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Jonathan Dickinson State Park
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State Park Overview |
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Camping |
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Two family campgrounds are to be found at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Pine Grove Campground, with 90 sites, is located near the ranger station in the east part of the park. The River Campground is about four miles from the park entrance, near the Loxahatchee River. It has 45 sites. Both campgrounds have large, tiled bathhouses with hot-water showers, and sites with water, electric, table and grill. There is a dump station in each campground. For reservations call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-326-3521.
Primitive Camping
Two backpack camps are available on segments of the Florida Trail. One is nine miles out along the trail, and the other is 12 miles out. A pitcher pump is located near each camp WATER MUST BE TREATED. Overnight trips to these sites must begin by certain specified times of the day call the ranger station at 772-546-2771 for information and reservations.
Youth Camping
The park has three youth group sites, for up to 30 persons each. Each site is equipped with tables and 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. |
Trails |
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Horse Trails
Eight miles of horse trail start at the Eaglesview area, for those trailering their own horses into the park. Trail maps are available at the ranger station.
Nature Trails
Four, scenic nature trails wind through the park, allowing visitors to explore the park?s various habitats. The Kitching Creek-Wilson Creek Trails start in the picnic area parking lot, and lead the visitor through pine flatwoods and along the creeks. The Kitching Creek portion is a self-guiding trail, with a brochure available. The Hobe Mountain Trail is a short, beautiful boardwalk that climbs up through the sand pine scrub to the observation tower, from which commanding views of the entire park and surrounding area may be had. The Sand Pine Scrub Nature Trail is actually the beginning ? mile of our portion of the Florida Trail. A self-guiding leaflet is available at the ranger station for this trail.
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Picnicking |
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Boating |
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Boat Ramp
A newly rebuilt boat launch ramp is available on the Loxahatchee River. The Loxahatchee eventually leads to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Please observe the "idle speed" limit on the river within the park.
Boat Tours
The 44-passenger Loxahatchee Queen II takes visitors on a two-hour tour of the river, with a stop at the restored camp of Trapper Nelson, the "Wildman of the Loxahatchee." At the site, park staff lead visitors around the grounds and buildings of a true Florida original, who made his living off the land as a trapper and fur trader. Once fame caught up with Trapper however, he evolved himself and his home into one of the areas first tourist attractions, "Trappers Zoo and Jungle Gardens." Trappers unsolved death in 1968 gives a fitting sense of mystery to the site. Trappers is open Wednesday through Sunday, and is accessible only by private canoe or boat or by the concessions tour boat. Call the park concession at 561-746-1466 for information on times and prices for the Loxahatchee Queen II.
Boating
The Loxahatchee is famous throughout the state for canoeing and kayaking. The upper river winds its way under a canopy of centuries-old cypress trees, giving a real back-in-time experience. On the lower section, the river becomes a mangrove-lined estuary, with ample bird life along its shores. In 1985, the Loxahatchee was designated as Floridas first "National Wild & Scenic River." The park concession offers rental canoes, kayaks, and motorboats. Please observe the "idle speed" limit on the river within the park.
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Swimming |
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Fishing and Hunting |
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History of the Area |
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The Loxahatchee River, named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1985, winds its way through the park, passing under a canopy of centuries-old cypress trees. The river has a timeless beauty all its own, "possessing remarkable ecological and recreational values which are unique in the United States."
Legends are nothing new to the east coast of Florida. In 1696, a Quaker merchant named Jonathan Dickinson shipwrecked off the coast in the area of Hobe Sound. Dickinson, his family and other survivors, made an arduous journey along the coast to St. Augustine. His journal, describing encounters with Native Americans and Spanish settlers, gives valuable information about life in early Florida.
The 44-passenger Loxahatchee Queen II takes visitors up the Loxahatchee River to the pioneer homesite of Trapper Nelson. Nelson came to the area in the 1930s and lived off the land by trapping and selling furs. He quickly became famous as the "Wildman of the Loxahatchee." After his death in 1968, the state acquired his land, preserving his home and grounds for future generations to enjoy. |
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More Info | |
Jonathan Dickinson State Park Overview | |
Florida canoeing in Florida, boat rentals, kayaking, eco tours rental cabins. Nature tour camping in Florida state parks. Jonathan Dickinson State Park info Loxahatchee River guided boat tours. | |
Florida canoeing in Florida, boat rentals, kayaking, eco tours rental cabins. Nature tour camping in Florida state parks. Jonathan Dickinson State Park info Loxahatchee River guided boat tours. | |
... a special committee of the CSO (Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park). Support the Camp Murphy Off Road Bicycle Trail by ... work days or events. Jonathan Dickinson State Park If rattlesnakes ... | |
Click here to see more pictures Jonathan Dickinson State Park is one of the larger parks in south Florida. This 11,300-acre ... as are canoe rentals. Jonathan Dickinson State Park is located 12 ... | |
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This virtual tour takes you along the Sand Pine Nature Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. ... Map showing location of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Jonathan Dickinson State Park is ... | |
Home] [FAQ] [Activities] [Photo Album] [Application] [Event Calendar] [Contacts] [Members Only] ? Outdoors and Active, Inc.~ PO Box 948131~ Maitland Fl 32794-8131~ Info Line 407-263-8300 No part of ... | |
Jonathan Dickinson State Park Trails This state park, west of Hobe Sound, is nearly 11,500 acres of pine scrub, pine flatwoods ... Contact Information Jonathan Dickinson State Park 16450 SE ... |
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Jonathan Dickinson State Park
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