One of Florida’s largest and most diverse state parks.
The Setting
The 11,500-acre park is named for Jonathan Dickinson, a Quaker merchant whose vessel shipwrecked nearby in 1696. His book, God’s Protecting Providence, records the story of his party’s capture by the Jobe (Hoe-Bay) Indians and their release and journey up the coast to St. Augustine. Victims of war and disease, these native people died off shortly thereafter.
During World War II, the land the park now occupies was home to Camp Murphy, a top-secret radar training school with over 6,600 men. The land became a state park in 1950.
Far upriver is the Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site, the restored homestead of a man who came to this area in the 1930s and lived off the land, trapping and selling furs. He became famous as the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee,” opening his “Trapper’s Jungle Gardens and Wildlife Zoo” to the public.
About 20 percent of the park is covered in coastal sand pine scrub, a biological community so rare it has been designated “globally imperiled.” More rare and endangered species, like the Florida scrub-jay, Florida mouse and gopher frog, are found in the scrub than in the rest of the park combined.
The Loxahatchee River winds slowly through the park, passing under a canopy of centuries old cypress trees. This river was designated as Florida’s first “National Wild and Scenic River” in 1985.
Wildlife found in the park includes deer, raccoons, foxes, bobcats, opossums, alligators and otters. Over 140 species of birds have been identified here, making Jonathan Dickinson an excellent birding destination.
The Facility
Jonathan Dickinson State Park features two full-facility campgrounds, one a short distance from the ranger station, the other four miles away, near the Loxahatchee River. Cabins are available for rent from the concessionaire. Each camp site features electric and water hookups for RVs and tents. A communal dump station is available at no extra charge. Hot water showers are available.
Camping Tips
• Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
• Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet and be well behaved at all times.
• Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station
Park Features
The Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center is open every day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its exhibit hall uses interactive displays and panels to interpret the natural and cultural features of the park. A variety of programs are offered.
Canoes, kayaks and motorboats are available for rent from the concessionaire. . A tour of the Loxahatchee aboard the Loxahatchee Queen II is a popular way to enjoy the park. Call the concessionaire at (561) 746-1466.
A picnic area with four pavilions and a playground borders the Loxahatchee. Three of
the pavilions can be reserved, and the fourth is available first-come, first-served. An old-fashioned “swimming hole” is located along the river, just east of the concession store.
Four nature trails and off-road and paved bicycle trails offer opportunities to experience wild Florida. Horse trails are available for those bringing their own mounts. A network of 9 to 12-mile hiking trails, part of the Florida Trail system, leads to primitive campsites.
The Hobe Mountain Observation Tower offers commanding views of the park, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Hobe Mountain, an ancient sand dune, rises 86 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest points of land in south Florida.
Nature walks and evening campfire programs are offered. In addition, tours are given regularly at the Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site.
Address
16450 S.E. Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, Florida 33455
Over the following century, both the Spanish and French established settlements in Florida with varying degrees of success. In 1559, Spanish Pensacola was established by Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano as the first European settlement in the continental United States
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