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Jonathan Dickinson
Overview
Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a massive natural preserve in Hobe Sound, offering over 11,500 acres of diverse ecosystems. It is one of South Florida’s most unique destinations, blending the history of shipwreck survivors and World War II training camps with the pristine beauty of the Loxahatchee River. RVers will find a sense of true wilderness here, despite being just a short drive from modern conveniences. This park provides a rare glimpse into Florida’s ancient landscape.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Hobe Sound, Florida, the park is bordered by the Atlantic coastal ridge. The terrain is a mix of pine flatwoods, mangroves, and the rare sand pine scrub habitat. One of the most striking features is Hobe Mountain, an ancient sand dune that provides panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The park’s location makes it a peaceful sanctuary tucked away from the high-traffic corridors of the Treasure Coast.
Amenities & Park Features
The park offers two distinct camping areas for travelers, providing a variety of ways to stay. The Pine Grove Campground features 90 sites with full hookups, while the River Area Campground provides a more secluded feel. Key features include:
- Full hookup sites with sewer, water, and electricity in the Pine Grove area.
- Spacious paved pads designed to accommodate big-rig setups comfortably.
- Clean bathhouses, picnic tables, grills, and on-site laundry facilities.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the main draw, specifically paddling on the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River. Visitors can explore the landscape through several unique activities:
- Guided boat tours to the historic Trapper Nelson’s homestead and zoo.
- Hiking the trails to see the view from the top of the Hobe Mountain tower.
- Miles of paved and off-road biking trails through various Florida habitats.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and active families who want more than just a place to park. It is perfect for those who enjoy birdwatching, wildlife photography, or navigating winding waterways. While it offers modern comforts, it appeals most to travelers seeking a peaceful, rustic experience where the primary entertainment is the great outdoors. It is a top pick for those wanting to explore Florida's natural heritage.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
John Jones
At the park you can go on guided river tours. Boat rentals are available for 2 hours for $65. Call ahead to check for availability and times due to tides. There is a gift shop that sells refreshments, snacks, and souvenirs. I recommend taking the time to visit the welcome center where they have a small museum and video theater where children or adults can do a scavenger hunt. They have hats and tee-shirts for $10. I would recommend this park for camping, cabins and tents are available, they even have rv sites and a boat ramp, knack rentals are available also. Fishing at the pier is an option to consider it is brackish water.
Walter A
Been 28 years since I last stayed here. Stayed at the youth site so somewhat away from the rest of the camps. I'd probably give it a 5 star if I was able to enjoy the park more as they have mountain biking, hiking, and some other water borne stuff that I couldn't partake in, sadly. Large park so plenty of room to stretch your arms. Rangers were great! Very helpful and responsive, truly appreciated. The negatives which can and cannot be fixed were the late night trains that run through the park, the mosquitoes the size of VWs, and the observation tower being closed. So go to bed tired, lather on the bug spray (didn't even phase them), and you still get a decent view from the "mountain" top.
Mary Hirose
HUGE park!! RV site 001 is massive with full hookups and across from a fun playground (only one in camp). It's a drive to get to the actual park, and the fees for tours are pretty steep if you have a large family. Super close to shopping, beaches, a lighthouse, and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
Bri Appleton
Hands down, this might be the best Florida state park I’ve ever visited. The biking and hiking trails were so much fun and really well maintained. We stayed for a long weekend and everything about the trip was just right. The campground was peaceful, the scenery was beautiful, and the whole place felt untouched and quiet. If you’re looking to disconnect and enjoy nature, this is the spot.
Laura McCann
This is my first experience at Jonathan Dickinson. It was a very pretty and peaceful campground. I stayed at the River campground location. My dog (Slater) and cat (Zena) enjoyed it very much. We had plenty of places to bike ride around. We hiked up the walk path to hobo outlook. Although the Outlook Tower was shut down it was still quite a beautiful view. One main thing that I would complain about was the constant target practice that was nearby. Gunfire all day long. So if you have PTSD this is not a great place for you.