If you’re seeking an unforgettable volunteer experience in the heart of Florida’s natural beauty, look no further than Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park in Keystone Heights. This historic gem is currently welcoming volunteer campground hosts and maintenance helpers through Fall 2025—perfect for workampers eager to immerse themselves in nature while giving back.
A Legacy Carved by the CCC
Established in 1935, Gold Head Branch State Park stands as one of Florida’s earliest state parks. The park’s development was spearheaded by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program that provided employment during the Great Depression. These dedicated workers constructed enduring structures, including rustic cabins, a ranger station, and a bathhouse, many of which still serve visitors today . In 1966, the park was renamed to honor Mike Roess, whose generous land donation made the park’s creation possible .
Nature’s Playground
Spanning nearly 2,400 acres, the park boasts a diverse landscape of rolling sandhills, marshes, ravines, and sinkhole lakes . The unique ravine system, carved by the Gold Head Branch stream, offers a cool, shaded retreat and supports a variety of plant and animal life . Visitors can explore over 5 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail, swim or fish in Little Lake Johnson, or enjoy a leisurely canoe ride .
Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in sightings of fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, and a plethora of bird species, including bald eagles and swallow-tailed kites . The park’s designation as part of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail underscores its ecological significance .
Volunteer Opportunities Await
For those interested in workamping, the park offers opportunities for campground hosts and maintenance volunteers. Volunteers assist with tasks such as greeting campers, maintaining facilities, and preserving the park’s natural beauty. In exchange, volunteers often receive complimentary campsite accommodations, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the park experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned workamper or new to the lifestyle, volunteering at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park provides a rewarding way to connect with nature and contribute to the preservation of Florida’s natural heritage.
Spread the Word
Help us share this incredible opportunity by using hashtags like #WorkampingInFlorida, #GoldHeadBranchStatePark, and #VolunteerInNature. Whether you’re seeking a meaningful volunteer experience or simply a peaceful retreat into nature, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park welcomes you with open arms. Visit the Florida State Parks Volunteer Portal: https://volunteers.floridastateparks.org/
From the Editor
We love to hear from those of our fellow RVers and Workampers out there. Drop us a line using our CONTACT US form and we hope you will sign up for our newsletter – CLICK HERE! Jolene, did her first LIVE on one of the social media platforms talking about her first workamping experiences in Florida State Parks now up on our YouTube Channel
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