HONTOON ISLAND STATE PARK
HONTOON ISLAND STATE PARK2309 River Ridge Road DeLand, Florida 32720
Phone: 386-736-5309 Reservations: 386-736-5309
|
This island, located in the St. Johns River in Volusia County, welcomes visitors to enjoy nature and history in quiet solitude. The island is accessible only by private boat or park ferry. Evidence of Native American habitation over thousands of years can be witnessed as visitors hike through the park. Stop in and walk through the impressive visitor center to learn more about the many inhabitants and uses of Hontoon Island over the years. Boating, canoeing, and fishing are popular activities and canoe rentals are available. Picnic areas include tables, grills, and a playground. For overnight stays, the park has rustic cabinsan enclosed sleeping space with electricityno heat, air conditioning, bathrooms, or kitchens. Overnight boat slip rentals and a tentsonly campground are also available. The park?s ferry operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to one hour before sunset. Located six miles west of Deland off State Road 44.
The first inhabitants of the island were the Timucuan Indians. Snails gathered from the shallows of the St. Johns River were a staple food of these people. Through the years, the discarded shells accumulated to form large mounds on the island, one of which may be viewed on the park's nature trail. Three remarkable artifacts have been found in the vicinity of Hontoon Island. A large owl totem, carved from a log and two smaller carvings of wood, one of an otter holding a fish and the other of a bird which is apparently a pelican. Replicas of two of the totems stand in the picnic area as a tribute to the artistry and craftsmanship of the extinct culture.
In later years, the 1,650-acre island was a pioneer homestead, a boat yard, a center for commercial fishing and a cattle ranch before being purchased by the state in 1967.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimativeyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Hontoon Island State Park offers 6 rustic cabins. Each one-room cabin has bunk beds with vinyl-covered mattresses, a ceiling fan, overhead lighting and one electrical outlet. In addition to a picnic table and ground grill, each cabin has a screened in porch with table and chairs. Visitors should provide their own linens and be aware that there are NO restroom facilities, cooking facilities, heating or air conditioning inside the cabins. Cooking is only permissible outside the cabin(s) in the ground grill, or on a personal camp stove. Restroom facilities are offered at a community bathhouse located in the center of the campground where they will find hot showers and flushable toilets.
Primitive Camping
Hontoon Island has 12 tent sites in a very primitive environment. Each site has a picnic table, a ground grill, and access to a water spigot. The campground is in a hammock area so it is shady. Restroom facilities are located in the center of the campground, which include ADA accessible facilities and hot showers.
Hontoon Island State Park also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. From Alligators to insects, the Lending Library is a fun way to enhance your child's experience in the Real Florida. For a quiet afternoon or bedtime, share a story with your child to help explain the sights and sounds of Hontoon Island. Ask the Ranger Station about how to check out a book.
Youth Camping
Our fabulous, spacious youth camp area is offered for scouts and other organized groups of up to a total of 35 persons. Bring the "smores" and your best singing voice!
 | Wynnhaven Riverside RV Park - Bushnell, FL Campgrounds Wynnhaven Riverside is located on County Road 48 in the small town of Bushnell, Florida. Whether you are visiting Florida and want sun or prefer to camp in the shade of Florida's grand oak trees, we have units available for both. |
Hontoon Island State Park offers overnight boatslips, which are available on a "first come, first served basis" . Reservations are not required-advance reservations are not accepted. Boatslips run per night/plus tax (30 amp service).
Quiet and beautiful area. 