I loved this little island approximately 40 minutes from Orlando. Free ferry ⛴ over only 6 at a time so you may have to wait. State park run by volunteers so be patient. Once you cross there are great areas to picnic and play and a little store with comfy rockers out front overlooking water. Dog and kid friendly and nice easy walking path through old growth and new growth areas. They also rent kayaks, bikes, and affordable cabins. I was on my way to Blue Springs State Park and they were full, this park is approximately 20 minutes from there and well worth checking out. I have included many pics. If you find this helpful please like.

Hontoon Island is small, but very peaceful and not crowded. We went out for a picnic today, and we were the only ones there. One can rent party boats and house boats nearby. There is a small concession stand and restrooms available.

Really nice experience, the ferry to the island is free and they accept donations, everyone we met was super chill and polite. Turns out they also have what they refer to as primitive cabins for reasonable prices to rent out. Would easily return again with friends and donations.

Used to love coming to this park. But thanks to hurricane and change of staff and management, this park is run down. They don't take care of it anymore. Every single trail is closed, camping closed, no ferry to the island. This park used to be wonderful but it has gone downhill. Please get a better manager and better staff!! The crew from 4 years ago used to be amazing. We boated in a couple of weeks ago and everyone was sitting around on their laptops.. This is such a shame and these people should be ashamed of themselves.

We had a great experience as a family with young kids here. The entire park is beautiful and they have amazing bike trails as well as hiking trails for all levels. I would recommend booking a cabin online and staying for a couple of days to enjoy the nature, fishing and everything this beautiful state park has to offer.

We found this place by accident we were actually going to Blue Springs Park but they were closed because they were full. Our lucky day we found this Hidden Gem and put our kayaks in the water here and had a great time. Don't forget to visit the visitor center across the way, you can take a ferry over there and they also rent canoes and kayaks and have hiking trails.

Went to the Island to tent camp with the family for 4 days. We had a good time there, a little disappointed in not seeing much wild life. We saw an owl, a baby alligator and a baby snake on the trail but that was all. All the park rangers were very polite. The campsites are a little closer together then in other campgrounds. But worth the trip.

Very beautiful state park on the water. Abundant wildlife, hiking, and a camping area with friendly rangers.

Despite being a friday it was quite calm and quiet. The trails are well maintained and easy to hike. The recent rains had water up on a trail (which was marked as being a wet trail) at some places however it was still easy and in the lowest spots there were walkways in place. The cabins looked well maintained from the outside and were a easy walk from where you enter the park. As for price to enter, it was the best price, free, although they do accept donations. All in all a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

The best Florida state park I have stayed at. Quiet and serene with great manicured hiking trails. Best of all I saw zero trash in the park, even deep in the woods. I am almost afraid to post a review; I don't want to many people to know about it.

It was a wonderful experience. We decided to go canoeing/kayaking around the island and it was really great the wind was out to get us but beautiful scenery nonetheless. The camp sites are open and maintained no power but you're trying to escape from that so I enjoy it.

This park is fascinating. You need to take a ferry or your own boat to access it. Once on the island, there are hiking trails, campgrounds, and a small museum and "general store". It's a peaceful, gorgeous place to wander around. I saw a turtle the last time I was there, and other small creatures. I've been told there are blueberries that can be picked in the spring if you time it right. During the summer months, the park rangers said few people come due to the heat. I went in May, and it was warm, but not terribly hot. Bring water, bug spray, sunblock and enjoy this any time of year!

Nice walk to the trail. Good place for camping, kayaking. Free ferry boat to go to the Island.

Beatiful, free ferry, and lots of parking. Lots of places to sit and eat. Bathrooms, cabins, & a cute museum.

Only 4 stars because you have to use your own boat, no ferry anymore.