Camping Review of Mike Roess Gold Head State Park in Florida

We camped in Keystone Heights, Florida at the Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park this November. This was our second trip to this location and we had a great campsite this time. Last time our site was small and tight.

The Campsite

We stayed in campsite #6 in the Sand Loop. In the photo below you can see our closest neighbor to the left, in that white camper. There is no site between us, just woods and grass. Even though we loved all the space, this location would be baking hot in summer. Sites inside the loop have more shade trees.

There is also another entire RV camping loop called Lakeview. We drove through last time. I think that loop is pretty well shaded. It is also close to the dump station if you have to use a “blue boy” (Amazon paid link). The Sand Loop is quite a hike to pull that little thing behind your vehicle.

Friends of ours had booked a spot for the weekend after Thanksgiving and we decided to meet up. Our sites were not side by side, but close enough to make it easy to get together.

Friday was a cloudy day, and by the time we arrived and set up, it began to rain. Our friends showed up later on, after a long day of work. It gets dark so early this time of year (5:30) that we stayed inside and camper, and out of the rain, the first night. It was also very cold!

Behind us was only sparse woods. I had hoped to see some deer, but never did.

The site was sandy, as are most Florida campsites. We put down our large rug and mats at each door and that handled the sand. We’ve stayed in way worse sand filled sites.

This campground offers nice walking trails, and paved roads for bike riding. I wish I was in better shape because there is a lot to explore here. The trails are easy to find and follow. If you decide to walk along the road, usually there is a trail through the woods to use as a shortcut to get back to the sites.

They hand out a detailed map when you check in, which is always helpful. You really need one to navigate this very large, and spread out, campground.

Explore Nature

Our only full day was sunny and lovely, after it warmed up from the 30’s overnight!

The park was pretty empty due to the fact that no one wanted to swim in this cold weather. The lake was full of lily pads. I don’t go in Florida fresh water at all, and this would not be a good place (for me) to camp in hot months.

We had a campfire going in the evening, but it was still difficult to stay warm. We were cozy in our sleeping bags by 9PM.

Make a Reservation at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground.

We enjoyed our short stay in the north. We live about 2 hours south and it really made a difference with overnight temps.

My one complaint this time was the long line at the Dump Station. Someone up front was taking forever! We were the 4th trailer back and spent a good 30 minutes here.

By the way, if you come from the Sand Loop to dump, you may have to bypass the dump station and go up and turn around. It’s a sharp turn to get in. OR, if like our experience, there was a line of RV’s waiting along the road. Then you will have to pass them, turn around, and get in line! Bummer.

We did not leave as early as usual, and maybe it was just that everyone was doing the same. Check out is 1PM and the day was beautiful.

We like this campground so much that we are heading back in January and then again in March! Our cats will be with us for both trips. I’ll probably have a lot to write about that.

Happy Camping!