Driving Directions
Gold Head is located in northeast Florida midway between Gainesville and Jacksonville, 6 miles north of Keystone Heights on S.R. 21.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Park Fees
The entrance fee is $3.25 per vehicle (up to 8 people). Children five years and younger are admitted free with paid adult.

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.

Park Activities

Beaches, Bicycling, Cabins, Canoeing, Full Camping, Primitive Camping, Youth Camping, Campfire Circle, Fishing, Nature Trail, Picnicking, RV Camping, Swimming, and Wildlife Viewing

Cabins
14 furnished Lakeview cabins are available

All cabins
Linens/towels: given at the beginning of the stay; please bring extra towels for extended stay and also bring personal beach towels. Linens and towels are not changed daily
Other furnishings: rocking chair, color television, picnic table, upright charcoal grill
Kitchen: refrigerator/freezer, 30" electric stove w/ oven, and basic cooking and eating utensils
Firewood: you must provide your own firewood; firewood is usually available for purchase. The collection of wood is prohibited within the park.

9 CCC (1930's) cabins - up to 4 people.
Consist of: combo livingroom/bedroom area, bathroom, kitchen, and screened porch
Bedding: a double bed and bunk beds Other furnishings: a stone fireplace; see "all cabins" information above
Kitchen: see "all cabins" information above
Bathrooms: flush toilets and hot & cold showers (2 cabins have a standard size bathtub)
Heating/cooling: window mounted AC units, ceiling fans

Cabin Reservations
Reservations are accepted up to 11 months in advance by calling 1-800 I CAMP FL or 1-800-326-3521.

Rates range from $45 to $55 per night up to 4 people, depending on season and cabin. $5 additional per person; $3 extra vehicle. Check in: 4:00 p.m. Check out 11:00 a.m. Pets are not permitted in the cabins or cabin area.

Reservations are accepted up to 11 months in advance. A minimum of 2 nights is required for weekends and holidays. One-night reservations are accepted for Mon. - Thurs. (except during holidays). A deposit is required on all cabins. Specific cabins can not be reserved.

Special Note
Cabins are very popular and are often booked months in advance for weekends and holidays.

Full Facility Camping
Full Facility, Group, Youth, and Primitive Camping, and RV Hookups are available.

Family Camping
There are 74 campsites available in 3 of the family campgrounds. Campsites will accommodate tents, trailers or motorized campers up to 40’ long. Each site includes a picnic table and grill. Sites with water and electric are available. A dump station for sewage disposal is also available.

Rates: $11 per night without electricy; $13 per night with electricity. Extra person & extra car rates may also apply.

Pets are permitted. There is an additional fee of $2 per pet per night. Proof of current rabies vaccine is required.

Primitive Camping
Two primitive campsites are located within the southern end of the park just off of the Florida Trail. Campers are required to pack all supplies in and out of area.

Rates: $3 per adult per night. Children under 18 are $2 each.

Group Camping
Three group campsites are available for organized groups such as church groups, scouts and civic clubs. Tents only, water on site, no electric. Outside cold water shower, restroom has flush toilets. Each site has tables and a ground-fire ring grill. Each site will accommodate 25 people.

Rates: $3 per person per night. children under 18 are $2 each.

Canoeing
Canoeing and canoe rentals are available.

Rates: $4 per hour, $10 per ½ day (4 hours), and $20 per day (8 hours).

Nature Trails
Several nature trails of varying length from a short 10-minute walk to a several hour hike are offered. These trails meander through the parks diverse habitats of open sand hills, lush ravine system with its seepage springs and flowing stream and lakes. You’ll have the opportunity to see such wildlife as the Sherman’s fox squirrel, southeastern kestrel, red tailed hawks, bald eagles, various water and wading birds, fox, and deer.

Picnicking
The Park has a large picnic area overlooking "Little Lake Johnson". The area contains many tables and grills.

8 covered shelters of varying size accommodating from 16 – 100 people with tables and grills. They are available on first come first served basis or can be reserved up to 11 months in advance by calling the park or in person.

Rates: $35 - $70 per day.

A children’s playground is centrally located in the picnic area.

RVs
At Gold Head Branch State Park our campgrounds are equiped for tents as well as RV's. The campgrounds offer water and electricity, a ground grill, a picnic table, and a dump station. We have two seprate camping areas (sandhill & lakeview) that can accommodate up to a 45' rig.

Swimming
A designated lakeshore swimming area is located adjacent to the picnic area and within easy walking distance from the cabins. No lifeguards are provided.

*At this time, swimming is not available due to the low lake levels.*