Paddlers at Jonathan Dickenson State Park

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Explore the majestic Loxahatchee River, diverse ecosystems and exciting history

Know Before You Go

Shuttle for Loxahatchee River Paddle Out of Service: There is currently no shuttle running from Jonathan Dickinson State Park to Riverbend Park. Anyone wanting to paddle the upper reaches of the river must arrange their own shuttle transportation or make their paddle round-trip.

Guided Horseback Riding: Guided horseback tours will not be offered this season. For more information regarding these tours, please contact the park's concession at 561-746-1466.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$6 per vehicle

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Location

16450 S.E. Federal Highway
Hobe Sound FL 33455

Get directions

Contact Info

772-546-2771

Welcome to Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Sixteen distinct natural communities create the mosaic that is Jonathan Dickinson, the largest state park in Southeast Florida.

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Rare environments such as coastal sand hills, upland lakes and scrub forests as well as the pristine Loxahatchee River make this park a unique spot to explore on land or by water.

Historical interests include a secret World War II training camp, the story of the shipwrecked Quaker merchant who is the park’s namesake, and Trapper Nelson, the legendary Wild Man of the Loxahatchee.

Ranger-guided tours of Trapper Nelson’s 1930s pioneer homestead 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 enjoy the park. Anglers can fish along the riverbank or from a boat.

The nature and history of the park come to life through exhibits and displays in the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center. Programs for kids or the whole family are also offered here.

Sign up for our friends group e-newsletter to learn more about programs and events.

Plan Your Visit

John Lakich, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

With over 10,000 acres, 16 different natural communities and endless hiking trails, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the perfect place to explore, no matter the time of year.
Visitor Services
Service

Dining, Tours & Rentals

We offer a variety of paddling rental options and single-speed cruiser bicycle rentals for your enjoyment inside the park. We also provide guided nature tours including interpretive boat tours, guided canoe tours, horse-drawn tram tours and guided horseback rides.
A classroom full of children participating in an activity.
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Programs and Activities at Jonathan Dickinson

The visitor center at Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers interpretive programs and activities for families, school groups, scouts and other organized groups.
A camper and truck are set up on a concrete pad.
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RANKED #2 IN USA FOR RV CAMPING

Jonathan Dickinson State Park was voted #2 for RV Camping by the USA TODAY 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards.
A view of the waters of the Loxahatchee River.
Learn

Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River

Venture down the Loxahatchee River and into the real Florida outback to see Trapper Nelson’s camp, a homestead and zoo established in the 1920s by the “wildman of the Loxahatchee.”
A view of the shrubbery on Hobe Mountain.
Learn

Hobe Mountain

A hike up this Florida "mountain" will reveal a unique ecosystem of plants and animals, found no where else in the world. Jonathan Dickinson is the only state park in south Florida where visitors can hike to the top of an ancient sand dune.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Boating
Boating
Camping
Camping
Camping Equestrian
Camping Equestrian
Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Swimming
Swimming
Tours
Tours
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Boat Ramp
Boat Ramp
Cabins
Cabins
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Mountain Bike Trail
Mountain Bike Trail
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Water Fountain
Water Fountain

Jonathan Dickinson State Park Photo Gallery

Scenic View
Loxahatchee River View
Habitat at Jonathan Dickinson
Nature Painting
Gopher Tortoise
Boat Launch Area
Flatwoods
Sunset View
A blue scrub jay perched on a post.
Large Land Turtle

People Make the Parks

Park Ranger Sara Travis stands with native vegetation in fire gear before a burn

Staff Spotlight

A native Floridian with a passion for nature, Sara is a perfect addition to the Florida Park Service family.
Dave Bleau volunteer stands in front of native vegetation

Volunteer Spotlight

On a quest for warm weather and sunny skies, Dave is living the volunteer dream with Florida State Parks.
Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
Native American Heritage Trail
Viva Florida 500

Park Map

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