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

There are sixteen vacation cabins, overlooking Little Lake Johnson. Bring the family for an old fashioned getaway in the great outdoors!

ALL CABINS - Linens and towels will be provided to you at the beginning of your stay. For an extended stay, please bring extra towels. We do not provide beach towels. All cabins include rocking chairs, a picnic table, a ground grill, and fully equipped kitchens. Kitchens include a refrigerator/freezer, stove and the basic cooking and eating utensils. You must provide your own firewood as the collection of firewood within the park is prohibited. Firewood is available for purchase at the Ranger Station. Pets are not allowed in the cabins or in the cabin area.

Rustic Cabins (Cabins 101 - 109) - There are nine rustic cabins that were built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corp. Each of these cabins will accommodate four people. Bedding in the rustic cabins includes one full size bed and one futon that will sleep two. The cabins have a combined living room/bedroom, a separate bathroom, and a separate fully equipped kitchen. Bathrooms are furnished with flush toilets and hot and cold water showers. Two CCC cabins (Numbers 101 and 109) are equipped with standard size bathtubs. If you would like one of these cabins, please specify this when making reservations. Rustic cabins have electric heating and cooling units, ceiling fans and wood burning fireplaces.

Block Cabins (Cabins 110 - 114) - There are five block cabins that are larger structures than the rustic cabins, accommodating a maximum of six people. Bedding in the block cabins includes a full size bed and two futons that each sleep two people. Each has a bedroom, a living room, a bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathrooms have a standard size bathtub and shower. These cabins have central heat and air and ceiling fans, but they do not have fireplaces.

ADA Cabins (Cabins 115 & 116) - The two ADA accessible cabins can accommodate a maximum of six people. These spacious cabins have a living room, bathroom, two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a screened in porch. Bedding in the ADA cabins includes a full size bed in the master bedroom, 2 twin beds in the second bedroom and a pull out couch in the living room. These cabins have central heat and air, ceiling fans, and a gas fireplace that will be available for use between October 1st and April 30th.

Cabin Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America online or calling 1-866 I CAMP FL (1-866-422-6735) or 1-800-326-3521.

A minimum of 2 nights is required for weekends and holidays. One-night reservations are accepted Monday through Thursday, except during holidays.

Gold Head's newest cabins are ADA accessible and can accommodate a maximum of 6 people.

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

Equestrian Trail

A seven mile trail ride along the sandhills and scrubs takes the horse enthusiast to a picnic area overlooking Big Lake Johnson. This trail is rated intermediate because of the soft sand on the trail. Water is available for horses at the equestrian parking site. Current negative Coggins must be presented at the Ranger Station when registering.

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

Family Camping
There are 74 individual campsites available within our 3 campgrounds. These campsites will accommodate tents, trailers and motorized campers up to 40ft in length. Each site includes a picnic table, grill and water. Lakeview sites 57 through 67 do not have electric hook up.

Family Camping Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America online or calling 1-866 I CAMP FL (1-866-422-6735) or 1-800-326-3521.

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.

There are no pets allowed in the group camping area. Group camping reservations can be made by calling the park at (352) 473-4701.

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.

Pet Camping

Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.

Pets

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Gold Head Branch State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in our cabins, cabin area, group camping area, swimming area or beach.

Picnicking

The Park has a large picnic area overlooking "Little Lake Johnson". The area contains many tables and grills as well as an athletic field, volleyball net and horseshoe pits.

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.

Primitive Camping

Two primitive campsites are located within the southern end of the park just off the Florida Trail. These sites include a picnic table, fire ring and a pavilion. There is no water or electricity in the primitive campground.

The primitive camping area is unable to be accessed by vehicle. You will have to hike approximately one half mile from the picnic area to the campsites.

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

Reservations can be made by calling the park at (352) 473-4701.

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.