Best Camping in and near Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

83% (6 reviews)

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Community favorites near Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Primitive Campground

2 sites In Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

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Lake Johnson Cabins

16 sites In Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

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Lakeview Campground

33 sites · RVs, Tents In Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

One of the cabins available at the park.

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Sandhill Campground

32 sites · RVs, Tents In Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

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Camp Seminole Springs

100 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Fort Mc Coy, FL

Bring your mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks and fishing gear. We have it all here at Seminole Springs. We are open for tent camping. Limited number of campsites with Tents on them in a variety of sizes available. First come, First serve. These sites will have a slight upcharge. When you book, if you want to upgrade and reserve one of these sites, let us know and we will accommodate you. We also have 3 units inside the lodge for the people who need just a step up from glamping, but not quite the whole hotel experience. These are beautiful comfortable rooms with half baths in the rooms. The showers are located in the lodge bathhouse. WE have the Jungle themed room, the Equestrian themed room and the Honeymoon Suite. Each unit comes equipped with its own hot tub. (To book any of these units, just send us a message and we will reserve it for you. The prices for these units are different than that campsite and glamping site prices.) The Grist Mill is also available for rent too! This is a very romantic, yet rustic getaway equipped with a half bath as well. Very secluded and private overlooking the spring on one side and the water fall on the other. Sit outside on the deck and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and at night the sound of the waterfall will lull you to sleep. The shower is located in the Lodge bathhouse. (To book this unit you must send a message to us and we will reserve it for you. The price is different than the campsites but we will go over that with you) WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR YOUR EVENT: TAKING BOOKINGS FOR WEDDINGS, CAR SHOWS, MUSIC EVENTS, ETC. LET US KNOW! NOTE: TURN AT CAMP SEMINOLE SPRINGS SIGN ON HIGHWAY 21. Your GPS may tell you to turn at the wrong St. Make sure that you are turning at 244th...Your GPS may tell you to turn at 243rd Street (where the Orange Market it) which is a dead end street. Just go a little bit further until you see the sign for Camp Seminole Spring. Bring bug spray and sun screen. If you need something, don't worry! There is a Dollar General, a gas station and a small cafe within walking distance. We have 38 acres of camping sites nature trails for hiking and mountain biking. Guests can park right on their site, or they have the option of parking and hiking into the woods to set up their site a bit more remote and off the beaten path. This is rustic camping. We have a bathhouse located at the campsites with showers. The bathhouse at the Great Lodge will be ready by Fall 2022. Whereas we do have garbage cans, we prefer that anything you bring into the property, you bring out with you. We allow campfires. Don't be surprised if you see a monkey or two in the trees... The fishing is amazing in these parts, so if you are an angler, come and visit. We have .75 miles of frontage on the Orange Creek. The creek flows into Lake Ocklawaha which just so happens to be one of the best bass fishing lakes in the USA. In fact, ten-pound bass are not uncommon from the Lake Ocklawaha River in the winter. Recently (2020), a 17.2-pound bass was caught there. The combined Ocklawaha and St. Johns drainage basin is possibly the most significant river-estuary waterway of Florida. This water system is of legendary reputation among anglers of largemouth bass who seek 10 pound plus trophy fish. Conveniently located between Ocala and Gainesville in the heart of Orange Springs, Florida, Camp Seminole Spring is perfectly located for the traveler who wants to really connect with nature. It appears to be ‘off the beaten path’, yet it is close enough to civilization so that even the most seasoned camper can make a quick run to store should he or she need something not found in nature. Camp Seminole Spring is mid-way (approx.. 22 miles) between Ocala and Gainesville, Florida, which are two thriving cities in this area of Florida. Ocala, the ‘horse capital of the world’ showcases a brand new multi-billion-dollar equestrian center which draws people from all over the world. This scenic property has an artesian spring which pushes out 1.6 million gallons of water per day rated among the top three percent of water in the world with an 8.4 natural pH. This water fills the pond and then continues on to flow into Orange Creek. Camp Seminole Springs was established in the 1940’s as a honeymoon resort and campground. The founders built a heart-shaped ‘pond-spring’ which is filled with the crystal-clear water pushed out from the spring where guests can lounge by the beach or gaze down into the bottom through the glass-like water or take a refreshing swim. At the top of the hill overlooking the heart-shaped spring, one will find the rustic Great Lodge where guests can come and mingle with each other, enjoy a relaxing conversation and a drink on the veranda or just sit and watch the activity in and around the spring.

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Wooded areas in a horse pasture

8 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · St. Augustine, FL

Campsites are on a small horse farm located just 4 miles from downtown St Augustine and 5 miles from Vilano Beach. Many hiking and water activities within 30 minutes. You select the space you where you wish to set up camp. The entrance off the dirt road is tricky for large rigs or trailers more than 35' may not have easy access. Our sites offer potable water, a shower, picnic tables, a toilet, wifi, trash disposal, space for campfires, and we are pet friendly! We can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers. Our guests love staying here: "Camping at Gayle’s property was an amazing experience. We shared the field with 3 other campers but there was still plenty of room between sites. Land is flat and has fire pit spaces and BBQ grills. Outdoor shower was appreciated even though we didn’t use it & it was great to have the port-o-potty on site. The best part was getting to see the animals!"

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Old Florida Shady Hammock

15 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Hastings, FL

Learn more about this land:Good Earth Farm - Relax - Enjoy - Experience.A quiet and beautiful setting on a working farm in Northeast Florida. Great place for touring Bicyclists, tent campers or glampers - less than 3 miles from the Florida Bike Trail at Hastings, Florida, with hard-surface road access. Fun farm animals and growing crops. A large barn venue with lighted sound stage - perfect for Reunions, Birthdays, Weddings and your special Event. Adjacent to large state conservation lands. Short distance to St. Johns River access and close to Historic St. Augustine and the Beach. Get up with the chickens and gather some Farm Fresh Eggs for breakfast. Good Earth Farm - an old Florida experience that you will never forget.

Radiant Beginnings

6 sites · Lodging4 acres · Keystone Heights, FL

Welcome to Radiant Beginnings Native American Church Farm and retreat, hosted by Radiance By Misty Dawn and Non Profit Agency for Life Transformations. We are a farm, Church Retreat Oasis, offering a place to rest your head along your travels but a place you will want to come back to. Misty Dawn, founder of Radiant Beginnings is a Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, N.MT and Job Training Specialist who teamed up with Agency For Life to dedicate toward enriching the lives of the Special Needs Community, with the vision of creating and building an Enrichment Center. In addition to hosting and ministering Radiant Beginnings Retreat and Church, Misty also acts as a job training Specialist for Special Needs with Vocational Rehabilitation, and uses every effort toward creating an Enrichment Center, that would aid in the development of special needs with Social Emotional Learning. Currently the four acre Church property, located in the peaceful countryside, hosts quarterly Traditional Sweat Lodge Ceremonies, Community Potlucks, Spiritual Growth workshops, Enrichment classes for the community, and monthly Church Services. Ask us when our next weekend Spiritual Retreat is, or book your next one with us, as we offer a plethora of classes in Guided Meditation, Breath Work, Sound Healing, Sacred Fire, Totem Making, Fermenting foods, Microgreen growing, Herbal healing and much more. Centrally located Radiant Beginnings, is an hour drive to all the Florida hot spots-including Gainesville, Jacksonville, Ocala, and the Historic Beautiful St Augustine. Guests can take in everything these memorable cities have to offer affordably, and comfortably with all the convenience offered. Surrounded by lakes, our Retreat Sanctuary offers what every nature enthusiast would enjoy in the sunny Florida weather for fishing, swimming, hiking, and boating. The ever popular Keystone Beach is only minutes away, where visitors can enjoy a dip in cool calming waters with sandy beaches, cook out areas and a historic Pavilion. Paddle down Little Lake Johnson at Gold Head Branch State Park and take in a lunch picnic under a golden sea of grasses and shady oasis. Once the day ends enjoy a movie under the stars or with a small upgrade enjoy our outdoor projector screen or indoors in our church community room, provided with all comforts of home, with sofas, snack bar and fully stocked kitchen. Take in a game of cards, or board games, or play some horse shoes, or cornhole as you gather around a roaring bon fire. Guests can also book a class, in the community room, learning how to make beautiful Resin works of art, jewelry totem making, or learn how to grow microgreens and fermented foods, or the ever popular goat yoga, and meditation. Relax your mind body and soul with a Reiki Healing Session, Guided Meditation and Spiritual Massage. Don't feel like cooking. Our church is happy to cook you up breakfast, made with farm fresh eggs, lunch, or dinner, with fresh garden veggies straight from our garden, and our hand crafted microgreens. We also offer in our community Building, a place where all our guests can purchase all of our Radiance by Misty Dawn products and essential camping needs. Soothe your mind body and soul, with our all natural bug sprays, body butters, face creams, healing oils, and goats milk soap As you can see we are more than just a place you visit, we are an Nurturing Oasis, that you will want to come back to. And better yet, you get the satisfaction of knowing that when you book with us, that you are contributing to helping us build a better way for our Special Needs Community. From our Radiant family to you. We cant wait for your visit.

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Glenn Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents125 acres · Fort White, FL

The farm you’re camping on is one of the last family farms remaining in Columbia County and is named Glenn Farm after DV Glenn who married Hettie Lou Niblack in the 1930’s. Over the last 150 years it has been farmed by some of the county’s oldest families such as the Niblack and Ellis families. When DV Glenn came to Florida from his farm in Cairo, GA he took over the portion of the Niblack farm that was inherited by his wife Hettie Lou. At that time he was running native Florida cattle on over 6000 acres. Unfortunately, In 1951 he was killed in a hunting accident leaving his wife with the farm and 4 children (ages 4-11). In order to survive, Hettie Lou Niblack Glenn was forced to sell 5000 acres at $25 an acre. Holding a bachelors degree from Florida State College for Women, she was able to secure a job at the University of Florida as a secretary and with the money from the land sale she was able to raise her four children. Of the original farm, 600 acres remain intact and the Glenn family is trying to keep the farm as an agricultural operation. Your campsite is 1 of three spots (Arrowhead Sink, Dunagan’s Meadow or Magnolia Sink). Dunagan’s meadow is a pasture behind the old farmhouse (built in 1844), Magnolia sink is also on the main farm while Arrowhead Sink is on the edge of a hayfield about a mile down a dirt road. Glenn Farm is a place to come relax and experience a world that is rapidly disappearing. It is not a commercial campground.

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Wake up at an Animal Sanctuary!

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Keystone Heights, FL

Rooterville is a nonprofit home to over 100 rescued farm animals of all types, THEY make it an amazing place to visit! When you stay with us, you are welcome to explore the sanctuary and interact with the animals. The only place off limits is our cow/horse pasture. Come on out to the country for the experience of a lifetime interacting with sweet farm animals in luxury accommodations or bring your own RV or a tent and "rough" it in your choice of spots on our beautiful 20 acre property surrounded by lots of amazing wild creatures of all sorts and our friendly animal ambassadors. Maybe you'll spot a bald eagle getting a meal from our ponds! There's so much to see and enjoy right here at the sanctuary, we have over 100 rescued animals who can't wait to meet you and maybe bum a snack from you too. If you get bored, there is plenty to do nearby: Goldhead Park, a paved Bike Trail, Jacksonville, St Augustine, High Springs, Ocala and Gainesville are all within an hour's drive. Melrose is quaint and rural. We don't rush here. Except at feeding time! You'll get to experience that too. We can't wait to meet you! You'll come as a guest and leave as a friend! No smoking in our units, no pets. If you can refrain from cooking meat on our grills and cooking utensils, we'd sure appreciate it. NO ADMITTANCE TO THE PROPERTY AFTER 10PM WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION, please be considerate of the owner and others here trying to sleep!

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Lakefront Sweet Spot, N Central FL

2 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · Hawthorne, FL

Get in on low intro rates: LAKEFRONT RETREAT! Boondock parking/tent camping spot or bunkhouse accommodations located in north central Florida lake country with an 'old Florida' feel, at homeowner Host's parcel on a small lake (private, i.e., no public access) that offers fishing, swimming (sandy-bottomed), birdwatching, and plenty of outdoor seating. INTRO RATES! For these new HipCamp listings provided by an experienced, highly rated Host on other lodgings platforms, and fellow van-life traveler. Lakefront property is located in between Hawthorne and Interlachen out in the wooded countryside (decidedly rural) on a dead-end road as it turns to dirt -- usually very peaceful and quiet. Central location serves as a good base camp for day trips to the ocean beaches at either the Atlantic or the Gulf Coast, the manatees at various springs, or Ocala horse country. Variety of shops and restaurants are located in Gainesville to the west or Palatka to the east, both an easy drive on S.R. 20. BOONDOCKING SITE: Must be self-contained and leave no trace. Accepting only one camping guest vehicle at a time. The homeowner property is fenced with drive-through wing gates, host will greet you upon arrival so you can choose your spot either in the shade or in the sun or somewhat in between as the sandy ground slopes gently to the private lake. Best for vans, SUVs, or those with car and tent. Please inquire regarding compact RVs -- due to overhanging branches of oak shade trees, and limited size of the 0..66 acre lot, cannot accommodate large RVs or travel trailers. Potable water available from the yard's garden hose, but cannot offer power, and there's no public restroom or dump station. Small bags of trash or two can go in our communal covered trash bin. BUNKHOUSE OPTION: Charming dry-camp lakefront cottage (no running water) with basic electrical (cannot handle high-draw electrical devices like heaters or A/C units) has a van-life type camp toilet (bag #2, collect urine/#1; proper disposals supported by Host), jug of local spring water for drinking, bed options include a new twin mattress in upper sleeping loft and a new cot-width padded chaise lounge below (clean fitted bottom sheet and pillowcase provided per stay). Guests provide their own towels and toiletries. Some basic camping kitchen/household items provided. Guests are welcome to use the homeowner Host's vintage rowboat, kayaks, communal firepit, and/or wooden dock. Or there's a small tire-rim firepit by the shorefront. Firewood bundle with kindling available for a small fee. Not best property for traveling with pets, may be negotiable on a case-by-case basis, due to homeowner's dog (communicate directly with Host prior to booking). Guest pets would have to remain on tether at all times while on premises. Also, why care with gates must be practiced, such as securely latched and closed after going in or out, due to homeowner Host's dog.

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100% Dad Headquarters

13 sites · RVs11 acres · Interlachen, FL

100% DAD Headquarters is family friendly 11 acres of flat land partially wooded land and cleared land. Easy big rig access right off CR 315, a main road, and walkable to stores and restaurants. Water, electric, and dump station are available. We have 3 electrical RV hookups. 1- 50 Amp connection next to our main building, a 30 amp connection next to our main building, and a 30 amp connection next to the barn. This property is owned by the Russell Family that toured the country from 2020-2023 visiting over 180 campgrounds in their RV. This property will eventually be developed into an RV Resort of their very own. This location is surrounded by lakes and springs. Public lands are all around. 1 hr from st augustine and the Atlantic Ocean. This is a small town with dark skies and beautiful starry nights. Tons of nature in every direction all with a few modern conveniences just minutes away.

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Wildflower Pond

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Alachua, FL

Welcome to a sweet and soulful little piece of the woodlands. Tucked in on 4.5 acres, this spot is a secluded, enchanting piece of old Florida. Pitch a tent in one of our four designated camping sites, tie a hammock, gaze at the koi and other fish, or relax on the embankment. Check out what's growing in the seasonal garden and if you’d like to to visit our horses, KuneKune pigs, dairy goats, birds and local mascot, Nacho the Donkey, please book a private tour with us. Florida's gem-colored, healing spring waters are just a 20 minutes up the way and local retreat centers and yoga studios dot the area. Gator fans? Head into Gainesville for a game and to visit the University of Florida. Mostly, enjoy. We look forward to hosting you! To note for all guests: We suggest arriving before dark so as to make set up easy and comfortable. We do not require a formal check-in and encourage being self-reliable in set up of primitive campsites. (For something with more structure and a space already set up, check out our Aframe cabin.) We do have water, a composting toilet, sink, and groundtemp shower for your use and ease.

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Celestial Acres

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Hastings, FL

Welcome to our little homestead. Nestled amidst the serene countryside, this quaint campground offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by lush farms and sprawling horse pastures, the air is filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and the gentle rustle of leaves. With only a handful of RV spots and a few cozy tents scattered among the trees, guests can truly reconnect with nature while roasting marshmallows over crackling campfires under a blanket of stars. Here, the pace slows down, allowing visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in the simple pleasures of rural life. We just finished (well 2 years ago) traveling the country in an RV with five of our 7 kids (oldest two were in college) and we had a terrible time finding places to stay in Saint Augustine when we came home to visit. I hope that we can offer some nice people a safe and beautiful place to park their rig. Things to do: The property is near the historic St. Augustine, a fun walkable/bikeable city, lots of state parks and of course an awesome beach! Other things to note: 6 Miles away is 4 Lakes Campground with dumping facilities

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Nestled in the woods

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Waldo, FL

This property consist of a 4 acre lot with a pole barn and two camper site hookups in an open area surrounded by trees and wildlife. It is private and cozy. There is a near by lake with a boat ramp for boating, swimming, and fishing. Close to the small town of Melrose with family owned restaurants. Take a break from the noice and come enjoy some quietness of nature.

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Camp Declan

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Interlachen, FL

Camp Declan is many things rolled into one. First, it is a private six-acre hardwood forest with 400’ of shoreline on a fresh-water, all-purpose lake. The air is clean and fresh and the fish, birds and Florida wildlife teem around you. Second, are the three buildings Cabin, Cabana and Bunkhouse. Each has a bathroom and the Cabin and Bunkhouse accommodate 18 overnight guests comfortably. The Cabana serves as outdoor bar/kitchen and hangout. Larger groups can be accommodated with a little ingenuity, too. Third, the layout of the property is such that the lake and large floating dock are always the star of the show. Whether you’re playing volleyball, badminton or horse shoes, sitting around the fire pit or canoeing on the lake, the sum of its parts makes a wonderful private indoor/outdoor lodging and recreation space for fishing, swimming, boating and grilling. Learn more about this land: "Old Florida" lake cabin, deck, dock, 12-bed bunkhouse, fully-equipped indoor kitchen, outdoor kitchen/bar and hot outdoor & indoor showers. Private, fenced grounds overlooks firepit, zipline and anchored swim raft. Ideal for groups up to 18 who seek a down-to-earth "fish camp" experience.

The best camping near Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park guide

Overview

About

This is one of Florida's first state parks. It sits midways between Gainesville and Jacksonville. Rolling sandhills make for fantastic hiking and wildlife viewing. Nature trails wind throughout the 2,000-acre park.

Once you get in the park, you'll first notice the towering long-leaf pines. These thick trees thrive among the scrub. These arboreal sentinels offer the perfect homes for a wide range of wildlife.

Keep an eye out for fox squirrels, kestrels, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles perched on branches. Wild turkeys, white-tail deer, and gopher tortoises dominate the underbrush, grass, and sand.

Little Lake Johnson is the perfect spot for water activities. BYOB (bring your own boat) for canoeing or kayaking. Cast your line out to catch dinner for your campsite. A 7-mile equestrian trail lets you and your steed get some exercise.

Campgrounds have rustic and RV sites. Take advantage of fully equipped lakefront cabins for a glamping getaway.

Notable campgrounds

Lakeview Campground: Nestled by the water, wake up to serene lake views and the sounds of nature.
Sandhill Campground: Set among rolling hills, this site offers a peaceful retreat with easy trail access.
Turkey Oak Campground: A favorite for its shaded spots and proximity to park amenities.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Check for cancellations regularly; last-minute openings can be your golden ticket.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Explore nearby camping options if the park is fully booked; the surrounding area offers additional choices.

When to go

The best time to visit Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is during the cooler months from October to April, offering comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Summer months can be hot and humid, with increased chances of rain and thunderstorms.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly; Florida's weather can be unpredictable.
Ensure you have a valid park pass or pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
Review the park's rules and regulations to preserve its natural beauty for all.
Accessibility options are available; contact the park for specific needs.
Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a safe and enjoyable visit.