crawled to the chamber the last time I went but it was kind of scary lol. It breaks my heart to know the graffiti is worse 🙁 I wish there was a way to stop this.
I love the way the roots of that tree are winding down into the mouth of the cave, it’s like a window into an underground world we’d never get to see otherwise. From the first picture it almost looks like the ground just collapsed one day and fell in, like a sinkhole. I’d be interested in the geology of this area!
Right? It’s so interesting. I love the ‘hidden’ aspect of this place.
I didn’t expect this to be in Florida! It actually reminds me of a cave in Minnesota I’ve been to a few times. Very cool!
It’s super cool!
You make a really good point about bringing a hiking buddy and being extra careful in the caves! I LOVE this kind of thing, but as they are so slippy; Caves are one of the mini adventures that I prefer not to do alone!
I love your photos, but it is a bit of a shame about all the graffiti.
Yeah, I would never do cave exploring alone. The graffiti really made me feel mad and sad. I just don’t know why people think it’s necessary to vandalize nature like that. It really is a shame.