Hontoon Island State Park

Hontoon Island State Park is accessible by free ferry from the mainland.

Before its purchase by the state in 1967, Hontoon Island was a boatyard, a cattle ranch and a pioneer homestead. The first inhabitants of the 1,650-acre park were the Timucuan Native Americans, whose shell middens can be seen along the park's nature trail.

The island, bordered by the St. Johns River and the Huntoon Dead River, is reached only by private boat or by the free ferry that operates daily from 8 a.m. until one hour before sundown.

Recreational activities include camping, nature study, boating, picnicking and fishing. Six rustic cabins are available for rent.

Mountain bikes are allowed on six miles of service roads.