Featuring fantastic water-based recreational activities and a superb campground, Tomoka State Park is a fantastic urban RV getaway. Located in Ormond Beach, Florida just minutes from the ocean, the park is surrounded by development and only minutes away from modern conveniences. Consisting of 900 acres, the park is on a peninsula and is the perfect place to visit in your motorhome all year round.
The history of the area dates back to when the Timucuan Indians occupied this part of Flordia hundreds of years ago when they lived off fish that inhabit the local waterways. There are several remnants of their time here and the plantations that followed in the late 1700s and early 1800s, which can learn about on the interpretive trail.
The highlight of the park is the multiple waterways that are perfect for some fun in the sun. The park has direct access to both the Tomoka River as well as the Intercoastal waterways from the park's boat ramp. You can bring your own boat or rent a watercraft to go exploring. Along with boating, there are plenty of other activities that you can enjoy, including fishing, geo-seeking, hiking, and picnicking. Tomoka State Park is also a bird lover's paradise with over 160 different species of birds that call this area home.
There is one campground within the park that is the perfect place to call home during your RV stay. Featuring 88 sites that are all equipped with electric and water hookups, RVs up to 34 feet long will be able to use it as a home base all year round. Peak season at Tomoka State Park runs from March until November.
Tomoka State Park is easy to access by RV or car and it features one entrance and exit via North Beach Street. Located about 10 miles off of I-95, there are many towns nearby where you can pick up any supplies, so even if you forget something it is easy to get whatever you need. Since the park is located close to civilization you won't have to worry about a challenging journey to get here. There are no driving restrictions inside of the park so whether you are in a car or driving the RV you will be able to get where you want to go.
All of the campsites are RV accessible, but just remember to let them know how big your rig is so they can get you in the right place to fit. There is a maximum RV length of 34 feet. Once inside the park you can either use a car if you brought one along or you can walk or ride a bike to explore the trails and beauty of nature. Don't forget you can also travel on the water with your own boat or canoe rental.
If you are just planning on visiting for the day you can make the most of the three parking lots at various ends of the park. Having three day-use lots is very handy and will make parking hassle-free.
Tomoka State Park has one campground that is the perfect place to stay during your visit. There are a total of 100 campsites available within the campground, all of which are suitable for both RV or tent campers. Visitors who stay at the campgrounds love the fact that it is almost right on the shore of the beach, so sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation are all just a few steps away. The campground is also in close proximity to many of the activities offered in the park, so you don't have to take an exhausting hike just to reach your daily activities.
All of the sites within the campground have electricity and water hookups, as well as dump stations located nearby. The sites are suitable for mid-sized RVs from 20 to 34 feet. If your rig is longer than 34 feet, you won't be able to fit at any of the sites.
Each campsite features a picnic table and grill so you can cook up some delicious meals during your stay. Restrooms and showers are also located within walking distance. Most sites are located on gravel pads under the shade of the majestic forest. You are welcome to bring your well-behaved pet to camp with you as well.
Reservations for the Tomoka State Park Campground can be made all year round with a minimum of one day notice. If you are planning a future trip you can make your reservation up to 11 months in advance.
There are no explicitly first-come, first-served campgrounds available at Tomoka State Park. However, if you do want to make a last-minute trip to the park without a reservation, sites that haven't been booked are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Make your reservations early because they tend to fill up quickly, especially in the summer months and around the holidays. If you are planning on visiting during the winter it will be easier to stay at one of the sites without a reservation.
Experienced geocachers have hidden caches containing trinkets and treasures in different areas of the park, and they are just waiting to be found by you and your family. Check geocaching websites for the most up to date information as well as clues to find these caches. This can be a very enjoyable activity for a family with inquisitive youngsters who want to explore. It’s also a great way to entertain the whole family without breaking the bank and allows you to spend a day in the middle of beautiful mother nature.
Hiking is another family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed while visiting Tomoka State Park. The most popular place to go hiking for those looking for a relaxing stroll is the interpretive trail. Stretching for around half a mile, the trail features an important part of the local history. You will pass through the village of Nocoroco, which was where the Timucuan Indians used to live.
If you enjoy nature and seeing wildlife in its natural environment you will enjoy the wide variety of species you can see while visiting Tomoka State Park. The park contains many animals, including white-tailed deer, gophers, tortoises, bobcats, and a variety of snakes year-round.
In the cooler weather, the park becomes a bird watchers' paradise. You are likely to see migratory birds that have headed south to escape the cold northern winters. There have been over 160 different species of birds that have been sighted in Tomoka State Park.
No matter what your preference you are sure to see a wide variety of wildlife during your visit. In your explorations be careful to stay alert because rattlesnakes are prevalent, especially when the warmer weather arrives.
If you are visiting Tomoka State Park with a youth group there is one camping area reserved only for youth group camping activities. The group camp area is suitable for up to 35 guests and is situated in a large flat area that is perfect for pitching a tent. Along with the tent area, the youth group camp also features multiple picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers, and a large fire pit perfect for campfires.
Reservations for the Youth Group Camping Area cannot be made online so you will have to call the park office in order to reserve it for your group.
A picnic on a warm summer or spring day can make a fun RV vacation even more enjoyable. Tomoka State Park is a great picnicking destination thanks to the five separate picnic areas within the park, all of which are near modern restroom facilities. The picnic areas are good for small gatherings and have comfortable covered pavilions that are suitable for larger parties as well. The picnic areas have everything you need for a good picnic including grills. All you have to bring is the food and the fun!
You have a lot of choices when it comes to fishing at Tomoka State Park thanks to the numerous waterways in the area. You can fish from your boat, off the pier, or on the dock, but make sure you check the local regulations and follow all of the size and bag limits. The Tomoka River is known to have 90 species of fish so there are plenty of opportunities for avid anglers. Some of the more popular species to target include snook, tarpon, red and black drum, spotted sea trout, and sheepshead.
It's easy to get out on the water during your RV trip to Tomoka State Park thanks to the Halifax River that meanders through the park. If you don't have your own watercraft canoe and kayak rentals are available from the park store so nobody has to miss out on all the fun. Out on the river, you will have the opportunity to see a variety of birds and marine life. The smaller creeks in the park are also great for exploring and in the Intercoastal area you should keep your eye out as you could see dolphins playing in the water.
