Tomoka State Park Ormond Beach Florida

Native Americans once dwelled here, living off fish-filled lagoons. Today, these waters are popular for canoeing, boating and fishing. 

My visit in Tomoka Park it was very unique Park with native american history and we really enjoyed it much. very recommended place to be in. 

Tomoka State Park - History

 

 Tomoka State Park is a wonderful place to visit! Bring your friends and family or come by yourself and experience all the park has to offer. Tomoka State Park is a prime example of an urban park. Surrounded on all sides by development and just minutes from all modern conveniences, it is far enough removed from the busy world to afford visitors the opportunity to enjoy a starry sky after dark. The 900-acre peninsula has provided humans and wildlife with food and shelter since its earliest inhabitants thousands of years ago. Although the land has changed over time, it still offers the chance to nourish minds and stimulate senses. Tomoka State Park offers several serene hiking trails, including a mile-long paved multi-use trail and a one-and-a-half-mile interpretive trail that winds its way through a hardwood hammock. 

Get some exercise and peace of mind while enjoying the outdoors! The park has a rich history. You can learn about the Timucuan Indians that once occupied a vast area including what is now Tomoka State Park. Take a step back in time and learn about the historic plantations that were operating in this area during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The park boat ramp offers direct access to the Tomoka River and Intracoastal Waterway. Bring your own vessel or rent a kayak or canoe from our concessionaire. Paddle down Strickland Creek and you’re likely to see alligators, manatees and wading birds. If you choose to go toward the Intracoastal, be on the lookout for dolphins playing in the water. 

 The Tomoka Basin is popular for fishing as well.Game fish include black drum, spotted sea trout, common snook, red fish, and tarpon. Please be sure to follow all fishing regulations, and maintain a safe and lawful speed in motorboats. Idle and slow speed zones are strictly enforced. 

Picnic pavilions accommodate between 24 to 36 people with additional outlaying tables, grills and restroom facilities. If you need an indoor space for an event, the recreation hall is available for luncheons, group meetings, weddings and other special events. 

 Tomoka State Park has three neighboring state parks that are each unique and offer various types of outdoor recreation. Please be sure to visit Bulow Creek State Park, Addison Blockhouse State Park and Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park while you’re in the area. 

 Tomoka State Park’s history and culture begins in the early 1600s. Spanish explorers found Indians living here in a village called Nocoroco. Although nothing remains of the village, shell middens, mounds of oyster and snail shells from decades of Native American meals reach 40 feet high at the river bank. This land became a state park in 1945; from then on its natural and cultural resources have been protected. Tomoka is a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 160 species sighted, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Visitors can stroll a half-mile nature trail through a hardwood hammock that was once an indigo field for an 18th-century British landowner. The park protects a variety of wildlife habitats and endangered species such as the West Indian manatee. A boat ramp gives boaters and canoeists access to the river. The park store offers snacks, camping supplies and canoe rentals. For overnight stays, the park has full-facility campsites and youth camping. 

Activities in Tomoka State Park 

Bicycling The Tomoka Hiking and Biking Trail provides opportunities for hiking and bicycling. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under. 

 Boating is popular at Tomoka State 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. 

   

Camping 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.  

Primitive Group Camping, Primitive Group 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. 

Fishing 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. This includes 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. 

Geo-Seeking 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. Operation Recreation GeoTour

Hiking 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. 

Paddling 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. 

Picnicking Tomoka State Park offers five separate picnic areas throughout the park. There are covered pavilions with grills located at these areas for larger groups. Restrooms are located in each picnic area. 

Walking and Running 

Wildlife Viewing  experiences will vary depending on the season. Some of our year-round residents include white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise, bob cat 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.

Florida State park guide 

Florida State Park Guide