Main Page - Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Manager's Message

In an effort to better serve you, our camping and cabin reservation system is receiving an upgrade. To complete this transition, reservations will not be taken from Wednesday, April 2, 2008 through Tuesday, April 15, 2008. During this time, we have taken the opportunity to update several of our overnight accommodation policies to more effectively provide you with the high quality of service you have come to expect. For more information, please visit the Park Information page.

The days are longer and the breeze is warm. Summer is right around the corner and now is the best time to get out and enjoy the beauty of Mike Rosess Gold Head Branch State Park. Spend these warm spring days down by one of our many lakes canoeing and fishing or just enjoying the sunshine. Hit the trails taking in the wonderful vistas and wildlife you may see. The nights are cool enough to sit by the fire and view the canvas of stars that blanket Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park.

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is a full service park that offers family camping, vacation cabins, a group camp area, a picnic area, hiking trails, equestrian trails, fishing, and canoe rentals. We invite you to come out and enjoy this beautiful weather while it lasts. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call and let us know how we may serve you.

We hope to see you soon!

- Jason Cutshaw, Park Manager

Welcome to Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

One of Florida´s first state parks, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State 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. 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.

Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing along the park´s nature trails and a three-mile stretch of the Florida Trail. For aquatic recreation, visitors can swim or fish in the lake, or spend a lazy afternoon canoeing. A large picnic area, with tables and grills, overlooks Little Lake Johnson. Nestled under the trees is a full-facility campground. Group and primitive campsites are available as are fully equipped lakefront cabins, some of which were built by the CCC.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, please call 352-473-4701.

Book Your Vacation Spot Now!

Get more information on making a reservation.

Hours of Operation

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown 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.

Park Fees

Admission Fee - $4.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). Single Car Occupant - $3.00
Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons) - $3.00
Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit - Admission Fee $1.00 per person.

Family Camping Fee - $16.00 per night. Maximum of 8 people or one single family.

Primitive Camping Fee - $4.00/person per night.

Group Camping Fee - $1.00 per person, per night for youth 18 and younger, $2.00 per person, per night for adults/chaperon 18 years and older.

Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping - $1.00 per person, per night for youth 18 and younger, $2.00 per person, per night for adults/chaperon 18 years and older.

Picnic Pavilion Fee - $35.00 to $70.00 per day.

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.

Recreation Building - $75.00 per day.