Located on a peninsula in Ormond Beach at the intersection of the Tomoka and Halifax rivers, Tomoka State Park is a true hidden gem. The site has been occupied for at least the last 5,000 years, and is the former location of both the substantial Timucuan village Nocoroco and a British indigo plantation. Today, Tomoka State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities and plenty of opportunities to spot Florida’s native wildlife in habitats such as salt marshes and hardwood hammocks. We visited for the first time recently and left wondering why it took us so long to discover this underrated park. Read on to learn why Tomoka State Park is must-see destination if you are in the Ormond Beach area!
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HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Archaeological excavations within Tomoka State Park have revealed that people have been living on the land for at least five thousand years. Discoveries such as a shark tooth necklace, pottery shards, and a carved wooden totem have given researchers clues about how this area’s first inhabitants lived. Researchers believe that the Timucuan tribe resided on the property for hundreds of years before European explorers arrived. They lived in a village called Nocoroco and their daily lives consisted of hunting, fishing, and producing crops such as squash and corn. The fate of Nocoroco specifically is unknown, but historians do know that the Timucuan people were ravaged by the diseases the Spanish brought, to which the indigenous population had no immunity.
In 1766, the British took possession of the land formerly occupied by the Timucua and granted 20,000 acres to Richard Oswald, a wealthy Scottish merchant. He built the Mount Oswald Plantation, and for the next almost two decades enslaved Africans cultivated crops such as indigo, sugar, and cotton. Following the American Revolution, the British departed Florida and the plantation was deserted. Today, indigo plants still grow wild throughout the park.
The state of Florida acquired the land in 1937 and established Tomoka State Park in 1945 to preserve the area’s rich history.
NATURAL BEAUTY AND WILDLIFE
Tomoka State Park provides plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy Florida’s natural beauty. This area is home to many different ecosystems, such as hardwood hammocks and saltwater marshes.
As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, this park has recorded over 170 different species of birds. If you love birdwatching, make sure to bring binoculars and keep an eye out for Swallow-tailed Kites, Wood Storks, and even Bald Eagles! Peak viewing times are the fall (September to November) and spring (March-May) migration seasons.
Other animals you may encounter here include white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, bobcats, and snakes. We saw multiple gopher tortoises (including a baby!) and a snake during our hike. (It was a harmless Southern Black Racer, but rattlesnakes are also common in the area, so be sure to stay on the marked paths and watch your step.)
We also appreciated the abundance of native Florida flowers along the trail. We spotted beauty berry bushes, wild coffee, goldenrod, and Florida hammock milkpea, all abuzz with pollinators!
THINGS TO DO AT TOMOKA STATE PARK
Tomoka State Park offers a variety of fun water and land activities. Boating is one of the most popular options. A boat ramp located within the park provides access to the Tomoka River. Boaters are asked to be very careful and mindful of idle and slow speed zones, as this area is a manatee sanctuary. Fishing is another popular activity. The Tomoka River is home to a large number of different fish species, and anglers have the opportunity to catch red drum, spotted sea trout, and tarpon, just to name a few. Canoeing and kayaking provide yet more chances to enjoy natural Florida from the water. Rentals are available at Tomoka Outpost within the park.
For those who prefer to stay on land, Tomoka Trail is a half-mile long nature trail that winds through a hardwood hammock. We hiked this trail during our visit and this is where we spotted several animals and native plants. This trail travels along the Tomoka Point peninsula and includes the site of Nocoroco, memorialized by the Legend of Tomokie, a substantial 40-foot sculpture created in 1955 by artist Fred Dana Marsh.
Picnicking is another popular activity. The park has a total of five picnic areas with covered pavilions, grills, and restrooms available.
For those who prefer to stay overnight, Tomoka State Park offers 100 campsites, each with a picnic table, grill, and electric hook-up and water. Reservations are required to camp and can be made here. Campsites cost $24/night, plus a $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for recreational vehicles.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITORS
Tomoka State Park is located in Ormond Beach, about twenty minutes north of Daytona Beach and an hour northeast of Orlando. It is open from 8am until sundown every day of the year, and the admission fee is $5 per vehicle.
The best times of the year to visit Florida’s state parks are the spring and fall seasons, when temperatures are more moderate, humidity is lower, and the rainy season is over. If your only option is to visit over the summer, we recommend getting there as close to opening as possible to beat the heat and Florida’s infamous afternoon thunderstorms.
Regardless of what time of year you visit, we highly recommend bringing bug spray. You would think we would know better, but we are notorious for forgetting repellant and I was eaten alive by mosquitoes–the backs of my legs were on fire while we were hiking! Along with insect repellant, you should also bring sunscreen, water, a hat, and comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Please note that if it has rained recently, the trails may be muddy, so take that into consideration when planning footwear.
Whether you are visiting for the day or camping overnight, Tomoka Outpost, located inside the park near the trailhead for Tomoka Trail, is equipped with a variety of supplies to meet your needs. They carry everything from snacks and beverages to firewood and fishing supplies. You can also rent kayaks or canoes or book a boat tour at Tomoka Outpost.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Ormond Beach is a picturesque seaside town that offers pristine beaches and numerous outdoor activities in a much quieter atmosphere than nearby Daytona Beach. While you’re in the area, consider cruising the 34-mile Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail and soaking in some of Florida’s stunning natural beauty. Take a tour of The Casements, John D. Rockefeller’s former winter home, and grab lunch at Wild Rabbit Bistro. Peruse art at Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens or stroll the beach at Romano Beachfront Park. If you want to spend more time in nature while also learning history, check out Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park.
Tomoka State Park deserves a spot on your Florida bucket list due to its abundant wildlife, plethora of outdoor and water-based activities, and its historical significance. We encourage you to plan a day trip or camping getaway to this beautiful state park soon!
Looking for more fun activities nearby? Check out our Central Florida page here.
Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
