Jonathan Dickinson State Park

This state park has a delicate balance of ecosystems that visitors can explore via hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a place to come explore true Floridian ecosystems in a variety of ways. This 11,500-acre park got its name from a Quaker merchant known as Jonathan Dickinson that shipwrecked in the area way back in 1696. The park was officially established in 1950 and has an extremely rare balance of ecosystems that consist of sand scrubs, pine flatwoods, bald cypress swamps, and red mangrove estuaries. The land here played a role during World War II; it was home to Camp Murphy and the barracks can still be seen here today.

There is truly so much to do and see at Jonathan Dickinson. There are multiple bike trails, canoe and kayak rentals (and launches if you bring your own), boat tours, campsites, hiking trails, and picnic shelters. Trapper Nelson’s is also located at this park, which is the preserved historical site of a man who lived off the land in an impressive way and used to trap and sell furs in the 1930s. Just past the entrance to the park you can also find Hobe Mountain, which is a 124-foot tower that provides spectacular views of the intercoastal and the Atlantic Ocean. Come explore this important region of land, see incredible wildlife species, and learn about such remarkable history at Jonathan Dickinson State Park!