Hontoon Island State Park

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Parks

Florida

Nearby: Blue Water Springs Debary Community Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hontoon Island State Park is a beautiful park located in Volusia County, Florida.

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Summary

The park is situated on a small island in the St. Johns River, and it offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Florida.

There are many good reasons to visit Hontoon Island State Park. For starters, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and a wide variety of birds. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing in the park.

One of the most popular points of interest in the park is the Hontoon Island State Park Marina. This marina offers boat rentals, as well as a shuttle service to and from the island. Another popular attraction is the Hontoon Island State Park Campground, which features campsites with electricity and water, as well as a picnic area and a playground.

Interesting facts about Hontoon Island State Park include the fact that the island was once inhabited by Native Americans, and that it has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Today, visitors can learn about this history at the park's interpretive center, which features exhibits and displays about the island's past.

The best time of year to visit Hontoon Island State Park is in the fall or winter, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. Additionally, visitors should be aware that the park is closed during the month of August due to hurricane season.

Overall, Hontoon Island State Park is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit in Florida. Whether you're interested in wildlife, history, or outdoor activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this unique and scenic park.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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