MIKE
ROESS GOLD HEAD BRANCH STATE PARK
Keystone Heights, FL
Contact Information
6239 S.R. 21
Keystone Heights, Florida 32656
Phone: 352-473-4701
Description
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
is located on rolling sandhills in an area known
as the central ridge of Florida. A deep ravine with
springs issuing from its side bisects the area and
forms Gold Head Branch. Marshes, lakes and scrub
provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
The park was developed on a 2,000-acre site by the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s.
The extraordinary craftsmanship of the CCC is still
evident today.
Hours of Operation
We are open from 8 a.m. until sunset 365 days a
year.
Driving Directions
Gold Head is located in northeast Florida midway
between Gainesville and Jacksonville, 6 miles north
of Keystone Heights on S.R. 21.
ACTIVITIES
Cabins
All of our cabins overlook beautiful Little Lake
Johnson.
Cabin Reservations can be made up to 11 months in
advance.
A minimum of 2 nights is required for weekends and
holidays. One-night reservations are accepted Monday
through Thursday, except during holidays. A deposit
is required on all cabins. Specific cabins can not
be reserved.
Pets are not permitted in the cabins or cabin
area.
Full Facility Camping
Full Facility, Group, Youth, and Primitive Camping,
and RV Hookups are available.
Family Camping
There are 74 individual campsites available within
our 3 family campgrounds. These campsites will
accommodate tents, trailers and motorized campers
(up to 40’ in length). Each site includes
a picnic table and grill. Sites with water and
electric are available. There is a dump station
for sewage disposal.
Primitive Camping
Two primitive campsites are located within the southern
end of the park just off the Florida Trail. To help
keep our park clean for you and other visitors,
campers are required to pack all supplies in and
out of the area.
Group Camping
There are 3 group campsites available for organized
groups such as churches, scouts, family reunions
and civic clubs. Each site has shared access to
water, an outside cold water shower and restroom
with flush toilets. No electric is available. Also
provided are picnic tables and a ground fire ring.
Each site will accommodate 25 people. Group campsites
are equipped for tent camping only.
Beaches
Our beach is on fresh water Little Lake Johnson.
The swimming area is located in the main use area
of the park and there are plenty of tables in the
adjacent area for visitor enjoyment. The lake is
fed from a seepage spring that travels through a
ravine and eventually making its way to the lake.
Campfire Circle
Each of our campsites is equipped with electricity,
water, picnic table and a ground grill. The grill
has a swing over top that also serves as a fire
ring for campfires. Guests are able to purchase
firewood at the park or bring some with them,
however gathering of downed wood is not permitted.
Canoeing
Enjoy the beauty of Little Lake Johnson by canoe.
Canoe rentals are available.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Gold Head. Little Lake
Johnson has a population of pan fish, catfish
and bass. The lake levels are low currently and
fishing is not as good as it can be. Licenses
are required.
Nature Trails
There are 4 marked trails within Mike Roess Gold
Head Branch State Park. These trails vary in length
from a short 10-minute walk to a full 2-hour hike
that we recommend for the experienced hiker.
While walking any of these trails you will have
the opportunity to see such wildlife as Sherman
fox squirrels, southeastern kestrel, red tailed
hawk, bald eagles, fox, deer and various water and
wading birds.
Picnicking
The Park has a large picnic area overlooking "Little
Lake Johnson". The area contains many tables
and grills.
There are eight (8)-covered shelters available.
They vary in size and can accommodate 16 to 100
people. All picnic pavilions have tables and grills.
They are available on a first come first served
basis or can be reserved up to 11 months in advance
by calling the park or in person. A children’s
playground is centrally located in the picnic
area.
RV's
Our RV campsites offer water, electricity, and
a ground grill and picnic table. A dump station
is in close proximity for your use. The Sandhill
and Lakeview camps can accommodate RV’s
up to 45’ in length.
Swimming
There is a designated swimming area that is located
adjacent to the picnic area and within easy walking
distance from the cabins. Please be prepared to
monitor children and non-swimmers; no lifeguard
is on duty.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife at Gold Head Branch State Park is abundant.
The park serves as home for white-tailed deer,
turkey, gopher tortoise, fox squirrels, pocket
gophers, red tailed hawk, bald eagles, fox, and
various water and wading birds.
