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T omoka STATE PARK
In the early 1600’s Spanish explorers found Native Americans living in the village of Nocoroco, living off these fish-filled lagoons and discarding their oyster and snail shells into mounds known as “shell middens” with remnants that can still be seen today along the river. The Tomoka and Halifax Rivers meet at the north end of Tomoka State Park forming a natural Peninsula. These 12 miles of shoreline creates some of the best fishing spots in Ormond Beach and provides a perfect location for a relaxing time with family and friends.
A survey by the Florida Marine Research Institute has identified 90 different species of fish in the Tomoka River. This includes important game fish such as red drum, black drum, sheepshead, spotted sea trout, common snook, and tarpon. A salt water fish license may be required. Size and bag limits are strictly enforced. All of the current regulations are available at the park. Residents and visitors alike can stroll along a half-mile interceptive nature trail through a hardwood hammock that was once an indigo field for an 18th century British landowner. Come experience a variety of wildlife habits, including numerous large live oaks with arching limbs covered in Spanish moss, resurrection fern and green-fly orchids. Salt marshes flourish here and serve as food and breeding grounds for oysters, snails, fiddler crabs, numerous species of fish and wading birds.
The park provides a full campground with 100 sites located in a beautiful hammock setting. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, grill, electric, water hook-ups, three restroom facilities with hot showers and a playground. Visitors and campers may see a variety of wildlife such as racoons, bobcats, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer and sometimes otters and bottlenose dolphins. The onsite park store offers canoe and kayak rentals, as well as a variety of camping supplies, refreshments, and general sundries. There is also a boat ramp located here for river access. So come explore the rich natural beauty that old Florida has to offer and leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
www.floridastateparks.org/park/Tomoka
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