The best camping near Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park adventure.

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

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Lakeview Campground

33 sites · RVs, Tents 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

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

Primitive Campground

2 sites In Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

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

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Glenn Farm

7 sites · Lodging, 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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Camp Seminole Springs

103 sites · Lodging, 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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Bowman's Landing

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Fort White, FL

We are a 12.5 acre campground on the Sante Fe River. We have cabins as well as primitive car campsites directly on the river as well. See the following distances: Ginnie Springs - 6 miles Blue Springs - 9 miles Ichetucknee Springs - 4 miles Gainesville - 38 miles Rum 138 - 8 miles Lake City - 27 miles White Springs - 38 miles Branford - 13 miles High Springs - 12 miles Dollar General - 3 miles Publix - 15 miles Bobs River Place - 20 miles

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Serene Forested Blueberry Farm

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Ft. Mc Coy, FL

Located on 5 acres in the Ocala National Forest, Hookie's Hideaway is the perfect place to stay for easy access to all of nature's bounty and activities. This property is easily accessible, serene and peaceful. Campsites are in a beautiful grove of pine and sycamore trees. We are surrounded by forested camping areas and close enough to drive into town to pick up groceries or get a meal. We have a "you pick them" blueberry farm when in season. We are pet friendly! If you have a pet please add the pet Extra at checkout so you will be charged a $20 pet fee ($10 for the trailers). We are close to hiking, horse trails, lakes and springs. Bocce Ball and Croquet is available to play here anytime! We are only a short distance away from amazing horse riding trails and Florida's most popular natural springs. We live on the property and are available during normal business hours. We are free to ask questions and give suggestions for surrounding activities and dining options. We will interact as little or as much as you need. Birds singing in the morning and crickets at night ensure a restful getaway here. Our property is the perfect place to escape the noise and high paced city life.

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Secluded Wooded Campsite 🏕️

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · High Springs, FL

Secluded little campsite tucked back on 10 owned acres behind all housing. Has a driveway/path all the way back to the campsite. Signs are clearly marked upon arrival. Parking is allowed on site and set up is at your discretion. Campsite is about approximately 50x50 and includes use of outdoor composting toilet, picnic table, outdoor chairs, trash can with lid, outdoor hand washing area w/ water, and a nice sized fire ring. (Wood is available for your enjoyment and ease, but please only use what you need) Hosts are on site 24/7 for ease of making your stay comfortable and we will ensure all your needs are met in a timely fashion. This is PRIMITIVE camping site and would not be suitable for RV’s. Van camping is allowed and can hold up to three vans or cars. Small walking trails available behind the campsite. Local Highlights - Ginnie Springs, Blue Springs, Rum Island, Ichetucknee Springs, Ichetucknee River, Santa Fe River, Pink Flamingo, The Great Outdoors, Steakout, and more! (If you are looking for an amazing paddle we highly recommend a visit to Ichetucknee River) We have a small convenience store right at the entry of our street which has many of your quick camping needs. We also have a grocery store (Winn Dixie) that is a short 5 minute drive from our location.

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Camp Gilchrist

1 site · Tent10 acres · Spring Ridge, FL

Camp Gilchrist is located in heart of Springs Country in North Florida. Ginnie Springs and several other local springs are just minutes away. Come visit and explore nature with us! Pitch your tent and relax. You can enjoy beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing in an open field. Enjoy wildflowers throughout the Florida blooming seasons. Find blackberries, mushrooms, and other edible foraged goods. For optimum peace and privacy, there is currently 1 campsite on our 10 acres. There are several recreational activities in the area including hiking, swimming in natural springs, fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching, and more!

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Grace Haven Homestead

8 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Starke, FL

Welcome to Grace Haven Homestead, a tranquil escape and community gathering place in North Florida. As a retreat center, we will host families, youth groups, camps, and more, providing a peaceful refuge to reconnect with nature and each other. During your stay with us you will get to connect with many beautiful animals, including exotics like foxes, emus, and kinkajous. We are new, this is why our pricing is so cheap for our lodging. We want you to have every reason to come and experience this so you can leave us wonderful reviews and spread the word about our place. Hope to see you soon Accommodations: RV Rentals: Select from our range of fully-equipped RVs for a comfortable stay. Primitive Camping: Set up your tent and relish a back-to-nature camping experience beneath the stars. Activities: Animal Encounters: Immerse yourself in close and personal interactions with various animals, including several exotics. ATV Rentals: Embark on your own ATV adventure to explore our vast property. Shooting Range: Hone your aim and engage in some target practice at our shooting range. Outdoor Speakers: Unwind and enjoy music or podcasts in our outdoor seating area. Additional Amenities: Seating and Cooking Area: Gather around the fire pit or picnic tables for a delightful meal with friends and family. Scenic Views: Marvel at the beauty of the surrounding countryside and soak in the peaceful ambiance. Whether you're in search of a quiet retreat or an adventurous getaway, our retreat center caters to all preferences. Come and immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of our property, creating lasting memories with us.

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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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Artists Nature Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · FL

Learn more about this land: Nestled under the old oak forest and longleaf pines, listen for the owls and woodpeckers. Walk the path or relax in the couch swing. Quiet, secluded, close to Gainesville yet eons away. Paynes Prairie and UF 1/2 hour away. Blue Springs, Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, and Ichetucknee Springs parks all within an hour's drive. Equally close to Fanning, Manatee and Rainbow Springs. If you just need a quick getaway or a base camp for vacation explorations, this is the place for you. UF, Shands and "The Swamp" - Go Gators! - 30 minutes away. Fenced paddocks and covered stalls available at additional cost. 2 mile dirt road leads you back into the woods and away from the noise into a paradise time forgot. RTC Tiny Theater and workshop also available at an additional cost for bands, theater, circus and dance rehearsals and performances. Self-funded residencies available.

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Anastasia Island RV Pad Rental

2 sites · RVs1 acre · St. Augustine, FL

We love living on Anastasia Island. It is a small Island 2 miles wide by 15 miles long. It is walking distance to the beach, fishing pier and amphitheater. We have a small fishing lake in the back yard (unfenced). There is a national bird rookery preserve a few blocks away so the bird watching is wonderful. There is an alligator farm and a dolphin aquarium on the island., as well as a historic continuous working light house. Our pad is just across the Bridge of Lions (2 miles) from the Oldest USA city, St. Augustine, Fl. The historic Fountain of Youth is there along with many other attractions. We have two level paver RV Pads. They both have electric, black and grey water cleanout, fast high speed internet (full hookup). They each have private patios for picnics, socializing, and relaxing. Pad 1 accommodates an RV up to up to 28' in length. Pad 2 accommodates an RV up to 34' in length. Both sites have full RV hookups. We accept Class B, Class C, Small 5th Wheel, Pop-up Campers, Vans and Travel Trailers. Sorry, we can't take Class A and no tent camping is allowed. There is also a large back deck with picnic area overlooking the small fishing lake in the back yard. We enjoy meeting fellow travelers and sharing our paradise island. We are LGBTQ friendly. Our neighborhood is quiet and safe. The location has easy access to great adventures, history and wonderful memories may be made here. Pets are welcome on leash. accompanied by an adult, Each additional pet (over 1 pet) is $5. additional fee. There is an off leash park two blocks away. The beaches are also pet friendly. We adhere to CDC guidelines for safety. We wish you safe travels and happy trails.

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Spacious Oak Hammock

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · High Springs, FL

Only a 5 Minute drive to High Springs Historic District and 20 Minutes to Gainesville. Enjoy peacefulness with a 30 amp electric/water site on this dead end road that abuts O’Leno State Park. It is common to see wildlife on this and the surrounding properties. Located only 3 miles from O'Leno State Park, this area is known for it's numerous beautiful springs along the Santa Fe, Ichetucknee and Suwannee Rivers. Kayaking, snorkeling and cave diving are popular activities here. So pitch your tent or park your RV in our oak hammock. You will have access to your own fire pit and picnic table. We also offer access to our hot outdoor showers. Learn more about this land: Located 3 miles from O'Leno State Park, this area is known for it's numerous beautiful springs along the Santa Fe, Ichetucknee and Suwannee Rivers. Kayaking, snorkeling and cave diving are popular activities here. So pitch your tent or park your RV in our oak hammock. You will have access to your own fire pit and picnic table. We also offer access to our hot outdoor showers.

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Wildflower Pond and Woodlands

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. Stay in one of our three designated camping sites, tie up a hammock, gaze at the pond inhabitants, and check out what's growing in the seasonal garden. Also enjoy the many flowering plants and other special trees. 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. ***PLEASE NOTE FARM TOURS AND ANIMAL EXPERIENCES ARE CURRENTLY PAUSED***

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.