Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground

Star4.42
204 reviews
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

177 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

73 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Florida State Parks site

Official Website
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Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Group primitive campsites: $5 per night per adult and $1 per night per youth (under 18). Regular campsite fees not listed on the provided page. A...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Florida State Parks
Provider
800-326-3521; TDD 888-433-0287; park ranger station 352-316-4286
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 204 reviews

1808 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowershikingstaff

Some mention

cell service

"Visitors consistently praise the park's trails, ravine and lake scenery, well-kept campgrounds and clean bathhouses; cabins are noted as well-maintained and popular. Reviewers frequently mention abundant wildlife and excellent stargazing opportunities."

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Campground Map

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground

29.8369, -81.9501

Driving directionsMain entrance on State Road 21; park road is paved and includes a 6-mile connector trail from the main entrance to the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail.
Accessible via State Road 21 (main entrance).

Best Time to Camp at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground

Spring and fall migrations bring many warblers, thrushes and other songbirds; waterfowl frequent Little Lake Johnson in winter. Summer nights are noted for nocturnal bird calls.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5
Below Average

Lake swimming helps, but Florida heat/humidity can reduce comfort in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Average

Milder temps and praised trails make fall a very good season for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Spring offers great hiking and swimming; reviews reflect strong spring use.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Average

Mild Florida winters are pleasant for camping; no winter closures noted.

Planning Tips

    About Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground

    Gold Head Branch State Park has three developed campground loops—Sandhill, Turkey Oak and Lakeview—offering 73 sites that accommodate tents, trailers and motorized campers, each with a picnic table, fire ring/grill and potable water. The park also provides two primitive hike‑in sites and three primitive group campsites, centralized dump station, bathhouses with hot showers, and a mix of 20-, 30- and select 50-amp electrical service.
    The park has 73 campsites that accommodate tents, trailers and motorized campers across three loops; two primitive hike-in campsites and three primitive group campsites are also provided. Cabins are offered on site.
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    Best Campsites

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    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Check-out
    1:00 p.m. (group campsites)
    Stay Limit
    Each standard campsite: up to eight people, up to two tents and up to two vehicles (sites with an RV may have one tent). Primitive individual sites: up to six people. Primitive group sites: maximum 25 people.

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Dump station
    Fire rings

    Activities you can enjoy

    Park offers hiking, bicycling, birding/wildlife viewing, paddling (canoe/kayak), fishing at Little Lake Johnson, picnicking, horseback riding trail access, geocaching and star gazing across varied habitats including a ravine, longleaf pine forest and lakes.
    HikingMultiple trails including the Ridge Trail (1.1 miles), Loblolly Loop (1 mile), a 0.1-mile nature trail to Sheeler Lake, and 5.4 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail through the park.
    FishingFishing is permitted at Little Lake Johnson (pan fish, catfish and bass); fish from shore or from a canoe/small non-motorized boat. Low water levels limit large boat use and large bass; fishing is prohibited in Sheeler Lake, Deer Lake and Pebble Lake.
    SwimmingA designated swimming area is at Little Lake Johnson (fishing is not allowed in the swimming area).
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsWatch for vehicle traffic at road crossings. Primitive campsites have no water or electricity and are hike‑in (three‑quarters of a mile from parking); campers must pack in/out. Low lake levels limit boat launching and reduce likelihood of large bass. Prevent theft by not leaving bicycles unattended; helmets recommended for cyclists age 16 and under.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground

    Reviews

    4.4
    204 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Visitors consistently praise the park's trails, ravine and lake scenery, well-kept campgrounds and clean bathhouses; cabins are noted as well-maintained and popular. Reviewers frequently mention abundant wildlife and excellent stargazing opportunities.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 204 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Great hiking (including a ravine and boardwalk), roomy wooded campsites, clean bathhouses with hot showers and laundry, friendly staff/volunteers, historic cabins, and varied birding and paddling...
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    Based on 204 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reserve campsites up to 11 months in advance; expect each site to allow up to two vehicles, two tents and eight people (one tent allowed with an RV). Primitive hike-in sites are ~0.75 miles from...
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    Based on 204 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Nice walking trails. Clean bathhouse.” — Google review; “Beautiful State Park with lots to do.” — Google review; “Hot showers. Laundry. Big day use area.” — Google review.
    Based on 204 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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