Keystone Heights, Florida

Contact Information
6239 S.R. 21
Keystone Heights, 32656
(352) 473-4701

Reservation Information: 1-800-326-3521

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 Activities

Beaches
Our beach is on fresh water Little Lake Johnson. The swimming area is located in the main use area of the park and there are plenty of tables in the adjacent area for visitor enjoyment. The lake is fed from a seepage spring that travels through a ravine and eventually making its way to the lake.

Cabins
All of our cabins overlook beautiful Little Lake Johnson.

Campfire Circle
Each of our campsites is equipped with electricity, water, picnic table and a ground grill. The grill has a swing over top that also serves as a fire ring for campfires. Guests are able to purchase firewood at the park or bring some with them, however gathering of downed wood is not permitted.

Canoeing
Enjoy the beauty of Little Lake Johnson by canoe. Canoe rentals are available.

Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Gold Head. Little Lake Johnson has a population of pan fish, catfish and bass. The lake levels are low currently and fishing is not as good as it can be. Licenses are required.

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

Family Camping
There are 74 individual campsites available within our 3 family campgrounds. These campsites will accommodate tents, trailers and motorized campers (up to 40’ in length). Each site includes a picnic table and grill. Sites with water and electric are available. There is a dump station for sewage disposal.

Primitive Camping
Two primitive campsites are located within the southern end of the park just off the Florida Trail.

To help keep our park clean for you and other visitors, campers are required to pack all supplies in and out of the area.

Group Camping
There are 3 group campsites available for organized groups such as churches, scouts, family reunions and civic clubs. Each site has shared access to water, an outside cold water shower and restroom with flush toilets. No electric is available. Also provided are picnic tables and a ground fire ring. Each site will accommodate 25 people. Group campsites are equipped for tent camping only.

Nature Trails
There are 4 marked trails within Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. These trails vary in length from a short 10-minute walk to a full 2-hour hike that we recommend for the experienced hiker. The Ravine Ridge meanders along the upper ridge of the ravine between the ravine stairway and the mill site. Hikers can see the contrasts between the sandhill and ravine communities. The Loblolly Trail loop begins and ends at the mill site and winds through the largest loblolly pines in the park. The shortest trail is Fern Loop, which begins at the ravine stairway and passes by the headsprings of Gold Head Branch.

The Florida Trail traverses the park and is 3 miles in length. It begins at the entrance gate and covers some of the park’s high country. We recommend this for the experienced hiker.

While walking any of these trails you will have the opportunity to see such wildlife as Sherman fox squirrels, southeastern kestrel, red tailed hawk, bald eagles, fox, deer and various water and wading birds.

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

There are eight (8)-covered shelters available. They vary in size and can accommodate 16 to 100 people. All picnic pavilions have tables and grills. They are available on a first come first served basis or can be reserved up to 11 months in advance by calling the park or in person.

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

RV's
Our RV campsites offer water, electricity, and a ground grill and picnic table. A dump station is in close proximity for your use. The Sandhill and Lakeview camps can accommodate RV’s up to 45’ in length.

Swimming
There is a designated swimming area that is located adjacent to the picnic area and within easy walking distance from the cabins. Please be prepared to monitor children and non-swimmers; no lifeguard is on duty.

Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife at Gold Head Branch State Park is abundant. The park serves as home for white-tailed deer, turkey, gopher tortoise, fox squirrels, pocket gophers, red tailed hawk, bald eagles, fox, and various water and wading birds.