View of Natural Setting at Mike Roess Gold Head State Park

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Visit the Central Ridge of Florida

Restoration Project

A longleaf pine restoration project is occurring during weekdays in February. This will effect camping reservations and may cause extra noise for day use visitors and those staying in cabins. If you have any questions, please call the ranger station at 352-473-4701. 

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$5 per vehicle

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Location

6239 State Road 21
Keystone Heights FL 32656

Get directions

Contact Info

352-473-4701

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 600-acre site by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s. The extraordinary craftsmanship of the CCC is still evident today.

Gold Head is located on rolling sandhills on the North Central Ridge of Florida. A steep head ravine with seepage springs forms Gold Head Branch and bisects the park. Marshes, lakes and scrub provide 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 5.44-mile stretch of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

For aquatic recreation, visitors can swim or fish in Little Lake Johnson, or spend a lazy afternoon canoeing. A large picnic area, with tables and grills, pavilions and a playground, is available for visitors to enjoy. Nestled under the trees are three campgrounds providing water and electricity. Primitive campsites for small or large groups are available as are fully equipped lakefront vacation cabins, some of which were built by the CCC.

Plan Your Visit

Manager's Message Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
Learn

Manager's Message

Gold Head Branch State Park is one of Florida's oldest state parks. Gold Head was developed and constructed in the 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps).
Geocaching
Learn

Geocaching

The Operation Recreation GeoTour hosted by Geocaching.com, stretches from Pensacola to Key West and includes 71 of the First Three Time National Gold Medal Award Winning Florida State Parks and Trails. Visit 20 caches and win the Official Operation Recreation Geocoin.
Explore Florida State Parks
Initiative

Every Stamp Is A Story

We invite you to visit any one of our amazing state parks, and to save your adventures with the Special Edition Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is the perfect place to collect your memories and discover new places to explore! Each Florida State Park has a unique stamp and story.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping
Camping
Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Star Gazing
Star Gazing
Swimming
Swimming
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Cabins
Cabins
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Laundry
Laundry
Meetings and Retreats
Meetings and Retreats
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station

Ravine with clear water
CCC Cabin
Visitors looking at wildlife
Fox squirrel climbing down pine tree
Deer Lake with scrub habitat in background
Rivers and Lakes
Learn

Rivers & Lakes at Florida State Parks

Florida is truly a place where land and water interweaves to form a diverse and dynamic natural fabric. Numerous rivers course through the landscape, and lakes of varying sizes can be found in all regions.
Florida Panther
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Wild Places of Florida State Parks

Florida’s wild places are time machines to a Florida before development. Scattered throughout the state, they represent the original Florida, places of discovery and where you can reconnect with yourself.

People Make the Parks

Park Staff

Join the Team

Are you active, enthusiastic and enjoy serving others? Come join the Florida State Parks’ team where we help visitors and residents experience the wonder of Florida’s best loved places.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
Friends of Gold Head

Friends of Gold Head

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Green Lodging
Great Florida Birding Trail
Designated Greenway

Park Map

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