Tomoka State Park

By the early 1600's, Spanish explorers had begun to explore the inlands of Florida's coasts. Near the present day town of Ormond Beach, an Indian village known as Nocoroco was discovered. In a matter of a few decades, the Native American tribe that dwelled here had vanished and the Spanish took over the land-for now.

After a few hundred years of Spanish occupation, the British took over. Here they turned the land into a productive indigo field. Indigo was used for dyes, inks and stains for paper, cotton and canvas. Soon, the Americans would take over. These vast slave plantations thrived until the Civil War.

By the time the turn of the century rolled around, steam power brought tourists to the peninsula to explore the wonders of tropical Florida. From there, people by the tons came to Ormond and development sprung up all around the peninsula. In the early 1920's the area was dubbed "Sunset Park" and was taken over by the city. Visitor's came from all around to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and the natural surroundings of the park.

Today, guests at Tomoka State Park enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities. Canoeing and kayaking the waters and channels of the Tomoka River, named after the local Indian chief/legend who was the first of many to rule over this land. Just like the Native Americans, you can paddle your way through some amazing and scenic waterways. A large boat ramp at the park offers guests a chance to launch lager motorized vessels as well.

Canoeists and kayak enthusiasts will love the calm waters of the Tomoka River and its many tributaries. Fishing the flats is a popular sport here and anglers from all around come to test their fish catching skills from a kayak in hopes of landing the catch of the day. Watch out for the Tomoka Basin: it can get rough when wind conditions pick up.

But you don't have to get in the water to have a good time at Tomoka State Park. Hiking trails wind their way through the diverse ecosystems and natural communities that lie within the parks boundaries. The trail takes explorers through hardwood hammocks that lead into the ancient Tomoka Village and around the interior of this amazing Florida state park.

Spend the night at the full facility campground. It features hot showers and restrooms at each loop. Each site offers guests a fire ring, grill, picnic table, electricity, water and a level pad for your tent or RV.

For directions to the park, information about hours of operation or interested in entrance fees, visit the Tomoka State Park website here.