State: Florida
Short Name: Mike Roess Gold Head Branch SP
Address 1: 6239 State Road 21
City: Keystone Heights
Zip: 32656
Phone: 352-473-4701
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 74
Electric Water: 64
Camp URL: http://www.floridastateparks.org/mikeroess/default.cfm
Full Hook: Yes
Free: No
About: 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.
Three campgrounds at the park provide 74 campsites that accommodate tents, trailers and motorized campers. A dump station is available. Each site includes a picnic table, grill and water. Electricity is available except at Lakeview sites 57 through 67. Two ADA sites, 58 and 59, are located in the Lakeview Camp area loop. The restroom located in the Lakeview loop is ADA accessible. Each of the three camp areas has a centrally located restroom with hot/cold showers. Leashed, well behaved and attended pets are allowed within the three campground loops but not in the swimming area, group camps or buildings. Campgrounds are near hiking trails and freshwater lakes. Canoe rentals are available.
Maximum RV length = 65 ft.
Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica.
Three group campsites are available for faith-based groups, scouts, family reunions and civic clubs. Each site has shared access to water, an outside cold water shower and restroom with flushing toilets. Electricity is not available. Picnic tables and a ground fire ring are provided. Each group site will accommodate 25 people. Group campsites are equipped for tent camping. Reservations are recommended. To make group camping reservations call the park at (352) 473-4701.
Two primitive campsites are located within the southern end of the park just off the Florida National Scenic Trail. These sites include a picnic table, fire ring and a pavilion. There is no water or electricity in the primitive campground. Sites accommodate up to 12 people. The primitive camping area is a hike-in site, inaccessible by vehicles. The hike is approximately one half mile from the picnic area to the primitive campsites. Campers are required to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. Collecting firewood is prohibited, but you can purchase firewood at the ranger station. Call the park for reservations at (352) 473-4701.
