Located near the junction of the Tomoka and Halifax rivers, Tomoka State
Park offers scenic oaks and camping where early native Americans once lived
off the fish-filled lagoons. In 1605, the Spanish governor of Florida sent
an expedition led by Alvaro Mexia to explore the area south of St. Augustine.
Near the river junction, he discovered the Timucuan Indian village of Nocoroco.
The Indians once lived here - surrounded by a fish-filled lagoon and protected
from hurricanes by the barrier island to the east.
After the British acquired Florida in 1763, the area became part of
the land-grant holdings of Richard Oswald, a wealthy Scots merchant and
statesman. Much of the forests were cleared for planting indigo. Rice and
sugar cane were also grown in the damper areas near the marshes. Today,
the indigo clearings and cane fields are long since abandoned and Tomoka
is gradually reverting to its natural condition.
VISITATION
Approximatley 60,000 visitors annually
ADDRESS
2099 North Beach Street
Ormond Beach, Florida 32174
TELEPHONE
904-676-4050
OPERATING HOURS
8:00 am until sunset 365 days a year.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Summer: dress cool, temperature in the 90's, bring sunscreen or suntan
lotion, and insect repellent.
Winter: normally mild temperatures in the 40 - 70 degree range. Wear layers
of light clothing.
DIRECTIONS
From I-95 take exit 88(SR 40) at Ormond Beach, go approximately 6 miles
to the North approximately 3 ½ miles to park entrance.
TRANSPORTATION
Call Votran for information on public information.
FEES, COSTS, RATES
Entrance fee is $3.25 per car for up to 8 people each additional passenger
is $1.00 per person. If you walk in or bicycle in it is $1.00 per person.
For canoe rentals and camping fees, conatct the park. Children 5 and under
are free.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
A visitor center containing natural and cultural history exhibits and
a collection of art work by Fred Dana Marsh.
Trails, Roadways:
½ mile nature trail, canoe trail on Tomoka River and adjacent
creeks. Visitors can walk beneath the same ancient live oaks that shaded
the huts of the Indians nearly 400 years ago.
Programs, Activities:
Various ones throughout the year.
Lodging and Camping Facilities:
100 campsites all with water, grills, table. 64 with electric. Full
service restrooms and dump station.
Food, Supplies:
Availble nearby.
Other Concessions, FPS managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Canoe rentals availble, boat launch ramp. A nature trail, camping, fishing,
boating and picnicking are also available.
Accessibility:
Most facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Special Needs:
Contact Ranger Station.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE
Camping, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, and boating.
RESERVATIONS/ PERMITS
Reservations are taken up to 60 days in advance.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
Summer visitors should bring insect repellent, sunscreen and swimsuit.
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS
None available at this time.
VISITOR IMPACTS
Remember that all plants and wildlife located in state parks are protected
and should be respected for future generations to enjoy.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Bulow Planatation Ruins, DeLeon Springs State
Recreation Area, Gamble Rogers at Flagler Beach State Receation Area, Dayton
Beach, Internatiional Speedway at Daytona.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
By canoe, one can explore the same marshes and tidal creeks which produced
the food that sustained a people who vanished before the tide of civilization.
The park has a 40 foot tall monumental outdoor sulpture group depicting
"The Legend of Tomokie".
For more information on archeology, visit the National Park Service
Southeast Archeological Center.
Florida
State Parks WWW Site
