S’more Fun Close to Home: Camping at Tomoka State Park

There’s something special about squeezing in one last summer adventure before the back-to-school grind. For us, that meant packing up the pop-up camper, the bug spray, and a truckload of snacks for a quick camping trip at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach. Just a short drive from home, it’s the kind of place that feels miles away once you roll in beneath the canopy of Spanish moss-draped oaks. It’s close enough that you don’t need to sacrifice half your weekend to travel, but tucked away enough to feel like you’ve officially “escaped.”

WHY CHOOSE TOMOKA STATE PARK FOR CAMPING

One of the best parts of camping so close? We were able to invite my parents, Avery’s Luvee and Pops, to join us for a proper campfire dinner. There’s nothing quite like watching your child’s grandparents roast hot dogs over an open flame while debating the best marshmallow “doneness” for s’mores. We broke out the pie irons for sandwiches stuffed with gooey cheese, followed later by dessert pies dripping with warm fruit filling. Between bites and belly laughs, it felt like the kind of timeless family night you can only get around a crackling fire.

Avery, our nature-loving girl, was in her absolute element. Armed with her critter keeper, she spent hours chasing tiny crabs along the riverbank, catching bugs, and generally making it her mission to come home as muddy as possible. Honestly, she succeeded.

The next morning, we loaded up the bikes for a leisurely three-mile ride around the park. The paths wound us past the Tomoka River, shaded hammocks, and interpretive exhibits that explain the area’s rich history. Nestled deep in the park, there are plaques and signs sharing stories of the Timucuan people, the earliest residents of this land, and their village of Nocoroco. It’s the kind of “education on the fly” that feels less like learning and more like discovery.

EXPLORING THE TOMOKA OUTPOST

Of course, no camping trip is complete without a stop at the camp store. The Tomoka Outpost is part general store, part curiosity shop, and part porch hangout. Alongside the practical things you may have forgotten—like ice, firewood, or bug spray—you’ll find quirky odds and ends. Avery carefully chose a hand carved wooden whistle as her souvenir, though she was equally captivated and intrigued by the selection of roasted insect snacks, including BBQ-flavored larva. She bravely crunched a few and discovered she actually enjoyed them, while we opted for the safer route: a couple of cold, locally brewed Tomoka Brewery beers, enjoyed on the Outpost’s shady porch overlooking the river.

SCENIC DRIVES AND NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Later in the day, we drove the scenic Ormond Loop, spotting deer along the winding road before heading north to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. While we’ve strolled through the garden side of the park before—with its manicured paths, historical sites, and namesake 300-year-old oak tree—this time we aimed for the beachside. The no-drive shoreline here feels otherworldly, lined with massive Coquina rock formations that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. These rugged outcroppings are part of the ancient Anastasia formation, stretching from St. Augustine all the way to Palm Beach. Between climbing, exploring tide pools, and hunting for shells tucked into the crevices, we could have stayed there all day.

By the time we packed up camp, sunkissed and happily worn out, it was clear that Tomoka State Park had given us the perfect end to summer. It had everything we wanted: adventure, history, and nature. Whether you’re planning a full weekend of camping or just looking for a quick day trip, Tomoka is the kind of local gem that makes you feel lucky to live in Florida.