Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Loop Sand

Star4.42
204 reviews
6239 State Road 21, Keystone Heights FL 32656

Quick Facts

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

73 campsites

Season

Open daily 8 a.m. un...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Florida State Parks site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Loop Sand
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$5 per vehicle (day-use/entrance fee). Specific camping fees are not listed on the official park page.
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
352-316-4286
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 204 reviews

1808 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryquietcleanshowers

Some mention

unlevel

"Visitor reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising trails, clean facilities, cabins and lake access; common minor issues include sandy/unlevel sites, occasional bathhouse outages in a specific loop, confusing signage in some Lakeview sites, and dump-station access/lines."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

6239 State Road 21, Keystone Heights FL 32656
No map location available
Accessible via State Road 21 (main park entrance on State Road 21). The park has paved park roads and a paved connector trail to the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail.

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

Welcome year-round, this park transforms with the seasons, offering something special whenever you visit. Spring and fall become a birder's paradise as migrations fill the forest canopy with song and color, while autumn months paint the trails with seasonal wildflowers that thrive in the sandy soil. Whether you're seeking summer shade in the ravine or crisp winter mornings by the lake, each season reveals a different side of this sandhill sanctuary.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer likely hot and humid in Florida; campground quiet but weather may be oppressive.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers milder weather and continued wildlife viewing; site remains quiet and scenic.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely excellent for wildflowers, wildlife and comfortable hiking weather.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Mild Florida winters and good night-sky viewing make winter attractive for visits.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open daily 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

About Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Loop Sand

Nestled in Florida's unique sandhill landscape, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park invites you to explore dramatic ravines, crystal-clear springs, and mysterious sinkhole lakes beneath towering longleaf pines. Choose from three distinct campground loops—Sandhill, Turkey Oak (closing for renovations Nov. 1, 2025), and Lakeview—plus primitive sites and cozy lakefront cabins, most with water and electrical hookups to keep you comfortable while you connect with nature.
Gold Head has three campground loops (Sandhill, Turkey Oak and Lakeview) with 73 campsites that accommodate tents, trailers and motorized campers; the park also offers primitive campsites (including group primitive sites) and lakefront vacation cabins.
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Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Gold Head Branch offers a wide range of outdoor activities across its sandhill, ravine and lake habitats, including trail-based recreation, paddling and lakeside activities.
HikingMultiple nature trails and a 5.44-mile stretch of the Florida National Scenic Trail traverse sandhill and ravine habitats (examples include the Fern Loop and Ridge Trail and the ravine stairway).
FishingFishing is available on Little Lake Johnson.
SwimmingVisitors can swim in Little Lake Johnson.
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

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 Loop Sand

Reviews

4.4
204 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Loop Sand is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitor reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising trails, clean facilities, cabins and lake access; common minor issues include sandy/unlevel sites, occasional bathhouse outages in a specific loop, confusing signage in some Lakeview sites, and dump-station access/lines.
Review Summaries
Based on 204 reviews

What Campers Love

Well-maintained trails and unique ravine scenery, clean bathhouses with hot showers, laundry availability, quiet campgrounds with abundant wildlife, and attractive lakefront cabins built by the CCC.
Based on 204 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose campsites near bathhouses for accessibility (Lakeview sites 58 and 59 are closest to the Lakeview bathhouse). Guests recommend sites 31 or 32 for proximity to facilities (user-reported). Bring...
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Based on 204 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Hot showers. Laundry. Big day use area."; "Our shower house went down unfortunately at the Turkey Oak Camping Area, but all the other bathrooms were clean and well kept."
Based on 204 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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