The Timucuan Indians were the first inhabitants of Hontoon Island. Snails
gathered from the shallows of the St. Johns River were their staple food.
Through the years, the discarded shells accumulated to form the two large
mounds seen today. A large owl totem and a frog/otter, carved by the Indians
more than 600 years ago, was discovered nearby in 1955. A replica of this
totem stands in the picnic area as a tribute to the artistry and craftsmanship
of the extinct culture. In later years, the 1,650-acre island was a pioneer
home- stead, a boat yard, a center for commercial fishing and a cattle
ranch before being purchased for use as a state park in 1967.
The scenery of the island varies with the elevation. Pine flatwoods
occur on the higher areas, while palm/oak ham- mocks, cypress swamps and
marshes border the St. Johns River and its tributaries. The abundant wildlife
found here is as varied as the scenery and the seasons. A bird's-eye view
may be enjoyed from an eighty foot observation tower located near the picnic
area.
VISITATION
35,000 - 50,000 per year
ADDRESS
2309 River Ridge Road
Deland, Florida 32720
TELEPHONE
904-736-5309
OPERATING HOURS
Open 8:00 am until sunset 365 days a year.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
Summer: dress cool, temperatures in the 90's, recommend suntan lotion
and/or sunscreen and insect repellent.
Winter: temperature ranges from 40 to 70 degrees. Wind chill on water can
make it feel colder. Wear jackets.
DIRECTIONS
From I-4 take exit #56 (Deland/New Smyrna) SR 44. Go west on SR44 through
downtown Deland to first Hontoon Island State Park sign. Turn left on Old
New York Avenue approximately 5 more miles with 2 more left turns. Both
are clearly marked with signs.
This map was created using MapQuest
TRANSPORTATION
No public transportation.
FEES, COSTS, RATES
Entrance fee is $2.00 per car or vessel up to 8 people. Each additional
person is $1.00 per person. Contact Ranger Station for camping and canoeing
rates.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Not open at this time.
Trails, Roadways:
3 mile round trip nature trail (foot traffic only) and approximately
5 miles of hiking and biking trails (hard compact dirt services roads).
Programs, Activities:
By request only.
Lodging and Camping Facilities:
6 rustic cabins with bunkbeds, one electrical outlet, ceiling fan. 12
tent sites and a youth camp area for group camping . Bath house in center
of campground with hot showers and restroom facilities. 50 boat slips with
water and electric hookups.
Food, Supplies:
Limited supplies available at Island Store.
Other Concessions, FPS Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Canoe rentals available.
Accessibility:
The Island is only accessible by private boat or the Islands ferry service.
Most areas on Island are wheelchair accessible.
Special Needs:
Contact Ranger Station.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES\PARK USE
Canoeing, fishing, picnicking, hiking, camping and birdwatching.
RESERVATIONS/PERMITS
Camping reservations are required, cabins up to one year in advance.
Youth Camp and regular tent sites up to 60 days in advance. Boat slips
are first-come first-serve.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
Insect repellent, sunscreen, picnic supplies, binoculars, and plenty
to drink in hot weather.
SPECIAL EVENTS
None scheduled at this time.
VISITOR IMPACTS
Remember that all plants and wildlife located in state parks are protected
and should be respected for future generations to enjoy.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Blue Spring State Park - 3 nautical miles or 13 miles by road. 904-775-3663.
Eco-Tour, 2 hour narrated boat tour around Hontoon Island. Operated by
Hontoon Landing Resort and Marina, Deland 904-734-2474.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Hontoon Island is rich in Timucuan Indian history. The Island is home
to replicas of two totem poles found on the Island as well as the Indian
shell mound located at the end of the Nature Trail. Many different species
of birds and animals can also be found.
For more information on archeology, visit the National Park Service
Southeast Archeological Center.
Florida
State Parks WWW Site
