By:
Submission
Hontoon Island is located west of DeLand off of State Road 44. Turn on County Road 4110 (Old New York Ave.), left if you are traveling west on 44, right if you are traveling east on 44. Follow County Road 4110 to County Road 4125 (Hontoon Road) make a left, go to River Ridge Road (continuation of County Road 4125) and make a left on to River Ridge Road. Our address is 2309 River Ridge Road.
We found this place by accident we were actually going to Blue Springs Park but they were closed because they were full. Our lucky day we found this Hidden Gem and put our kayaks in the water here and had a great time. Don't forget to visit the visitor center across the way, you can take a ferry over there and they also rent canoes and kayaks and have hiking trails.
Used to love coming to this park. But thanks to hurricane and change of staff and management, this park is run down. They don't take care of it anymore. Every single trail is closed, camping closed, no ferry to the island. This park used to be wonderful but it has gone downhill. Please get a better manager and better staff!! The crew from 4 years ago used to be amazing. We boated in a couple of weeks ago and everyone was sitting around on their laptops.. This is such a shame and these people should be ashamed of themselves.
I loved this little island approximately 40 minutes from Orlando. Free ferry ⛴ over only 6 at a time so you may have to wait. State park run by volunteers so be patient. Once you cross there are great areas to picnic and play and a little store with comfy rockers out front overlooking water. Dog and kid friendly and nice easy walking path through old growth and new growth areas. They also rent kayaks, bikes, and affordable cabins. I was on my way to Blue Springs State Park and they were full, this park is approximately 20 minutes from there and well worth checking out. I have included many pics. If you find this helpful please like.
We had a great experience as a family with young kids here. The entire park is beautiful and they have amazing bike trails as well as hiking trails for all levels. I would recommend booking a cabin online and staying for a couple of days to enjoy the nature, fishing and everything this beautiful state park has to offer.
Only 4 stars because you have to use your own boat, no ferry anymore.
