Gold Head Branch State Park
Spring's cool mornings and clear days makes hiking our trails an excellent time to view the abundant wildlife that call Gold Head Branch State Park their home. The park serves as home to a wide variety of wildlife from white-tailed deer, turkey, and gopher tortoise to various water and wading birds. Whether you rent one of our cabins, a campsite or come for a picnic, you are sure to enjoy your stay. Be sure to read our Park Activities page and see all the activities we have to offer you.
Gold Head Branch is one of the original CCC parks in Florida. The craftsmanship and architecture can be appreciated on the Ranger Station, picnic pavilion and the bath house. The CCC Era cabins are fine examples of the architecture used during the 1920's in parks throughout the nation. These cabins are still being rented by visitors today.
Let us know how we can best serve you.- Warren Poplin, Park Manager
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.
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 – $4.00/person per night.
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.
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
6239 S.R. 21
Keystone Heights, Florida 32656
Phone: 352–473–4701
Fax: Contact Park for Number |
