Tomoka State Park – Ormond Beach, FL

Just when I thought cold weather would be cramping my camping style for a few months, a warm weather pattern had me venturing out yet again…this time, Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach, FL, just north of Daytona. Located on a peninsula between the Tomoka and Halifax Rivers, this 1,800-acre park is a nature-lover’s dream, protecting various wildlife habitats essential to egrets, ibises, herons, storks, eagles, deer, bobcats, otters, dolphins, and many other species. During the winter when the surrounding waters are cooling down, the warmer waters of the inland rivers also attract the endangered West Indian Manatee. Located just minutes from the ocean and many local attractions, this park is popular for boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, bicycling, picnicking, and geocaching. No swimming is allowed in the river due to a healthy (and hungry!) alligator population. The park store, Tomoka Outpost, is a convenient place to stock up on basic supplies, enjoy food and drinks overlooking the river, relax and watch tv, and share stories with other campers. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent as well, or you can bring your own, and the paddling is excellent on this dedicated state park canoe trail. Friday and Saturday nights you can treat yourself to live music too – Dani and Bobby, the friendly and multi-talented couple who operate the outpost double as a musical duo, singing and playing acoustic guitar, ukulele, banjo, and even kazoo. They sure put on a fun and entertaining show, so be sure to catch them during your stay.

A half-mile interpretive nature trail leads hikers to the remains of an old Timucuan Indian village known as Nocoroco. The Timucua thrived in this area of Florida for thousands of years until European diseases and warfare led to their extinction by 1800CE. The Nocoroco site has an interesting history, and much archaeological evidence has been gathered from the oyster middens and burial sites in the area dating back 5,000 years. An impressive 40’ monument was designed and built by folk artist Fred Dana Marsh to honor the mighty and fierce “Chief Tomokie”, a mythical Timucua leader and warrior, representing the spirit and legacy of these indigenous people. The park is also home to a museum named after the artist, featuring more paintings and sculptures by him as well as educational exhibits relating to the natural and cultural history of area. Unfortunately, the museum was closed for renovations when I was there, so I did not get not enjoy it during this visit…but hopefully, next time!

The campground offers 100 full-facility sites and has modern restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, and a primitive youth camping area is available as well. I lucked out (ok I changed my spot haha) and got one of the few sites that has a short trail leading to the Halifax River, which led to other seldom-traveled trails along the river….what an amazing view, especially at sunrise and sunset, even though it’s not directly on the ocean. Be sure to check out the picnic/fishing area as it has some incredible scenery as well, much of it undisturbed and very private. Absolutely gorgeous. I even saw a shooting star! Overall I found Tomoka State Park to be everything I expected and more – spacious, private campsites, easy access to many outdoor activities, historical tributes, and very close to beach activities.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area – Flagler Beach, FL

Named after native Floridian and folk singer Gamble Rogers, who lost his life trying to save a drowning swimmer at this beach in 1991, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Park is a small 145-acre park with lots to offer. Originally opened in 1961 as Flagler Beach State Recreation Area, the park is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, allowing easy access for boaters, anglers, kayakers, canoeists, and bird watchers. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent by reservation only, or you can bring your own. There is also a ¾ mile nature trail through the hammock, a picnic area, and plenty of wildlife and bird watching opportunities. Herons, gulls, egrets, osprey, owls, woodpeckers, robins, cardinals, deer, dolphins, and manatees are commonly seen here.

The 34-site beach-side campground is just across the street, and many of the sites allow a gorgeous view of the ocean. All sites are full-facility, but rather small and close together. There are modern bathrooms and showers, a picnic pavilion, and a separate parking lot for public beach access. The fragile dune system and native plants are protected, so beach access is limited to the several wooden walkovers provided. There are no lifeguards on this beach; however, flags warn of dangers for beachgoers, and the day I was there they had the High Hazard and Dangerous Marine Life flags waving, so I was happy to stay on the beach and enjoy the sandpipers, seagulls, herons, and pelicans who never fail to put on a spectacular show. At night from May through September, endangered and threatened sea turtles make nests and lay their eggs on these beaches – usually these nests are marked and roped off with yellow tape – so please remember to never disturb a turtle or nest, and always dispose of litter properly, as human trash is a severe threat to many coastal species. The park offers ranger-guided beach hikes, full moon hikes, fishing classes, and educational classes about right whales and other endangered species as well. A small, convenient park to enjoy the beach and waterways while you are in the area, this campground stays booked most of the year, so if you’d like to stay, get your reservation in early. It’s a great way to “camp on the beach” and it’s worth it!