Experiences
Boating is popular at Tomoka State Park. A boat ramp in the park allows access to the Tomoka River and its surrounding tributaries.
All of the waters in the vicinity of the park are a designated manatee sanctuary. Boaters should use extreme caution while navigating these waters to help protect these endangered marine mammals.
- Idle and slow speed zones are strictly enforced.
Located in a shady hammock near the Tomoka River, each of the park's 100 campsites has a picnic table, grill, electric hook-up and water. A dump station is located within the park. Three restrooms with hot showers, two of which have accessible facilities, are located in the campground.
- Well-behaved pets are allowed in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy.
- Maximum recreational vehicle (RV) length is 34 feet.
- For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
The youth group camping area accommodates up to 35 people. The site includes picnic tables, grills, a large fire circle and restrooms with hot showers. Youth groups must be accompanied by adult chaperones.
- Call 386-676-4050 for youth camping reservations.
- Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
The waters surrounding the park are popular for fishing. A survey by the Florida Marine Research Institute has identified 90 different species of fish in the Tomoka River, including important game fish such as red drum, black drum, sheepshead, spotted sea trout, common snook and tarpon.
- Size and bag limits are strictly enforced. All of the current regulations are available at the park.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website, Fishing in Florida.
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Tomoka State Park has a half-mile interpretive trail that winds its way through a hardwood hammock that was once inhabited by Timucuan Indians. Visitors will pass through the ancient Timucuan village site of Nocoroco, a once thriving community along the banks of the Tomoka River.
Using a little imagination, one can visualize what it might have been like to live here a thousand years ago.
- Biting insects can be annoying during the warmer months; hikers should be prepared for them and bring along insect repellent.
The rivers and tributaries offer a beautiful place to observe the varied bird and marine life of the area. Canoeists are advised to use the rivers and creeks and not to venture into the Tomoka Basin except on very calm days. This large, open body of water can get quite choppy during windy conditions and sudden summer thunderstorms. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park store by calling 386-673-0022.
Wildlife viewing experiences will vary depending on the season. Some of our year-round residents include white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise, bobcat and a variety of snakes. In the cooler months you will be more likely to see migratory bird species, which are heading south to escape the cold weather, while the warmer months will bring out gopher tortoises and snakes.
Rattlesnakes are prevalent in the area and are perfectly camouflaged in the grass and leaf litter, so please use caution and watch where you step.
Amenities
Tomoka State Park is committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities to all visitors. Those amenities include:
- Picnic pavilions with tables and grills.
- Paved nature trail.
- Park concession.
- Fishing pier and dock.
- Camping (primitive).
- Recreation hall rental.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park.
A boat ramp is located in the park allowing access to the Tomoka River and its surrounding tributaries. All of the waters in the vicinity of the park are a designated manatee sanctuary.
Boaters should use extreme caution while navigating these waters to help protect these endangered marine mammals.
- Idle and slow speed zones are strictly enforced.
Located in a shady hammock near the Tomoka River, each of the park's 100 campsites has a picnic table, grill, electric hook-up and water. A dump station is located within the park. Three restrooms with hot showers, two of which have accessible facilities, are located in the campground.
- Well-behaved pets are allowed in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy.
- Maximum recreational vehicle (RV) length is 34 feet.
- For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Throughout the park, visitors will find interpretive plaques and signs that outline the area's history as well as the park's natural and cultural resources. Visitors will learn about the Timucuan Indian village called Nocoroco, the area's earliest residents.
Visitors can learn about the Mount Oswald Plantation and how indigo was processed to produce dyes. Some signs are along the roadside while others are found on the trails describing the types of ecosystem that are being traversed as well as park plant and animal inhabitants.
Five picnic pavilions are available throughout the day use areas of Tomoka State Park. They accommodate between 24 and 36 people, with additional outlying tables, grills and restroom facilities within walking distance.
- Four of these pavilions can be reserved up to 60 days prior to the event.
