🌤 Weather at Hontoon Island State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51–86 °F | 70–91 °F | 54–88 °F | 45–72 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Deland 1 SSE, 5 mi away, elevation 25 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Located on the St. Johns River, Hontoon Island State Park is a scenic 1,650-acre public recreation space that can only be accessed by park ferry or boat. Situated just 50 minutes from Orlando, it is a popular destination for those who want some good old fashioned R&R after a frenetic couple of days at the theme parks. Once home to Native Americans several thousand years ago, the park is now best known for its wonderful fishing, hiking, kayaking, birding and picnicking opportunities. The ferry to this Florida state park runs regularly from 8 am to an hour prior to sunset. However, should you want to stay overnight, there is a small selection of cabins and primitive tent sites available to hire.
Activities
During their time at Hontoon Island State Park, guests can enjoy several outdoor recreational pursuits. Outlined below are just a few examples of what you can do whilst you are there.
Fishing at Hontoon Island State Park
Given its isolated location the park provides excellent opportunities to fish for bream, bass, perch, crappie, catfish and sunfish. You can choose to fish from the shoreline, in your boat, or a canoe or kayak which can be rented from the park. Depending on the type of fishing you do, you may need to procure a license.
Hiking at Hontoon Island State Park
If you would like to explore the park on foot there are several miles of trails you can tackle. One of the most popular trails is the Hammock Hiking Nature Trail, which meanders for 3-miles down around the island’s western side. This will take you through a hammock of hardwood trees all the way to its southwest corner where you will find a shell midden that dates back to ancient Native American times. Another popular trail is the one that takes you to Bear Tree Landing, which accommodates a very impressive, large and stately oak tree.
Picnicking at Hontoon Island State Park
During their time at the park many people choose to enjoy a picnic. Throughout it you will find several picnic tables that also have barbecue grills which will enable you to cook something hot to eat. The park also has a pavilion which you can use to host an event. It is located within the day-use area that looks out to the St John’s River and can be reserved for weddings or parties. If it is not reserved at the time of your visit, it is available on a first come first served basis.
Birding at Hontoon Island State Park
The park is renowned for being a prime spot for birding. This starts the moment you take the ferry between the St Johns River and Hontoon Dead River, where you should be able to see the likes of Limpkin, Osprey, Anhinga and several other wading birds congregating by the shoreline. Should you hike through the three mile long Hammock Hiking Natural Trail you will be serenaded by a chorus of songbirds and woodpeckers. At other parts of the park you have a good chance of spotting bald and swallow-tailed kite eagles around the hammock.
Pets at Hontoon Island State Park
If you want to bring your dog with you to the park you are more than welcome. However, pets must be kept restrained on a leash of no longer than 6 feet in length. They are also not allowed in the cabins, although they can stay at the campground with you. Other restrictions may also be enforced. So it is worth contacting the park’s main office to clarify what they are if you intend to come to Hontoon Island with your pooch. Service animals are welcome to accompany you to all areas of the parks.
Camping at Hontoon Island State Park
In terms of overnight accommodation, the park offers 42 accessible boat slips which come with shore power and water. The largest berth there can fit a yacht up to 60-foot in length and reservations for them can be made 11 months in advance. For those who would rather stay in a cabin, there are six one-bedroom rustic dwellings available. These come with bunk beds that have mattresses which are vinyl-covered. They also possess a ceiling fan, one outlet for electricity and overhead lighting. All cabins also come with their own ground grill and picnic tables, as well as a screen porch that has chairs and a table. They require a minimum stay of two nights. There are no restrooms or showers located near the cabins – you’ll find them at the center of the campground. In addition, the cabins don’t have any cooking facilities either. As well as the cabins there are also 12 primitive tent sites on the island too. Each of them has access to potable water, a picnic table and a ground grill. They do not come with electricity. You are not allowed to use generators in the campsite and must bring all your provisions with you, and take everything, including rubbish, out again. If you intend to come to the park as a part of an organized adult or youth group, there is also a separate facility for up to 30 people at the park.
Accessible Amenities at Hontoon Island State Park
Hontoon Island State Park provides a range of amenities that are accessible to all its guests. These include restrooms, a visitor center, a playground that features three slides, monkey bars, a swing and various other apparatus that will keep children entertained for a long time. For guest convenience the park puts on a regular ferry service to and from the island as well.
Park Location
Hontoon Island State Park 2309 River Ridge Road DeLand FL 32720 Phone: 386.736.5309 Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Hontoon Island State Park:
Explore More Florida State Parks
Hontoon Island State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Florida. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Florida guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Hontoon Island SP — accessible only by boat or park ferry — preserves a 1,650-acre island in the St. Johns River. A Timucuan owl totem (carved from a single cypress log) was discovered here, dating back over 500 years. The park’s hammock, river, and marshes support manatees, bald eagles, and barred owls. Alligators bask on the banks.
Nearby Attractions
DeLand — 10 miles east. Blue Spring SP — 5 miles north — premier manatee viewing. De Leon Springs SP — 15 miles north.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Blue Spring State Park (a short drive away) or Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hontoon Island State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leashes may not exceed 6 feet; pets must be under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas — swimming pets can be viewed as prey by alligators.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in any state park buildings, cabins or cabin areas.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at several parks including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs (free kennels at the entrance), Weeki Wachee Springs and Egmont Key; in campgrounds pets must be confined in the camping unit 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Dogs & wildlife
- Pets must stay on a six-foot hand-held leash in designated areas — and away from the water's edge, per FWC alligator guidance.
Are dogs allowed at Hontoon Island State Park?
Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via floridastateparks.org. More: Florida state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Hontoon Island State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: The official park brochure notes that wildlife on or near the island is plentiful: West Indian manatees may be spotted in the surrounding St. Johns River waters during the winter months, and wading birds such as great blue herons, ibis and egrets forage in the shallows along the shore. Ospreys are frequently seen soaring overhead or carrying fish to the treetops. The 3-mile self-guided nature trail follows the Hontoon Dead River to a large Native American shell mound at the island's southwest corner.
Watch out for: The island sits in the fresh waters of the St. Johns River, and FWC's statewide guidance notes alligators occur in all 67 Florida counties: keep your distance, never feed an alligator, and swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. Boaters and paddlers should also watch for manatees in the slow-moving river channels in winter.
Are there alligators at Hontoon Island State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via floridastateparks.org.
Park Location
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