Native Americans once dwelled here, living off fish-filled lagoons. Today, these waters are popular for canoeing, boating and fishing.
The park protects a variety of wildlife habitats and endangered species, such as the West Indian manatee.
Tomoka is a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 160 species sighted, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Visitors can stroll a one-half mile nature trail through a hardwood hammock that was once an indigo field for an 18th century British landowner. 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.
Experiences
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.
Maximum recreational vehicle (RV) length is 34 feet.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.
Camping, Devel. 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. Call (386) 676-4050 for youth camping reservations. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
Canoeing and Kayaking
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. The phone number is (386) 673-0022.
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. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
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 current and up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Operation Recreation GeoTour
Hiking
Tomoka State Park has a one-half ( ½) 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.
Meetings and Retreats
Tomoka Recreational Hall...perfect for company luncheons, group meetings, corporate trainings, family reunions, weddings and other special events. Give us a call.
Picnicking
Tomoka State Park offers five (5) 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.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing experiences within the park will vary depending on the season, some of our year-round residences include; white tailed deer, gopher tortoise, bob cat and a variety of snakes. In the cooler months you will be more likely to view some migratory bird species, which are heading south to escape the extreme cold, 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.
Amenities
Boat Ramp
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.
Accessible Amenities
Tomoka State Park is committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities to all visitors. Those amenities include:
Picnic pavilions with tables and grills
Paved nature trail
Park concession
Fishing pier and doc
Camping (primitive)
Recreation hall rental
Picnic Pavilion
Five picnic pavilions are available throughout the day use areas of Tomoka State Park. They accommodate between 24-36 people with additional outlying tables, grills and restroom facilities within walking distance. Four of these pavilions offer advanced reservation possibilities, up to 60 days prior.
Playground
There is a playground available in the camping area.
Restroom Facilities
The Oak Pavilion Day Use Area, Nocoroco Point Day Use Area, Sunset Pavilion Day Use Area and the Marina Boat Ramp Area all have accessible restroom facilities.
