hontoon island state park

enjoyed the hiking trails , as well as the midden and the many birds viewed from land, especially after viewing the island during blue heron tour

The park was beautiful and very inexpensive. There are signs posted to watch for snakes which was scary but we didn't see any! Very nice.

I visited this park for the first time today, and was completely surprised by it. First, after parking, I stood on the dock, and a ranger saw me from across the river, and came over to get me in a pontoon boat. He told me about the park on the way back over to the island. There are about 8 miles of hiking trails on the island, and I hiked about 6 of them without ever seeing another human being. There were lots of birds and an armadillo or two. The trails were wonderful, and led to some really gorgeous views of the river from different points on the island. It is an amazing place...one of the best parks I've ever been to. Surprisingly, there is no fee for the ferry or the entrance to the park!

Very friendly staff (rangers and volunteers). Very little wait for the ferry (under 10 minutes) - just wait at the dock. They'll see you and come and get you for the 2 minute ferry ride to the park. I took the 3-mile round trip self-guided scenic trail that begins at the Ranger Station and ends up at the Indian shell mound where there's a bench to rest. Parts of the hiking trail were very muddy. I work sneakers which got covered in mud up to the laces, so be sure to wear hiking boots if you take the trail. In fact, a sign at the beginning of the trail warns that the trail may be muddy or wet -- believe it! Luckily I was able to avoid the mud on the return trip from the mound by taking the unpaved roads back to the trail head. I brought a picnic lunch to eat at the park. There's also a small museum. The park and museum are free.

We took the little ferry across to Hontoon Island and spent some time walking in nature. It's a very bare-bones park - so if you're looking for big thrills, lots of things to do / see, etc., you may be disappointed.However, since we are avid Florida State park goers, we absolutely loved it. It's so nice sometimes to relax among REAL Florida nature and observe different habitats, the birds, and little critters in their quiet simplicity.There's a wonderful little "museum" on the island filled with interesting artifacts and excellent detail concerning local inhabitants (e.g. early peoples, animals, bugs, flora, etc.) The little island shop is also very nice - simple things offered (e.g. ice cream, chips, water, a few souvenirs, some books). The park ranger comes out to open it on an as-needed basis once you ring the bell to enter the shop.It's a great little spot for fishing - you can bring your fishing gear over on the ferry and a nice spot would be up on the grassy mound right near the docks to fish the St. John's River. You can also camp there in the rustic cabins or on the grounds.Overall, a lovely day and we encountered the most friendly people working - from the rangers to the volunteer running the ferry.

Nature at it's best- Fun listening to the guide and seeing the wild animals. Only $20 for seniors for 2 hours of entertainment

The parking area was a bit rocky and anyone with instability issues should be ware. It was quiet when I visited and was good enough to sit back and read for a little while.

Hontoon State park in Deland is in a residential neighbourhood surrounded by water. There is a large parking lot on the mainland. We were greeted there by two noisy Sandhill cranes ! Wait on the dock and the ferry will arrive to pick you up. The Ranger on board describes the island as you approach it; the boat ride is about 2 minutes long. On the island park you can rent kayaks, canoes, bicycles or just walk around. I’m sure if you brought your own bikes, you could put them on the boat & then ride the island roadways. The bikes we chose were oiled & tires pumped up by the Rangers & off we went. The Rangers were so pleasant & helpful! They made all the difference ! 2 bikes were about $12 rental. Bring your cell phone, in case you get a flat or into trouble, you can call the Ranger Station & they will assist you. The trials & roadways are very well marked & the map from the Ranger station is excellent. There are rustic cabins to be rented, bring your own linens and there’s a youth camping area as well. We saw armadillo, deer and a little flycatcher on our bike ride. Restrooms are clean and there are pay per use showers for the campers. There is a general store run by the Rangers & all proceeds stay on the island. The park has no entrance fee & there are 2 donation boxes, one on the boat & another in the Ranger Station. Some guests brought coolers & were enjoying a picnic lunch at the many picnic tables.This is a lovely park in which to spend a morning or afternoon.

Recently stayed in rustic Cabin for 2 days at this unique state park. where a ferry ride gets you there....lots of picnic areas and places to fish and boat.....entrance to park is free and worth visiting...hiking ...fishing etc. Park Manager Ken and his staff make you feel right at home and do everything to make your stay GREAT!

We camped in one of the rustic cabins this weekend and had a really great time. I was a little nervous about taking all of our gear over on the pontoon boat (including bikes), but the rangers all went out of their way to help us get everything to our cabin with ease. The Park Rangers and volunteers could not have been more helpful and friendly. Park Manager, Ken went above and beyond to make sure that our stay was enjoyable. The campground is well maintained and clean and the park is just beautiful. This is a very affordable way to return to nature and create some special memories. We will definitely be going back!

On the outskirts of Deland, the Hontoon Island State Park is a very good spot to retreat from the hustle of everyday life. A ferry (no charge) takes you across to the island where there are pathways, picnic tables, shelters and even a place to camp or to rent a cabin. Good fishing as well as beautiful surroundings to simple relax and enjoy. Never crowded but always available!

This Is a hidden treasure only one way In only one way out. Come spend a relaxing 1/2 day or full day seeing wild life ,alligators and more. You will take a free short boat ride over to the Island where you can have a picnic birthday party or go fishing & hiking. You can even rent a cabin type place to stay the week end. Great for family friends couples. This you will truly enjoy If you like the out doors and nature and the cost Is 0 Unless you rent a cabin or rent a canoe. I don't know about If their Is a charge If you want to just put a tent up and camp buu you then will have to register with the park rangers.

The ride across the river to the island is free. Great place to take little kids fishing when the river is at normal stage. Lots of trails, some camp sites and a store/marina/museum. A little nature doesn't hurt!

The most beautiful Island reached by a small ferry. Spectacular trees festooned by Spanish Moss, a very interesting peaceful day.

We came by boat and enjoyed the walking trails. Yes, back to nature with hawks, eagles, birds of all kinds. Even caught a couple gators swimming about when all the Saturday pavilion birthday & other picnic area activities were over - all had a fun time thank goodness it did not rain until late. Although there was so much rain this summer, we were still able to navigate most of them without any trouble with interspersed flooding. Did not go into the cabins, but saw them walking by - looked nice with ceiling fans, screened porches and appeared very clean along with the entire camping area. When we were there through last weekend there was a boy scout troop there along with lots of volunteers helping to clean some accumulated growth in the river (because of the excess rain this year). Nice to see such professional and caring rangers, some we had a few laughs sharing stories. Haven't been here in 15 years. So glad we made it back and appreciated the improvements! Again, despite a bit wet right now, you really need to visit. The only fees (reasonable at that) are for camping, boat docking, or pavilion rental, otherwise there is no charge, not even for the ferry ride to get across the beautiful river.