State: Florida
Address 1: 16450 S.E. Federal Highway
City: Hobe Sound
Zip: 33455
Phone: 772-546-2771
Open all Year: Yes
Electric Water: 135
Camp URL: http://www.floridastateparks.org/jonathandickinson/default.cfm
Full Hook: Yes
Free: No
About: 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.
Two family campgrounds are located at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Pine Grove Campground, with 90 sites, is located near the ranger station on the east side of the park. The River Campground, with 45 sites, is about four miles from the park entrance, near the Loxahatchee River. Both campgrounds have large, tiled restrooms with hot showers. All sites include water, electricity, table and grill. A dump station is located in each campground. Well behaved pets are welcome in the campground.
The park offers fun, family education programs every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. til 11:30 a.m. and a nature walk on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Rental canoes, kayaks, motorboats and tour boat are available.
Maximum RV length = 45 ft.
Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica.
Two backpack camps are available on segments of the Florida Trail. Maps of the Trail are available at the Ranger Station. One camp is five miles out along the trail, and the other is nine miles out. A pitcher pump is located near each camp. Water must be treated. Pets are not permitted on this trail and/or at these camps. Collection of firewood is not permitted in Florida State Parks; be sure to pack a stove for cooking. Overnight trips to these camps must begin by certain specified times of the day; reservations are not required, but are suggested. Call the Ranger Station at (772) 546-2771 for information and reservations.
Three youth group sites each accommodate 30 campers. Youths are defined as being less than 18 years of age. Youths must be chaperoned by at least one adult, 21 years of age or older, for each 10 youths. Pets are welcome. Sites are equipped with tables, a fire circle and a composting toilet. There is no water in this area; the closest potable water is about a mile away at the picnic area. Call the park for reservations at (772) 546-2771.
