Manager's Message
The hot summer months are the perfect time to try canoeing or kayaking on the beautiful Loxahatchee River, Florida’s first nationally designated “Wild & Scenic River.” Some 10 miles of this blackwater stream winds through the park, from a cypress and hickory forest at the headwaters near Indiantown Road, to a mangrove wilderness as you approach the park’s picnic area and boat ramp. Rental canoes and kayaks are available from the park's concessionaire in the picnic area.
Early weekdays offer a chance to avoid both the crowds and the thundershowers, and birds and wildlife should be much more viewable. After your paddle, you could enjoy a picnic lunch and then a swim in the ol’ swimmin’ hole – just remember to wait a half-hour, like your mom told you!
And, don't forget that the park now offers fun family education programs every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. For more information, please click here.
- Mark Nelson, Park Manager
Welcome to Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Located just south of Stuart, this park teems with wildlife in 13 natural communities, including sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, mangroves, and river swamps. The Loxahatchee River, Florida's first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, runs through the park. Ranger-guided tours of the 1930s pioneer homestead of Trapper Nelson are available year-round. Visitors can enjoy paved and off-road biking, equestrian, and hiking trails. Boating, canoeing, and kayaking along the river are also great ways to see the park. Anglers can fish along the riverbank or from a boat. The nature and history of the park comes to life through exhibits and displays in the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center. Programs for the kids, or for the whole family, are also offered here. The park also offers two full-facility campgrounds and a youth/group primitive campground. Visitors can arrange boat tours of the river and rent canoes, kayaks, and motorboats by calling (561) 746-1466. Located 12 miles south of Stuart on U.S. 1.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Jonathan Dickinson State Park, please call 772-546-2771.
Get more information on making a reservation.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
To Jonathan Dickinson State Park from the south
On I-95 - take Exit 87A - go east on Indiantown Road to US 1. Turn left (north) on US 1. Jonathan Dickinson is 5 miles on your left.
On Florida Turnpike - take Exit 116 (Jupiter). Go east on Indiantown Road to
US 1. Turn left (north) on US 1. Jonathan Dickinson is 5 miles on your left.
To Jonathan Dickinson State Park from the north
On I-95 - take Exit 96 - go east on Bridge Road to US 1. Turn right (south) on US 1. Jonathan Dickinson is 3 miles on your right.
On Florida Turnpike - take Exit 116 (Jupiter). Go east on Indiantown Road to
US 1. Turn left (north) on US 1. Jonathan Dickinson is 5 miles on your left.
Park Fees
Please call the Park for information at 772-546-2771.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
16450 S.E. Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, Florida 33455
Phone: 772-546-2771
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Inc.
16450 Southeast Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Visitor Service Provider
Jonathan Dickinson State Park River Tours, Inc.
16450 Southeast Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
(561) 746-1466
Jonathan Dickinson State Park River Tours, Inc.
