Hontoon Island State Park Campground, near Deland, Florida, offers a unique camping experience that’s hard to beat. Accessible only by ferry or your own boat, this spot gives you that rustic feel while still providing some essential amenities.

The campground features shaded sites and basic cabins, perfect for those who want a little more comfort. Visitors rave about the friendly staff and the well-marked trails, making it easy to explore the 1,600 acres of beautiful scenery. As one camper put it, “This park is accessible only by ferry, which makes for a unique and rustic camping experience that is totally worth the extra effort!”

You can enjoy a variety of activities here, from hiking and kayaking to fishing and wildlife watching. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, manatees, and a plethora of birds while you paddle around the island. Some campers recommend avoiding weekends for a quieter experience, as it can get busy.

Facilities include clean restrooms and showers, along with a playground for the kids and picnic areas for family gatherings. Just remember to bring bug spray, as the mosquitoes can be quite persistent. Whether you're looking to unwind or embark on an adventure, Hontoon Island State Park Campground has got you covered.

Hontoon Island State Park Campground

Join the fun near Orange City. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Orange City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Orange City and user-submitted reviews.

Orange City

The Best Camping Near Orange City, Florida

This is a unique park to camp in. You can come on your own boat or take the free ferry over (donations are encouraged). The campsites are about a half mile from the docks and they even have a van to take your stuff to your site if you can't take it your self.  The sites are nice and shaded and they have cabins too

Island accessible by boat or free ferry

Who doesn’t love spending time on an island! I came here with a group who had reserved the picnic pavilion for a birthday party.  The trip to the island on the ferry was quick and easy.  There was a great playground for the kids and we enjoyed a nice long hike as well. We did not stay over night but I did notice some nice looking cabins and primitive camping sites.   The cabins and tent camping sites are all nestled together so it’s not very secluded except the few trees between sites.  There are nice tent pads though and the cabins look like a great option with nice screened porches as well as a fire pit and picnic table.   A place to go back someday :)

island camping (or picnicking)

This is really getting away from it all. The only way to reach the island is via the ferry (free, and runs all day) or bring your own boat.  There are boat docking facilities.  This is very primitive camping, $18 per night for tent.   You must pack everything in from the ferry or your boat..  There are some very basic cabins available, they book up far in advance. Restrooms and showers are adequate and pretty clean. The trails are good some are very wet at certain times of the year.  More than 1600 acres to explore.  Its a terrific day half day paddle around the island via kayak too.   Mosquitos are thick, bring bug spray!  Watch for snakes. There is a nice playground for the kids and a great pavilion for picnicking.  You can fish too.  No admission charge to come over to the island to just explore for the day if you aren't camping.  

Hontoon Island State Park

Beautiful facility- nicely organized with interesting boat shuttle access. We've rented pontoons at Hontoon at least a half dozen times and done the circle from there to Blue Springs, then to Dead River &amp; back to Hontoon. Plenty of gators, BIRDS, turtles, MANATEES, bountiful green scenery.

TIPS: Avoid weekends if possible for a more peaceful &amp; solitary experience. No dogs allowed (except Service Animals).

Really like it here.

Go Forth & Have Fun

This park is accessible only by ferry, which makes for a unique and rustic camping experience that is totally worthw the extra effort!

All camping supplies must be brought over by boat in wheelbarrows provides by the parks services. Once on the island there is a small store where you can buy firewood and any miscellaneous items you might have forgotten then catch one of the free shuttle vans that takes you out to the actual campsite ( about a mile from the ferry dock. Would not recommend walking with all your camping stuff).

I came here for my birthday weekend last year and it was a great choice! Staff is super friendly with lots of trail suggestions, lots of hiking options, and very quiet, secluded rustic camping sites. LOVE this place!!!

Photos of Hontoon Island State Park Campground

Real photos from real campers