Reviews: Hontoon Island State Park

Reviewed by: Dan Bowers on Mar 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 25'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

I'd give it 5 stars if the state of Florida would only repair the past hurricane damage and open the park as in the past. Way too much time has passed for repairs to be completed.

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Reviewed by: nils&frances , Pivot, on Mar 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Wonderful place for the afternoon. Currently (March 2024) overnight stays are not available as there is no overnight ranger on duty since the park suffered hurricane damage. 50 and 30 amp power hook up, water, bathrooms and showers are open and free while the park recuperates from the hurricane (otherwise charges apply). Also, the camp store is closed at the moment, however, park staff there are very helpful and friendly.

By foot and e-bike, I spent about 3 hours exporing the trails, wild turkeys were the highlight of the wildlife I spied. A midden (hill made of mollusk shells) from prehistoric people is a real archelogical treasure on the "wet trail" hike.

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Reviewed by: david kanzler , Hygge, on Mar 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 29'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Great spot. Limited dock space for boats 30' and over (two spots at end of "T"). That said floating docks have power and water. Nice anchorages nearby. Clean restrooms with showers. Super friendly park staff. Very nice hiking trails. Campsites are nice for when they open. Nice spot to kayak/camp! Good cell service

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Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer , Do It Now, on Feb 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

As of February 14, 2023, the park was still closed to overnight docking. You can, however, come in at 8 AM and leave at 4 PM for free. There's an anchorage about 1/4 mile away at Dead River. The park has floating docks suitable for boats up to about 40 feet. There is power and water. The restrooms are what you might expect at a state park; I had a good hot shower while I was there. Dog friendly with plenty of places to walk your dog. There's a good trail system that's also open during the day. Recommended. I hope they reopen for overnight stays soon.

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Reviewed by: Dan Bowers , Lake Effect, on Mar 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 3

Park is closed to over night docking due to hurricane damage. You can dock from 8am to 4pm but then need to leave.
It's such a special park. We hope to see it open again soon.

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Reviewed by: David Rowe on Sep 5, 2022
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Had one of the most restful nights of sleep I have ever had tied up here. Just a beautiful spot, lovely trails for hiking, running, or just a saunter between the trees. Quiet and idyllic!

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Reviewed by: Dan Bowers , Lake Effect, on Mar 10, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 4

Rates- Boat campsite: $18 per night plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee. Includes water and electric hookups.

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Reviewed by: Karen Ratte on Mar 8, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Fantastic gem of a place! Weekends could get busy and noisy on the water, but still a great place and can't beat the price. Bathroom facilities were kept very clean and in good shape. Lots to do -- hiking, kayaking, biking, and of course the 'jungle cruise' around the island in our dinghy -- great wildlife viewing! Reserve on the state parks website, and note that if you are more than 25' you need to book (and pay) for TWO slips on the THead -- call the marina/ranger if you need help, because that's not clear on the website. There are two T-heads for the larger vessels -- only 11A&B has 50 Amp power, 22 has 30 Amp. But 11 is missing one of the center pileons following a daring night crash by a rental houseboat. Not sure when it will be fixed. We will go back and would consider doing the volunteer gig for a few weeks. Flat rate for each slip. -- quite reasonable.

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Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Mar 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 4

This a very nice state-run facility with very reasonable rates. Slip reservations can be made 11 months in advance. All park employees and volunteers were a pleasure. The facilities were well maintained and functional. The dock fingers are too short for a bow-in tie up. The bathrooms and showers were serviceable and clean. The atmosphere was quiet and not the restaurant/bar noise and vibe of some marinas. If you need that, go elsewhere. We hiked three miles on a out-and-back trail during our stay.

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Reviewed by: Tom Hale on Mar 22, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.3'

Rating: 4

All the old docks have been rebuilt, are now in great condition. A lovely place to hike and explore. Good birding. Great staff. Clean restrooms. Good dock power and dock water. Small store on site. There is room for one 50 foot boat on the west T head and for two 35-40 footers stern to stern on the east T. 35-40 footers can probably also take the slip on the inside of the T head. Closer to shore the slips are only about 3-3.5 feet. No longer offer FL senior discounts. Still, price is very inexpensive.

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Reviewed by: Tom Hale on Dec 8, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Still a great stop to hike and explore. No longer offer FL senior discounts. Still, price is very inexpensive.

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Reviewed by: Dan Bowers , Lake Effect, on Feb 28, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 25'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 4

Great place to experience more solitude over other marinas. Clean facility. Fees have raised to $20.25 for everybody. No discounts. Water and electricity is good.

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Reviewed by: Tom Hale on Nov 17, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

There are only 3 or 4 slips which can hold a boat over 35'. But it is a lovely state park. Hiking trails and dinghy explorations. Priced right. Been here 4 times.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Sterling on Sep 30, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Exellent rates! $15 for seniors! Larger boats will have to dock on the dock T ends, shallow inside. Small gift shop, no supplies, quiet.

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