Deland, Florida
Contact Information
2309 River Ridge Road
Deland, Florida 32720
(904) 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. Overnight boat slip rentals 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.
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Park Activities
Boating, Cabins, Full Camping, Primitive Camping,
Youth Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Interpretive
Center, Nature Trails, and Picnicking
BICYCLING
Bike areas are provided.
BOATING
Hontoon Island has 40 slips for boat camping in an idle zone on the St. Johns River. Each slip has potable water and marine style 30 amp electric hook-up and a restroom with hot showers. Cooking grills are located nearby in the picnic area. Reservations are not accepted. All slips are first-come, first-served. The nearest public boat ramps are found approximately three miles north at Ed Stone County Park. Please plan to arrive at the park before dark.
CABINS
Hontoon Island State Park, located on the St. Johns River, is accessible only by boat or park ferry. Six one-room rustic cabins have 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 porch with table and chairs. Visitors should provide their own linens and be aware that there are no restrooms, cooking facilities, or heating and cooling units inside the cabins. Cooking is permitted outside the cabins, either in the ground grill or on a personal camp stove. Restrooms and showers are located in the center of the campground.
For the guest’s relaxation, televisions and phones are not provided.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287. Pets are not permitted in cabins. Service animals are welcome. There is a minimum two night stay in cabins on weekends and holidays, either Friday and Saturday night, or Saturday and Sunday nights. A single Friday or Saturday night may be reserved only if the following Saturday or Sunday night is already reserved.
Cabin Rental:
$30.00 per night, primitive cabin, up to 4 persons.
$35.00 per night, primitive cabin, up to 6 persons.
View the photo gallery.
CAMPING, BOAT
Hontoon Island has 40 slips for boat camping in an idle zone on the St. Johns River. Each slip has potable water and marine style 30 amp electric hook-up and a restroom with hot showers. Cooking grills are located nearby in the picnic area. The Island offers picnic area with grills, small playground, horseshoes and 5.75 miles of hiking trails. The island museum and store sells snacks, drinks and souvenirs. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental. Fishing is popular but bait is not sold on Island. Reservations are not accepted. All slips are first come, first served. The nearest public boat ramps are found approximately three miles north at Ed Stone County Park. Please plan to arrive at the park before dark.
CAMPING, PRIMITIVE
Hontoon Island has 12 tent sites in a very primitive environment. Each site has a picnic table, a ground grill and access to potable water. The campground is in a hammock area so it is shady. Restroom facilities are located in the center of the campground, which and include ADA accessible facilities and hot showers and flush toilets.
Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.
CAMPING, YOUTH
A spacious youth camp area, available for scouts and other organized groups, accommodates up to 30 people. Potable water, picnic tables, campfire circle, cooking grill, and a nearby restroom with hot showers are available. Youth groups may reserve up to 60 days ahead, while organized adult groups may reserve up to 30 days ahead. Call the park for reservations at (386) 736-5309.
CANOEING & KAYAKING
Our aluminum canoes or tandem kayaks can be rented for day use. Paddles and floatation devices are included. All vessels need to be returned no later than one hour before sunset.
FISHING
Fishing is permitted from the banks of the island. Largemouth bass may be caught on artificial bait or live shiners. Most bluegills and shellcrackers are caught with earthworms and crickets, but may also be taken on small artificial topwater bugs. Small live minnows are the best bait for speckled perch. Channel cats are often caught on earthworms sunk to the bottom along the main river channel. A Florida freshwater fishing license may be required.
HIKING/NATURE TRAIL
A 3-mile round trip self guided trail begins at the Ranger Station and follows Huntoon Dead River to the large Indian mound at the southwest corner of the island. Allow 2 1/2 hours for a leisurely walk.
PETS
Pets are allowed in the park. They must be kept on a six-foot, hand held leash and well behaved at all times. Pets may not be left unattended at any time. Pets are permitted on the trail and park service roads. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the visitor being asked to leave.
PICNICKING
The picnic area includes playground equipment, swings, picnic tables, cooking grills, and a restroom which overlooks the St. Johns River. There is one first-come, first-served pavilion with a large upright cooking grill. Consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited.
RESTROOM FACILITIES
Bathhouses, with hot showers, are located in the campground and marina for registered campers only. For daytime visitors, restrooms are located in day use picnic area and marina area. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible and improvements are being made to make them even friendlier.
SHOWERS, DAY VISITORS
Bathhouses, with hot showers, are located in the campground and marina for registered campers only.
VISITOR CENTER
Learn something about the history of Hontoon Island. See examples of the bugs, birds and other wildlife found within the park. Look at artifacts found on the island. Watch the video. Listen to the animal sounds. Enjoy the air conditioning!
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Wildlife viewing is possible at this park.
