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Ed Stone Park St. Johns River

4.6
·780 reviews·DeLand, United States

A serene park on the St. Johns River with a long fishing deck and multiple boat launches, perfect for anglers and nature lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Less crowded, easy parking

CrowdLow
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Awesome boardwalk

Ed Stone Park St. Johns River

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Less crowded, easy parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene park on the St. Johns River with a long fishing deck and multiple boat launches, perfect for anglers and nature lovers.

4.6
(780 reviews)

"The park is clean and spacious, with a great fishing area and nice boat ramp."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Weekend parking is a nightmare. Get there before 8 AM to guarantee a spot, especially for boat trailers.

🎣 Bring Your Own Chairs

The waterfront benches are uncomfortable. Pack your own for a more enjoyable fishing or picnic experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spacious Fishing Deck

Spacious Fishing Deck

Waterfront

A long wooden deck offers ample, uncrowded fishing spots with scenic river views.

Reddit
Multiple Boat Launches

Multiple Boat Launches

Boat Ramp Area

Several lanes and docks make launching and loading your boat efficient, even on busy days.

TikTokReddit
Peaceful Riverfront

Peaceful Riverfront

Park Area

Enjoy a quiet picnic or relax by the water, spotting wildlife like alligators and eagles.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Weekend Parking Pointers

Weekend parking at Ed Stone Park can be a challenge. Arrive early, especially if you're launching a boat, as the lot fills up quickly. Consider weekday visits for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

Boat Ramp Etiquette

Boat ramp fails are common here, so be prepared! Ensure you have enough gas and know your truck's capabilities. Patience is key, and observing others can offer valuable lessons. TikTok+4

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Less crowded, easy parking
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Peaceful fishing and picnics
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend early mornings
Why
Secure boat ramp parking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Lesson learned… always make sure you have gas in your car if you’re gonna park on a boat ramp 😂
@the.kiddg
298.1K likes • 2.1M views

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Weekend parking is a nightmare. Get there before 8 AM to guarantee a spot, especially for boat trailers. Reddit

🎣 Bring Your Own Chairs

The waterfront benches are uncomfortable. Pack your own for a more enjoyable fishing or picnic experience. Reddit

Launching and loading the boat is alot easier lately! #hotwife #wife #boatramp #win #imaluckyman #bossbabe #bassboat #duramax #diesel #foryoupage
@bassinbtv
220.8K likes • 4M views
When the Bumper Sticker says, "Please be Patient Student Driver," we press record, but even we didn't expect this. #boatramp #boating #boatlife #boatrampfails #jetski #onastring #what #how #why #studentdriver #Memorialday #holidayweekend #bringsthemout #allday #everyday #onlyintheMIA #miami #miamibeach #miamidade #miamidadecounty #boynton #boyntonbeach #palmbeach #palmbeachcounty #southflorida
@miami_boat_ramps
120.2K likes • 3.3M views

🐊 Spot Local Wildlife

Keep an eye out for alligators, eagles, and other fascinating creatures along the river. Reddit

🥚 Destroy Apple Snail Eggs

Help protect the ecosystem by removing invasive apple snail egg masses from the seawall. Reddit

Ruke #1 To Boating- know where the ramp is. #boating #stupid #duh #dumbasshell
@denise87638
52.7K likes • 2.2M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Weekend parking is a nightmare. Get there before 8 AM to guarantee a spot, especially for boat trailers. Reddit

🎣 Bring Your Own Chairs

The waterfront benches are uncomfortable. Pack your own for a more enjoyable fishing or picnic experience. Reddit

🐊 Spot Local Wildlife

Keep an eye out for alligators, eagles, and other fascinating creatures along the river. Reddit

🥚 Destroy Apple Snail Eggs

Help protect the ecosystem by removing invasive apple snail egg masses from the seawall. Reddit

⛽ Check Your Gas Levels

Don't get stranded like some boaters! Ensure you have enough fuel before heading to the ramp. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(780 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ed Stone Park is praised for its clean and spacious fishing deck, offering ample room and a peaceful atmosphere. The multiple boat ramps are convenient, though weekend parking can be a significant challenge, requiring very early arrival. Visitors enjoy the scenic river views and wildlife spotting, but recommend bringing personal chairs due to uncomfortable park benches.

"I like the park. The boat ramp is really nice and clean. The park is clean and spacious. I do like the fishing area especially. It's a wooden deck that runs almost the entire length of the water front. Each time I've been there I had no problem finding a spot to fish. It doesn't seem to get packed with people fishing. Now as for the boat ramp. The entire parking lot on the weekends typically is so packed that people that have launched are left parking down the road beyond the entrance or on the other side of the ramp. You will not find a parking spot unless you get there early. There is also still the construction going in but it's very minimal and you don't have that to deal with on the weekend anyway. They have bathrooms also so that makes things easier also."

Toby

"For the park is a nice little place to stop and some lunch, time permitting. You can enjoy the water and any number different boats pass by. There is ample parking during the week but on the weekends it can be nightmarishly busy. Plan ahead go early. Have Fun, Be Safe."

Will

"We caught one small sunny. Returned her to her watery house.... Otherwise, we caught nothing. We fished with worms but no luck. We saw a little alligator. It was quiet. Bring your own chairs, the benches that are near the water are tilted forward, and are uncomfortable after a while. Still, it is a peaceful spot."

Sharon Johnson

What People Like

Clean, spacious fishing deck
Multiple boat ramps
Peaceful riverfront

What People Dislike

Limited weekend parking
Uncomfortable benches

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ed Stone Park is accessible by car. The park is located along the St. Johns River, offering a scenic drive. Specific directions can be found using GPS navigation. TikTok

Information regarding public transportation options to Ed Stone Park is limited. It is generally recommended to travel by private vehicle, especially if you plan to use the boat ramp facilities. TikTok

Road conditions are generally good, but be aware of potential congestion on weekends. Some reviews mention ongoing, minimal construction, but it typically doesn't impact weekend access. Reddit

Yes, the park has a dedicated boat ramp with parking for trucks and trailers. However, weekend parking is extremely limited and fills up very early. TikTokReddit

The park is generally well-marked, but it's always a good idea to use a GPS or map application to ensure you reach the correct entrance, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of an entrance fee for Ed Stone Park in available information. Access to the park and its amenities, including the boat ramp and fishing areas, appears to be free. Reddit

Specific operating hours for Ed Stone Park are not detailed. However, it's advisable to plan your visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment, especially if using the boat ramp. Reddit

There is no indication that time slots are required for the boat ramp. However, due to high demand on weekends, arriving very early is crucial to secure a parking spot. TikTokReddit

While there are no explicit restrictions mentioned, it's important to be prepared for potential challenges at the boat ramp, as seen in various online videos showcasing 'boat ramp fails.' TikTok+3

Fishing regulations, including licensing requirements, are determined by the state. It's recommended to check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for current rules and regulations before fishing. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Onsite Experience

Ed Stone Park is ideal for fishing from its extensive wooden deck, picnicking, and boating with its multiple launch ramps. You can also enjoy the scenic river views and observe local wildlife. Reddit

The fishing area, a long wooden deck, generally does not get packed with people, offering a peaceful experience even on busy days. Reddit

Yes, restrooms are available at Ed Stone Park, which adds to the convenience for visitors. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing little alligators, bald eagles, and various types of boats passing by. It's a great spot for nature observation. Reddit

Yes, the park offers a peaceful and scenic environment for a romantic picnic, with beautiful river views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or food vendors directly within Ed Stone Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. Reddit

Absolutely! Ed Stone Park is a great spot for picnics, with a spacious park area and waterfront views. Remember to bring your own picnic supplies. Reddit

It's recommended to bring your own picnic basket with food, drinks, and any necessary utensils. Also, consider bringing chairs as the park benches can be uncomfortable. Reddit

Information on nearby food establishments is not readily available. It's best to plan ahead and bring your own provisions or research options in the surrounding areas before your visit. Reddit

The availability of grilling facilities at Ed Stone Park is not specified. If grilling is a priority, it's advisable to contact the park management or local authorities for confirmation. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the St. Johns River, diverse wildlife like alligators and eagles, and the picturesque fishing deck. Sunrises and sunsets over the water can also be beautiful. Reddit

Yes, the park is a great location for wildlife photography, with opportunities to photograph alligators, bald eagles, and various bird species in their natural habitat. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and potentially more active wildlife. Reddit

The long wooden fishing deck offers excellent vantage points for capturing the river and its surroundings. The park area also provides scenic backdrops. Reddit

While you can photograph boat ramp activities, be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Some videos capture humorous 'boat ramp fails,' but always be respectful. TikTok+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ed Stone Park offers a relaxed environment for families. The spacious park area is great for picnics, and the long fishing deck provides a safe and engaging spot for kids to try their hand at fishing. Reddit Keep an eye out for wildlife like small alligators, which can be a thrilling discovery for younger visitors. Reddit Remember to bring comfortable seating, as park benches can be less than ideal for extended stays. Reddit

🎣 Anglers & Boaters

For anglers, the extensive wooden fishing deck at Ed Stone Park is a major draw, offering plenty of space and rarely feeling crowded. Reddit Boaters will appreciate the multiple launch lanes and docks, designed for efficient boat launching and retrieval. TikTokReddit However, be prepared for significant parking challenges on weekends; arriving extremely early is essential to secure a spot for your truck and trailer. TikTokReddit

🏞️ Nature Lovers & Photographers

Nature enthusiasts will find Ed Stone Park a peaceful retreat. The scenic St. Johns River provides a beautiful backdrop for photography, with opportunities to capture wildlife like bald eagles and alligators. Reddit The early morning and late afternoon light often yields the best photographic conditions. Reddit The long fishing deck offers unique vantage points for capturing the river's expanse and any wildlife activity. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Boat Ramp

The boat ramp at Ed Stone Park is a key feature, offering multiple lanes and docks for easy access to the St. Johns River. However, it's also a hotspot for 'boat ramp fails,' as humorously documented on TikTok. TikTok+3 Common issues include running out of gas, battery failures, and improper trailer loading. To ensure a smooth experience, always check your fuel levels, ensure your vehicle is capable of handling the load, and practice good ramp etiquette. Arriving early on weekends is crucial, as the parking lot fills up rapidly, leaving many boaters to park further down the road. Reddit

Key Takeaways for Boat Ramp Success:

* Pre-Trip Checks: Ensure your truck has enough power and your boat has sufficient fuel. TikTok
* Patience is Paramount: Observe others and be prepared for potential delays. TikTok+1
* Weekend Strategy: Arrive before 8 AM to secure a parking spot. Reddit
* Environmental Awareness: Be mindful of invasive species like apple snail eggs and remove them if found. Reddit

Fishing and Relaxation

Ed Stone Park boasts a fantastic fishing area, characterized by a long, clean wooden deck that stretches along the waterfront. This setup provides ample space, and reviewers note that it rarely gets crowded, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful fishing session. Reddit Beyond fishing, the park offers a serene environment for picnics and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil river views, watch boats pass by, and even spot local wildlife such as alligators and bald eagles. Reddit

While the park itself is clean and well-maintained, a practical tip from visitors is to bring your own chairs. The benches near the water are reportedly tilted forward and can become uncomfortable after extended use. Reddit This simple addition can significantly enhance your comfort during a leisurely afternoon by the St. Johns River.

Wildlife Encounters

The St. Johns River, accessible via Ed Stone Park, is a haven for diverse wildlife, offering exciting opportunities for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors have reported sightings of little alligators basking near the water's edge, adding a touch of wild adventure to their visit. Reddit Birdwatchers can also rejoice, as pairs of bald eagles have been spotted soaring overhead, a majestic sight against the river backdrop. Reddit

Beyond these notable sightings, the park's environment supports a variety of other creatures. Keep an eye out for different types of birds and aquatic life. The peaceful setting of Ed Stone Park makes it an excellent location for observing these animals in their natural habitat, providing memorable moments for all visitors. Reddit

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