Jonathan Dickinson State Park

The Florida State Park is located in Martin County between Tequesta and Hobe Sound just 5 miles north of Jupiter. The park features a variety of natural habitats, river swamps, wildlife, 16 natural communities, hiking and biking trails, water activities, guided tours, food courts, and mangroves. Jonathan Dickinson State Park has the Loxahatchee River, Florida’s first federally designated scenic and wild river runs through the middle of the park. In 2013, the state park won the TripAdvisior’s Certificate of Excellence.

The park got its name after a Quaker merchant named Jonathan Dickinson wrecked his boat off the coast in 1696. The park served as the home to Camp Murphy, an army base for the Southern Signal Corps School during the second World War. Today, the barracks are still visible. After the park served as a army school the property was transferred back to the State of Florida from the Government in 1947 to be used as a state park. The park officially opened to the public in 1950.

The recreation filled park sits on close to 12,000 acres of land and offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, swimming, equestrian trails, an observations area, guided tours, canoeing, kayaking, the historic site of Trapper Nelson the wild man of the Loxahatchee, and much more.

At the park you can rent canoes, kayak, paddleboards, motor boats, bike rentals, and locker rentals during your time at the park. The park also has two fully working camp grounds and camp ground sites throughout the park. Jonathan Dickinson has the last Atlantic coast state campground area before reaching the Florida Keys.

Jonathan Dickinson State is located at 16450 SE Federal Highway in Hobe Sound. Visit their website for more information.