Hontoon Island State Park

Hontoon Island State Park is a natural area with pine woods, oak forests, cypress swamps, and marshes spread across the St. Johns River system. The park covers around 1,648 acres of diverse habitats and sits accessible only by passenger ferry from the mainland.

The site began as a Native American settlement, with evidence of Mayacan and Timucuan populations leaving shell mounds and wooden artifacts. It later transitioned through pioneer, fishing, and ranching use before becoming a state park in 1967.

The island served different communities across centuries, each leaving marks through settlement, farming, and fishing activities. Visitors today can sense how the landscape reflects these layers of human presence and use.

The island is reachable only by passenger ferry operating Friday through Sunday. Visitors can rent bicycles, canoes, and kayaks on-site, and basic overnight shelters without power or water are available for those staying overnight.

The park maintains eleven tent sites and six rustic cabins without electricity or running water for overnight guests. This setup offers visitors a truly unplugged experience, far removed from modern conveniences and everyday routines.

Location: Florida

Website: https://floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hontoon-island-state-park

GPS coordinates: 28.96690,-81.36310

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00