After three long years of closure following the devastating flooding from Hurricane Ian—when much of the island sat underwater and infrastructure was heavily damaged — Hontoon Island State Park officially reopened in October 2025. And let me tell you, the locals are thrilled. This little slice of wild Florida has always been beloved, but now it feels like a comeback story with muddy boots and a triumphant soundtrack of birdsong.
If you’ve never been, here’s the first thing to know: Hontoon Island is a 1,600-acre choose-your-own-adventure playground. It sits quietly between the St. Johns River and the Hontoon Dead River, accessible only by boat. No car traffic, no roadside noise. Just water, woods, and whatever wildlife decides to clock in that day.
How to Reach the Island
Don’t have a boat? No problem. A complimentary ferry runs all day, shuttling visitors back and forth from the mainland. It seats about six to eight passengers at a time, but it’s surprisingly spacious when it comes to hauling gear. We loaded up our bikes and a small cooler for our family of three, but you could just as easily bring picnic supplies, a grill, fishing gear, or even camping equipment. Wheelbarrows line both docks to help you transport your treasures, and if you’re camping, a complimentary truck will even shuttle you and your gear directly to your site. Whether you’re planning a primitive tent stay under the stars or opting for one of the cabins with electricity and water, there’s flexibility here.
And yes… parking and admission are also completely free.
Things To Do
We decided to make a full afternoon of it, exploring the island front to back and side to side. By the end of the day, we had logged about 4.5 miles hiking and another 4 miles biking. Exhausting? Absolutely. Worth it? Every sore muscle agreed.
Because there’s no vehicle traffic and foot traffic is still light post-reopening, wildlife sightings feel almost guaranteed. We kept our eyes peeled for snakes sunning along the trails, gators lingering near the shoreline, deer slipping through the trees, and more birds than I could possibly identify. Rangers also note that bears occasionally wander near the campground, so it’s best to stay aware and respectful of the wildlife around you.
We tackled the famed Wet Trail while we’re safely in the dry season. Parts of it are known to flood during wetter months (hence the name) though wooden boardwalks help in low-lying sections. This time, the trail offered up plenty to see and explore without sacrificing our sneakers.
One of our favorite stops was the ancient Native American shell mound, a reminder that this island has stories stretching back centuries. Later, we biked to the 300-year-old live oak at Bear Tree Landing, its massive limbs stretching wide like it’s been patiently waiting for visitors to return. We pedaled along Snake Creek, soaking in the kind of serene, Old Florida atmosphere that feels increasingly rare.
If you don’t feel like bringing your own wheels or paddles, rentals are available at the island store. Bikes, kayaks, and canoes are ready for adventure, and pontoon and jon boat rentals are expected soon.
Hontoon Island isn’t flashy. It’s not curated or commercial. It’s Florida in its natural state… muddy, quiet, unpredictable, and beautiful. Whether you’re popping over for a picnic or diving into a full weekend of exploring, this once-hidden gem is shining again. And judging by the buzz around town, it won’t stay secret for long.
Plan Your Visit
HONTOON ISLAND STATE PARK
2309 River Ridge Rd, DeLand 32720
FloridaStateParks.org | (386) 736-5309
FERRY: 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset, 365 days a year
PRIMITIVE CAMPING: $25/night
CABINS: $70-$85/night (4-6 person capacity)
