Host an Event at Cabins/Pavilions

a covered picnic pavilion sits atop a bank next to a lake

If you have ever visited Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, you have seen the allure of this beautiful place. It encourages you to linger and experience more of the park, and possibly even bring others with you on your next visit. Large picnic pavilions, recreation hall, covered gazebo and multiple historic cabins make for the perfect place to host a wedding, family reunion, corporate retreat or other events.

Three picnic areas are available for either the casual visitor or for planned events.

The main picnic area overlooks Little Lake Johnson and Pebble Lake, and includes eight sheltered picnic pavilions. Each pavilion has several picnic tables as well as a charcoal grill.

Another area at the ravine overlook has a single picnic table nestled in the shade, ideal for hikers starting or ending their adventure.

The final picnic area is located at the equestrian trail head, plus an extra table 3.5 miles down the trail.

picnic tables scattered across an open area shaded by trees

Nine historic cabins were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a public work relief program established to help build infrastructure across the country’s parks by putting young men to work. Each cozy cabin accommodates four people with a combined living/bedroom area, separate bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. Kitchens have a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and basic cooking and eating utensils. Sleeping areas have a double bed and a futon couch/bed, with all linens provided.

The CCC cabins have window heating and a/c units, ceiling fans, screened porches and wood-burning fireplaces, and are available for only $65 per night, plus tax. It’s fun to spend a night here and discover special CCC touches, such as the hand-hewn fireplace mantel.

a stone fireplace with a rocking chair in a wooden cabin

Five larger block cabins are also available that accommodate up to six people. These cabins have a living/dining room, one bedroom, bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen with stove, refrigerator, microwave, basic cooking and eating utensils. The block cabins have central heat and air plus ceiling fans and screened porches, but do not have fireplaces. A full-sized bed is in the bedroom, along with one futon couch bed and one bunk bed in the living area.

The block cabins are $75, plus tax, and are the ideal way to have a good time with a group of friends or family.

a white block cabin with a brown roof sits under the shade of trees

Two modern ADA-accessible cabins for up to six people are located in the park. Each has a living/dining room, bathroom, two bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. They have central heat and air, ceiling fans, a gas fireplace and a large screened porch.

Sleeping accommodations include a full-size bed in the master bedroom, two twin beds in the second bedroom and a pull-out couch in the living area. All linens are provided, and all areas are designed to be accessible to those in wheelchairs.

a brown cabin sits in the woods with a ramp going to the doorway

Start making your plans! If you want to spend more than just one day in the park visit the Florida State Parks' reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. The pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis or may be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Payment is due 10 days after the reservation is made.

Call the ranger station during business hours, Monday through Thursday, at 352-316-4286.