Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park — Attraction in Starke

I have been to this park many times in the past and stayed in the cabins. The cabins were always clean, cozy, comfy and everything was top notch. You could sit on the porch in the mornings and watch all kinds of wild life along the lake. (You could see the lake back then) This past weekend, the whole family came up for a Celebration of LIfe for the former Asst. MGR Robert Dampman. While he was there, the park was awesome. And I am not saying this just because he was my brother-in-law. He had the whole crew working and it showed the pride they had in their work. When we arrived on Friday, there were 5 rangers sitting in the building. No one greeted us at the entrance of the park. When I inquired about firewood being dropped off since our vehicle was packed full, I was informed that they can't do that since its a busy check in time. (I was the only one there at the time) My husband and I proceeded to drive to the cabin. The landscaping was overgrown (I know its a forest but the grass along the roads were overgrown and unkept) There were multiple pot holes all the way down to the cabins to where you had to go into the other lane to avoid them. When we got to the cabin, we went inside and it was your basic cabin, which we knew since we had been there a lot of times before that. The issues were that it wasn't inviting like it had been in the past. The bed was in a position where I had to climb over hubby, (I am not a young person anymore) and we couldn't move the bed. The bed used to be made up but now the sheets were just laying on the mattress, which needs to be changed due to stains and tares. As I am making the bed, I had two flat sheets and no fitted sheet. I made do with what I had and I had also brought some from home. Not my first rodeo. The a/c rocked.. can't complain about that one. I will have to add tho that the ceiling fan/light was loose and we did not use it due to being afraid it would fall off the ceiling. The picnic table and fire pit need to be cleaned and replaced. Table was nasty. Family members stayed in cabins next to us. One didn't have hot water and they mentioned it really wasn't clean. The other one had no porch light. The landscaping all around the cabins and blocking the view of the lake was a disappointment. There were two large trees that had fallen and have been laying there a while. One by the cabin, the other by the lake. I realize that the funding for the state parks have probably been effected but I am sure that there could be a better way to have rangers utilize their time besides all sitting in the office and not greeting guests, making sure that the park looks awesome. I know it can be since I have seen it in person. And before everyone thinks that I don't know what I am talking about or am being petty....... I work at a daypark/campground in Brevard County and I totally understand that sometimes things get out of hand and all that. Unfortunately, we will not come back to Mike Roess Golden Head State Park..... we rather keep the happy memories and good times in mind and not on how it...

This was a quiet lovely State park where we stayed in a historic cabin built in the 1930's by the CCC. I personally would like to give it a five star rating for the very peaceful, restful and relaxing stay we had in the park during the last week in March but, I feel many people may find the cabin a little uncomfortable. It is small but, that didn't bother us we managed well. They do have larger cabins available that are bigger. We opted for the historic cabin as the stone fireplace was beautiful and there are only two of us. Unfortunately the bed is a double bed and the mattress is small and lumpy so we pulled out the couch and one of us slept on the bed and the other on the couch that turns into full size futon. They do provide pillows, towels, sheets, and a thin bedspread for both the bed and the futon. We brought an extra blanket from home and we are really glad we did. The cabin has a heat pump which provides air conditioning and heat using a remote. The cost is reasonable at $72 a night.

The kitchen had a full size refrigerator, stove and microwave but, counter space was very limited if you are preparing your own food it is challenging. They provide silverware, plates, cups, bowls and glasses as well as pots and pans but, some items like knives, collander, large serving spoon without holes in it, and a ladle would be helpful. The kitchen window is facing east in cabin #107 (Pine) so the sun comes in very bright in the morning. It would be helpful to have blinds or a curtain to mitigate the sun shining in.

The lamps in the cabin need lamp shades, they are just a bare light bulb and are very bright. The blinds need a blind tilt wand to open and close the blinds. It is difficult to close and open the blinds as most of the blinds were missing this rod that opens and closes the blinds. The shower is very small but, manageable if you are limber and small. We really enjoyed the screened in front porch that was close to the campfire ring which allowed us to watch the campfire and enjoy it while being free from mosquitos.

The hiking trails were well marked and very easy to follow. They were well shaded and interesting. We especially enjoyed the Loblolly and the Ravine trails. Going down into the Ravine was 79 steps and has a beautiful clear stream at the bottom with trees shading the area. Once at the bottom of the Ravine you can continue to hike towards the old mill on the Ridge trail for 1.1 miles.

There are several lakes and the cabin we stayed in had a nice view of the lake surrounded by large trees. The lakes are full of weeds, lily pads and would be difficult for us to use our kayak in so we left it at home and choose to bring our bicycles instead. The roads in the park are hilly but, very nice for bike riding. There is a bicycle trail nearby called the Palatka to Lake Butler State Trail. The trail runs near the road most of the time but, sometimes goes further away. It has sections that are shaded by trees and also goes...

When we bring our pop-up camper we love sites on the outside ring. You can walk through the woods to the clearing and the small lake that's there and listen to the birds and see occasional deer running through. When sites are tight we bring our tent we like the Turkey loop. some really nice deep campsites in there and some suitable for families and multiple tents and others better for 1 so it's good to do your research. The camp rangers and assistance are great. I always love when we get a chance to chat for a few minutes. Carlos and Mike responded to some rude campers that were burning large bags of trash last time. They put out the stink and fire and made sure it didn't happen again. the same campers felt comfortable going into the ball field area on the other side of the woods helping themselves to the firewood that is not allowed to be used by campers. Some people just don't get it. and the guy was driving a big Brightview landscaping truck LOL. Sometimes there's a few clueless campers but hardly ever. There's so many pretty places to visit in the campground and I love that we hear turkeys gobbling regularly. The light play from the live oaks overhead give up wonderland fact to your campsite. Magical to sit back and sip your drink just glad to breathe Sweet air. It's just a good all-around feel. Mosquitoes aren't bad but watch out for the deer ticks. I got caught this last time and apparently I didn't spray down my shoes and pants good enough. I removed four of them that had a meal so I had to take 10 days of doxycycline. Save yourself the trouble, bring your DEET and use it. We can't think of another campground that we enjoy more than this one. Be mindful of others here and the rewards are worth it. Only about an hour outside of Jacksonville it's like stepping into another world made to renew and de-stress. The sound of occasional rounds fired at nearby Camp Blanding never disturbs us and it reminds us that our freedoms are being protected. Give yourself a trip to town and visit Johnny's for a barbecue treat and a break for the cook. Bath/shower rooms are kept up and firewood and ice available at the ranger station at very reasonable price. You'll never regret booking your campground experience at Gold Branch. I hope I haven't praised ourselves out of our next...