Tomoka State Park
A 2,000-acre natural oasis in Ormond Beach, offering camping, kayaking, fishing, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and bugs
Tomoka State Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 2,000-acre natural oasis in Ormond Beach, offering camping, kayaking, fishing, and abundant wildlife.
"A beautiful, truly Florida experience with great camping and river access."
Pack Insect Repellent
Bugs can be present, especially on trails. Repellent will enhance your comfort. :bug:
Check Tides for Kayaking
Kayaking is popular, but tides and winds can be strong. Plan accordingly for a safe trip. :kayak:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chief Tomokie Statue
Park Entrance
A historic statue of Chief Tomokie, a local legend, stands as a unique landmark.
Tomoka Outpost
Park Center
A charming camp store offering essentials, snacks, beer, and wine, with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
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Kayaking the Tomoka River
River Access Points
Explore the serene waters, spotting wildlife like dolphins. Be aware of tides and winds for a safe adventure.
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Nature Trails
Various trailheads
Wander through shaded paths offering peaceful views and a chance to spot diverse birdlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Florida Wilderness
Camping & Kayaking Hotspot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Insect Repellent
Bugs can be present, especially on trails. Repellent will enhance your comfort. :bug:
Check Tides for Kayaking
Kayaking is popular, but tides and winds can be strong. Plan accordingly for a safe trip. :kayak:
Spacious Campsites
Camping spots are generally spacious and well-accommodated, great for tents and smaller trailers. :tent:
Friendly Staff
Park staff and the Outpost team are noted for being friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. :star:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Insect Repellent
Bugs can be present, especially on trails. Repellent will enhance your comfort. :bug:
Check Tides for Kayaking
Kayaking is popular, but tides and winds can be strong. Plan accordingly for a safe trip. :kayak:
Spacious Campsites
Camping spots are generally spacious and well-accommodated, great for tents and smaller trailers. :tent:
Friendly Staff
Park staff and the Outpost team are noted for being friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. :star:
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including dolphins in the river. :dolphin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tomoka State Park for its natural beauty, spacious campsites, and friendly staff. The park is a gem for camping, kayaking, and experiencing authentic Florida wildlife. Some find the park's rustic nature less appealing compared to other state parks, and bugs can be a minor nuisance during warmer months.
"We camped here for our anniversary and had the best time! Loved having such friendly and accommodating people on staff. The first day we were there, we had a water issue in the site and they were able to move us to another spot. Camping spots are spacious and have all accommodations. The showers/bath houses were very clean! We also decided to kayak on the river & loved our experience. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff at the Outpost. Love this park, to stay or to visit, it's a gem! Lots of wildlife to be seen here."
Alex Cumpston
"Great campsite for smaller trailers and tents. The rangers were wonderful and so informative. Nice short trails with ample shade. Fantastic spot for kayaking but pay attention to the tides and winds!"
Connie Martin
"A nice park for a walk, plenty of bird life to see.
Got there late morning and still wasn't to busy.
It was good to have the store in the park and able to get water in the heat of the day.
Hopefully be back next year to see the bits I missed."
William Rodgers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tomoka State Park is located in Ormond Beach, Florida, just north of Daytona Beach. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors mention driving through a beautiful tree canopy tunnel on the approach to the park.
Yes, there is parking available within the park for day visitors and campers. The park is quite large, so parking is generally ample, though it can fill up during peak times.
Drone flying is generally not permitted inside state parks. For areas around Tomoka State Park, you may need to check with the FAA and local regulations, as there are small airports nearby. The B4ufly app can help identify no-fly zones.
Tomoka State Park offers boat ramps for easy access to the Halifax/Tomoka River. You can also rent boats from the Tomoka Outpost for a convenient way to explore the waterways. +1
Yes, Tomoka State Park is RV friendly, with many campsites accommodating RVs. Some reviewers note it's a great campsite for smaller trailers and tents.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day use entry to Tomoka State Park is typically $5 per vehicle, unless you are camping. Camping fees vary.
While specific hours can vary, state parks are generally open from early morning until sunset for day use. Camping facilities operate 24/7. It's always a good idea to check the official Florida State Parks website for the most current hours.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book campsites in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays, as they can fill up quickly. You can usually book through the Florida State Parks reservation system. +1
Yes, the Tomoka Outpost is a well-stocked camp store within the park that sells essentials, snacks, drinks, and even beer and wine.
Discounts may be available for certain groups or through annual passes. Check with the park office or the Florida State Parks website for any applicable discount programs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Tomoka State Park offers a variety of activities including camping, kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and bird-watching. The park is known for its natural beauty and wildlife.
Yes, there are several nature trails in Tomoka State Park, offering shaded paths and peaceful views. They are generally short and suitable for a leisurely walk.
The park is a haven for wildlife. Visitors have reported seeing dolphins in the river, as well as a variety of bird species. Armadillos have also been spotted. +1
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at Tomoka State Park, with access to the river. You can bring your own gear or inquire about rentals. +1
Camping facilities include spacious sites, many with shade, and clean comfort stations with restrooms and showers. Some sites are better suited for tents and smaller trailers. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no full-service restaurants within Tomoka State Park. However, the Tomoka Outpost offers snacks, drinks, and some essentials.
Yes, picnicking is a great way to enjoy the park's natural beauty. There are designated areas, and you can bring your own food and drinks.
The Tomoka Outpost sells a variety of items including snacks, drinks (soda, beer, wine), and some essential camping supplies.
Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach, located nearby, offer a wide range of dining options from casual eateries to seafood restaurants.
Yes, if you are camping, you can cook at your campsite using your own equipment. Campfires are also a popular option for cooking.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers numerous scenic spots, including the riverfront beaches, lush forest trails, the Chief Tomokie statue, and the tree-lined entrance road. The early morning and late afternoon light are particularly beautiful.
Absolutely! Tomoka State Park is a great place for wildlife photography, with opportunities to capture birds, dolphins, and other local fauna. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for wildlife and landscape shots. For close-ups of flora and fauna, a macro lens can be useful. Even a smartphone with good capabilities can capture great memories.
The statue of Chief Tomokie is a significant historical landmark within the park, perfect for a unique photograph.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light for photography, creating beautiful colors and soft shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Camping here offers a great way for families to disconnect and reconnect with nature. The spacious campsites and clean facilities make it a comfortable experience.
🏕️ Campers & RVers
+1RVers will find the park accommodating, with sites suitable for various trailer and RV sizes.
🎣 Anglers & Boaters
Kayaking and canoeing are also prime activities, offering a more intimate way to experience the river and its surrounding ecosystems. The Tomoka Outpost can assist with rentals, making it accessible even if you don't own your own equipment.
Remember to check local fishing regulations and be mindful of boating safety when out on the water. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waterways: Kayaking & Boating
When planning your kayaking trip, it's crucial to be aware of the tides and wind conditions. These can significantly impact your paddling experience, so checking forecasts beforehand is highly recommended.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, simply enjoying the riverfront beaches within the park can be a delightful way to spend an afternoon. These spots offer serene views and a chance to unwind by the water.
Camping at Tomoka State Park
While the park offers a rustic, natural feel, it's well-equipped for campers. The Tomoka Outpost is a valuable amenity, providing essential supplies, snacks, and even beverages, ensuring you're not caught without necessities.
+1 Some visitors have noted that certain sites are particularly well-suited for tents and smaller trailers, so it's worth considering your setup when booking. For those seeking a more secluded experience, the park's layout offers a sense of privacy at many of its sites. The overall atmosphere is one of relaxation and connection with nature, making it a popular choice for anniversaries and family getaways.
The Legend of Chief Tomokie
The statue originally depicted the chief holding a bamboo spear, with a reflection pool in front, adding to its visual appeal. While the historical accuracy of the Chief Tomokie legend is debated, the statue itself serves as a unique landmark and a point of interest for visitors. It offers a glimpse into the park's efforts to weave local narratives into the visitor experience.
Learning about the stories behind such landmarks can enrich your visit. The park's natural beauty combined with these historical markers creates a layered experience for those who explore its grounds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit