mike roess gold head state park

We arrived at the park on a beautiful morning and were given a map and directions for hiking. The trails were well maintained and went among huge oaks, pines and magnolias, all leaning into the ravine and criss-crossing over the beautiful "branch" creek, clear and inviting. We wanted to wade in! We did not see any restrooms and there were none at the Mill parking area. Some of the hiking is steep for elderly folk but it is overall a pretty easy hike. It was a lovely day.

At the end of January we drove to Gold Head State Park for Yesterdays Festival. We had not been to the Park for many years, and were very impressed with the improvements. The day was beautiful and the Festival was set up in a nice area for easy walking to the exhibits. This was a small Festival and there were not a lot of activities that would interest children. There were military encampments and displays, and people demonstrating using old-time farming and household tools; there was live music throughout the day

The ranger led moonlight hike is great. Make sure to check out the Yesterdays Festival (free with park admission) in January with lots of historical artifacts and displays.

This is a great park for camping. Water and Electric on sites. The dump station a little hard to find.The camp sites are very large with fire ring and picnic table ! The park service is very efficient and gives you a map layout of the campgrounds. (because you will need it !) When we entered the park we saw about 8 deer off to the right and we went a little farther and saw about 6 and then 4 !! It is a great park for seeing deer and wildlife !!There are bathrooms and showers, walking trails, little lakes, tent camping and more available.This is a beautiful and rustic park. It is easier to reserve on line and pick your camping spot in advance.

We stayed at this park after Christmas in the Sand loop, spot 9. We were happy with the spot with enough room between spots to feel like we had a little elbow room. The staff/rangers were friendly and answered all the questions we had. The park has several walking trails and sufficient road space to ride bikes with the family. The walking trails are well maintained and had sufficient signage. The trails have a little history behind them and the nature view was nice. I towed my boat there because the maps show large lakes. I had read in other users reviews that the lakes had dried up but I noticed on geo maps there was still water, so I thought surely there would be a place to put the boat in somewhere. There is actually still a lake there and it is fishable but the only boat ramp is a good 1/4 mile from the water. It's a shame they couldn't make a temporary boat ramp to reach where the water is now. The bathrooms were clean but the men's room never had soap in it. However... I am camping so not a huge setback! There are cabins but we didn't get too close to them. They looked nice. My kids liked playing on the playground and playing on what is left of the sand beach on the lake. We saw some deer from the back of our campsite.Pros- nice spots for camping, nice trails, nice road space for riding bikesCons- don't bring a boat, there isn't anywhere to launch it. If you must bring something that floats bring a canoe or a kayak.

A great place to hike, bike ride , or camp. Beautiful springs, interesting hikes, and a chance to see flora, and fauna.

First time RV'ing. We only stay about 60 miles away so we packed up and drove to this park for a weekend break. We arrived after dark, greeted by rangers who have us a map of the park (keep it - comes in handy). Sites are huge. Each site can easily fit 2 rv's on it - easily. So nice privacy from others. Using map we walked about 3 miles (round trip) to the end to 'big lake Johnson' ... Only to find big lake Johnson is dried up. lol. Has been for years. So save yourselves a mile or so and head towards the picnic area. This is a large open space with playgrounds, restrooms, cooking facilities. (There's even vending Machines for drinks and snacks). Restrooms were ok. Clean. Good hot water in showers. Use the map to find trails and shortcuts. Have fun exploring. We saw hawks, eagles and deer. We would revisit...overall. Good job.

This was my first time camping!!! I must say I had a great time. My boyfriend rented a very lovely, cozy cabin that was equipped with AC, an electrical stove & fridge, coffee machine, toaster, microwave, a full size bed, a futon and a decent size bathroom. The cabin also has a screened in porch. There are other cabins close by, so you're not totally isolated. However, it's still peaceful & private! There is a lake in which you can swim(if you dare, there was a sign posted about alligators possibly being in the lake!!!), canoe( which the park rents, very reasonable!!!) and kayak( if you bring your own). There's a bicycle trail, walking & hiking trails. I would most definitely recommend this place to any prissy, afraid of bugs diva like myself!!! :)Oh there's no television or internet. If you want this you have to leave the park and go into the town where there's a Hardees, MacDonalds, CVS & Walgreens! That's it!!! :)

We went in the winter as was able to purchase some wood for a fire pit... for roasting marshmallows and telling scarey stories around the fire. The cabins are quaint and has a 1940's history to tell. Cabins were built by the presidential work force that put men to work... and the rewards of their work is still standing. The lakes are a charm, white sandy beaches, and delightful walking trails through the woods. I grew up as a kid chasing down the Ravine and walking in the underground river that trails through the Ravine. It is so clear you could scoop up a handful and drink it! Stay more than a day to see it all.

We have participated in a couple of hikes at Mike Roess Gold Head State Park. The trails are great. Part of the "Florida Trail" runs through Gold Head. Part of the trail is also an equestrian trail. This past weekend we participated in a "Moonlight Hike" on the Ravine Trail - which meant no flashlights. There were literally thousands of fireflies. The Ravine looked like a city lit up for Christmas. There is also a beautiful creek which runs through the trails, and a few lakes. We have seen raccoons, possums, rabbits and deer, as well as many different kinds of birds and flowers. This trip, we camped overnight in a tent in a spot we reserved in the full facility area; however, they also have cabins on the lake (which we will rent next time), RV spots and a primitive area. If you prefer a day trip, there are a lot of picnic areas, and also a lake for swimming. For Florida hiking and camping, Gold Head is a must do.

I go hiking here regularly because it is close to my house. It has great trails and the ravines make it more of a work out that flat land. Trails are well kept. The one downer is the lake isn't what it used to be....it has dried up quite a bit.

I was sure I would get lost finding this Park, but the directions I got were excellent and the 2+ hour trip went by very quickly.Loved the cabin, enjoyed the trails and lake, and the staff was very competent and friendly.Will certainly recommend this Park to any wishing a nice Florida camping experience!

We have visited Goldhead Branch multiple times. The campsites are nice and the bathrooms clean with large showers. We stayed on an end site so there wasn't a lot of activity. The lake is pretty much dried up but the trails are nice. It is in a small town so don't expect to do much except relax.

Nice place to camp. Clean campground. Lots of trails. Lake is dried up, which is sad but the park is very nice regardless.

very nice park. Good areas for camping and picnicking. Nice cabins to rent. Felt safe camping there and have gone to many picnics in their covered areas.