Choose Your Adventure at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Florida

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the perfect park for the family that loves outdoor adventures. Whether it’s mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, or exploring the outdoors, this is the park for you. With miles of natural beauty and abundant opportunities for exploration, this park is sure to provide an adventure unlike any other.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is located in the Southeastern part of Florida in Hobe Sound and just North of Jupiter. This 10,500 acre park is full of history, intrigue and mystery. From the shipwrecked Jonathan Dickinson, the park’s namesake, to the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee” and the World War II top-secret radar school, this park has an interesting and varied past.

The park is known for its mountain bike and hiking trails. As well as the water sports, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding on the Loxahatchee River. This is the perfect park to explore the wilderness of Florida and to learn about its history.

Camping

There are two main campgrounds at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The Pine Grove Campground and the River Campground. We stayed at the River Campground for the weekend. It is a bit more woodsy, with close proximity to the river, Kimbell Education Center and the River Store. Two bathhouses are centrally located at the River Campground with electric and water hookups. A picnic table, fire pit and grill are provided. The dump station is located in the Pine Grove Campground. Pine Grove also has sewer hookups at all of their campsites.

Primitive camping, equestrian campsites and cabin rentals are also available.

Loxahatchee River

While you are in the park make sure to explore the Loxahatchee River. Although we were very reluctant to swim in the swimming area, we did take a guided boat tour up to Trapper Nelson’s homestead.

You can purchase tickets for the tour at the River Store. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards can also be rented at the store.

Trapper Nelson Site

Learn about local ledge Trapper Nelson, the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee” as a volunteer park staff gives you a tour of his former homestead.

Trapper Nelson, a New Jersey native with the original name of Vincent Natulkiewicz, came to Loxahatchee River in the 1930’s to live off the land and eventually making his homestead a tourist attraction. He died in 1968 under mysterious circumstances. His original buildings, make shift zoo enclosures and plantings can still be viewed today.

Hobe Mountain Observation Tower

Be sure to climb the highest point in South Florida, Hobe Mountain Observation Tower. Definitely observe the best panoramic views of the area.

Geocaching

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a fantastic park to do a lot of Geocaching. If you are new to the activity, check out my post Geocaching With Kids or visit geocaching.com for more information.

Geocaching is a great way to explore the park and to a do bit of treasure hunting. My son and I always have fun doing this. Be sure to wear bug spray and bring a pen to write in the logs. You never know what you will find.

Blowing Rock and Coral Cove

Two beaches to find and explore are Blowing Rock Preserve and Coral Cove. Both are located on Jupiter Island minutes from each other. The coral formations on the shoreline are amazing. The ocean was a little rough because of a recent hurricane passing by, but the views were spectacular.

Adventure Filled Weekend

We had a fantastic time exploring Jonathan Dickinson State Park and the surrounding area, but it really wore us out, especially my youngest son. He cozied up in my Zonli heated blanket and took a snooze at the end of day. This is now his favorite blanket and I will probably not see it again.

For more information or to make a camping reservation visit Jonathan Dickinson State Park. You will have an amazing time surrounded by the beauty of Florida wilderness. Happy Camping.

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