Experiences
Hontoon Island has 42 accessible boat slips available with water and shore power. Our largest berth can accommodate a 60-foot yacht.
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Hontoon Island has 12 tent sites in a primitive environment. Each site has a picnic table, a ground grill and access to potable water. There are no sites with electricity. Restroom facilities are located nearby with hot/cold showers and flush toilets. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
- Camping on the island park is reservable year-round, but the park is accessible only by private boat or passenger ferry service.
- In order to protect our park and camping areas, please remember that no items (i.e., tent lines, wires, ropes, etc.) may be affixed to vegetation. Thank you for helping protect Florida's state parks.
- Generators are not allowed in the campsites.
The organized youth and adult group camping area is available to nonprofit organized groups of six or more people of all ages. At least one adult chaperone is required per 10 youths. Chaperones must be at least 21 years of age.
This camping area will accommodate up to 30 people. The site has a fire circle, benches, picnic tables and a potable water faucet. There is no electricity at the site. Restrooms and hot showers are available.
- Pets are allowed in accordance with our Pet Policy.
- Reservations for this camp may be made no earlier than 60 days in advance for youth groups and no earlier than 30 days in advance for adult groups by calling the park at 386-736-5309.
For a fun family activity, come fishing at the Island. There are plenty of target species like catfish, bream, bass, sunfish, perch and crappie. These are the most common catches in this area of the St. Johns River.
- 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 website Fishing in Florida.
Explore the park using the 3-mile, round-trip, self-guided trail that begins at the ranger station and follows the Hontoon Dead River to the large Native American mound at the southwest corner of the island.
Eight miles of trails lead to a variety of points of interest including Bear Tree Landing, where you will see one of the largest oak trees on the island.
Amenities
Hontoon Island State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors. These amenities include:
- Ferry ride to island.
- Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
- Cabin for overnight accommodations.
- Visitor center/museum.
- Restrooms.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
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.
- Cabins No. 2 and 3 have ramp access and cabin 3 is adjacent to restroom facilities.
- For guest relaxation, televisions and phones are not provided.
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
- Pets are not permitted in cabins. Service animals are welcome.
- Cabins require a two-night minimum stay.
Bring your best friend to the park. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- View our Pet Policy.
Our pavilion is located in the day-use area overlooking the St. Johns River. Pavilion use is first-come, first-served or you can reserve it (for a small fee) for special occasions, including weddings and birthday parties. Accessible picnic tables and cooking grills are available.
- For details, please contact the ranger station at 386-736-5309.
