In late August 2024, we hitched up the camper and headed east toward the coast for a two-night stay at Tomoka State Park. We booked Site 030 in Loop CG1 from Friday, August 23 to Sunday, August 25.
This trip looked a little different than some of our others—our toddler was eager to run wild, while our newborn was perfectly content napping through most of it. Tomoka gave us the kind of reset we didn’t know we needed: simple, quiet days filled with fresh air and plenty of room to slow down.
Our Campsite Setup
Site 030 quickly felt like home. Towering pines and palms created a shady canopy that kept the afternoon heat manageable. The site had plenty of room for the RV, picnic table, and our toddler’s ever-growing pile of sand toys.
We followed our usual rhythm: dropped the dinette to create a baby sleep nook, clipped on our stroller fan, set out the camp chairs, and pulled out a few outdoor games. With the river breeze rolling in and the baby snoozing, we were able to ease right into “weekend mode.”
Family-Friendly Things to Do at Tomoka State Park
- Paddle the River
The Tomoka River is the star of the show here. Calm waters make it a great spot for families—perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or even just watching others paddle by. Keep your eyes open for manatees, ospreys, and the occasional dolphin.
- Stop by Tomoka Outpost
This little shop is part convenience store, part adventure hub. They rent kayaks and sell snacks, drinks, and bait. Our toddler loved “shopping” for a treat here before heading back to camp.
- Have a Picnic with a View
There are several spots along the river with picnic tables and grassy areas. We packed a cooler and enjoyed sandwiches while boats drifted past—it was low-key but memorable.
- Stretch Your Legs on the Trails
Tomoka offers a handful of trails, many short and easy. The interpretive loop near the entrance is great with kids, with signs that share bits of local history and wildlife facts. Sandy terrain means carriers work better than strollers. - Bird & Wildlife Watching
If you have little animal lovers, this park is a goldmine. It’s part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, and we saw herons, egrets, and an osprey without even leaving our campsite. Early morning and dusk were the most active times.
RVing with Young Kids: What Helped Us
- Getting to camp before dinner so we weren’t racing against bedtime.
- Using the lowered dinette + white noise machine for baby naps.
- Bringing sand toys and bubbles to keep our toddler busy.
- Evening walks by the river to help everyone settle down.
Navigating with a Baby
The campground roads and areas near the Outpost are stroller-friendly, but most of the trails are sandy. We relied on a soft baby carrier whenever we wanted to hike. Other items we found super useful:
- Clip-on fan for the stroller/pack and play
- Lightweight muslin blankets for shade
- Portable white noise machine
- Foldable changing mat
- Baby-safe bug spray
Family Packing Tips
What to Pack for Tomoka:
- Camp chairs & picnic blanket
- Sand toys and simple games
- Bug spray & sunscreen
- Cooler with plenty of cold drinks
- Fishing pole if you have one
- Towels (river breezes can get cool at night)
- Stroller + baby carrier
- Pack and play or travel crib
Tomoka State Park Details
📍 2099 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
📞 (386) 676-4050
🌐 Tomoka State Park Official Site
Hours: 8 a.m. – sundown daily
Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle
Camping Fee: $24/night + tax
Number of Sites: 100 (water & electric hookups)
Rentals Available: Canoes, kayaks, fishing supplies at Tomoka Outpost
Try RV Camping for Yourself
Our camper is fully stocked, kid-friendly, and ready for your family to take on its next adventure. Whether you want a weekend at Tomoka or another Florida gem, we make RV life easy.
🚐 Book our camper here: Outdoorsy.com
🌍 Follow us at: @littleadventuresbigfun
Final Thoughts
Tomoka State Park is a slower, quieter kind of Florida getaway. With shaded campsites, kid-friendly paddling, and plenty of birdwatching, it’s the perfect spot to reconnect as a family and recharge.
For us, it was two nights of simple pleasures—sandcastles, campfires, and river sunsets—that reminded us why we love RVing with little ones.
“At Tomoka, time moved gently, the river whispered, and our kids discovered magic in the smallest moments.”
