🌤 Weather at Jonathan Dickinson State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58–86 °F | 72–91 °F | 62–88 °F | 54–76 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Port Salerno 5W, 11 mi away, elevation 12 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park is Southeast Florida’s wilderness escape—10,500 acres of pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, and the pristine Loxahatchee River, Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River. Take a boat tour to Trapper Nelson’s 1930s pioneer homestead, paddle the blackwater river, and explore Florida’s ancient landscape. Located between Jupiter and Stuart, this is the largest state park in Southeast Florida and a critical refuge for Florida scrub-jays, gopher tortoises, and manatees.
📢 February 2026 Updates
- Hobe Mountain Tower: CLOSED for major restoration (no reopening date announced)
- Swim Area: CLOSED since October 2025
- Kimbell Education Center: New hours – Thu-Mon 9AM-5PM (closed Tue/Wed)
- Trapper Nelson Tours: Running Thu-Mon, weather/tide permitting
Trapper Nelson Boat Tours
The legendary “Wildman of the Loxahatchee” built a frontier homestead in the 1930s—today you can visit by boat!
| Tour Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🚤 Vessel | Loxahatchee Queen pontoon boat |
| ⏱️ Duration | 90 minutes |
| 📅 Schedule | Thursday through Monday |
| 🏠 Site Hours | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Nov-Apr), closed Tue/Wed off-season |
| 📞 Reservations | (561) 746-1466 |
| ⚠️ Note | Tide-dependent; canoe/kayak access also available |
Loxahatchee River – Wild & Scenic
| River Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Designation | Florida’s FIRST federally designated Wild & Scenic River |
| 🛶 Paddling | Kayak/canoe access to Trapper Nelson site |
| 🐊 Wildlife | Manatees, alligators, herons, ospreys |
| 🎣 Fishing | Freshwater and saltwater species |
Hobe Mountain – Highest Point South of Okeechobee
| Hobe Mountain | Details |
|---|---|
| 📏 Elevation | 86 feet (highest natural point south of Lake Okeechobee) |
| 🗼 Tower Status | ⚠️ CLOSED for major restoration project |
| 🔧 Upgrades | Safety improvements, possible accessibility ramp |
| 📅 Reopening | Not yet announced—check official website |
Camping – 142 Sites in Two Campgrounds
| Campground | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🌲 Pine Grove | 90 sites | Full hookups (water/electric/sewer) |
| 🌊 River Campground | 52 sites | Waterfront on Loxahatchee River! |
| Camping Fees (2026) | Rate |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Campsite | $26/night + tax |
| 📋 Reservation Fee | $6.70 (non-refundable) |
| ⚡ RV Utility Fee | $7/night (not for tents) |
| 🏠 Cabins (Peak Nov-Apr) | $95/night + tax |
| 🏠 Cabins (Off-Season) | $85/night + tax |
📅 Book Early!
Campsites are often sold out. Florida residents can book 11 months ahead; non-residents 10 months. For equestrian or primitive camping, call the ranger station at (772) 546-2771.
Park Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 💵 Entry Fee | $6/vehicle, $4/single occupant, $2/pedestrian |
| 📐 Size | 10,500 acres (largest in SE Florida) |
| 📍 Location | Between Jupiter and Stuart, Martin County |
| 🕐 Hours | 8 AM – Sundown, 365 days/year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Trapper Nelson?
Trapper Nelson (Vincent Nostokovich, 1909-1968) was the legendary “Wildman of the Loxahatchee” who built a frontier homestead on the river in the 1930s. He trapped animals, ran a small zoo, and lived a primitive lifestyle that attracted curious visitors by boat. His mysterious death in 1968 added to his legend. Today, ranger-guided boat tours on the Loxahatchee Queen take visitors to his preserved homestead, where you can see his buildings and hear his story.
Is the Hobe Mountain observation tower open in 2026?
No. As of February 2026, the Hobe Mountain Observation Tower is closed for a major restoration project. The tower, which offers views from the highest natural point south of Lake Okeechobee (86 feet), is being overhauled for safety and may receive accessibility improvements. No reopening date has been announced—check the official park website for updates.
Can you kayak to Trapper Nelson’s site?
Yes! While the Loxahatchee Queen boat tour is popular, you can also paddle to Trapper Nelson’s homestead by canoe or kayak. The journey follows Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River. Access is tide-dependent, so check conditions before launching. Kayak and canoe rentals are available in the park.
Can you swim at Jonathan Dickinson State Park?
Not currently. The park’s swim area has been closed since October 2025. Check the official Florida State Parks website for updates on when it may reopen. In the meantime, nearby beaches (such as Hobe Sound Beach) offer swimming alternatives.
Is Jonathan Dickinson State Park worth visiting?
Absolutely! Despite current closures (tower, swim area), Jonathan Dickinson remains Southeast Florida’s premier wilderness destination. The Trapper Nelson boat tour is unique in Florida. Paddling the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River is world-class. With 10,500 acres, 142 campsites, and critical habitat for Florida scrub-jays and manatees, it’s an essential stop for nature lovers. Just check current closure status before your visit.
🛶 Wild & Scenic Adventure
Explore the legendary Loxahatchee, visit Trapper Nelson’s homestead, and discover 10,500 acres of Florida wilderness. Visit the official Jonathan Dickinson State Park website for current closure updates and boat tour reservations.
Explore More Florida State Parks
Jonathan Dickinson State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Florida. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Florida guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park (a short drive away) or Seabranch Preserve State Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Jonathan Dickinson State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 142 sites — Pine Grove Campground: 90 sites, water/electric/table/grill or fire ring, sewer hookup on all sites, max RV length 40 ft. River Campground: 52 sites, same hookups (no sewer), max RV length 36 ft. Both have tiled restrooms w/hot showers, washer/dryer |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 11 cabins, furnished w/bed & bath linens, dinnerware, utensils; 1BR w/queen or full bed, full bath, living area w/sleeper sofa, dining/kitchen w/microwave, full fridge, cooktop. Max occupancy 4-6 depending on cabin. Outside picnic table & fire ring. Pets NOT allowed. Min 2-night stay. Closing for renovations beginning October 18, 2026. |
| Pets | Well-behaved pets welcome in both family campgrounds; NOT permitted at backpack camps or primitive youth group camps; not allowed in cabins |
| Reservations | reserve.floridastateparks.org or 800-326-3521/TDD 888-433-0287; up to 11 months in advance |
| Special sites | Equestrian campground: 5 sites, horses tethered/penned, no electric fencing. Primitive backpack camps: 2 sites on Florida Trail (5 mi & 9 mi out), pitcher pump water, pets not permitted. Primitive Group camps: 3 sites, 30 campers each, no water on site, no showers, youth groups only. Glamping: deluxe safari tents w/A/C, fridge, coffee maker |
| Season notes | As of June 30, 2026, all park concessions (canoe/kayak/bike rentals, boat tours, general concessions) are currently unavailable; the 11 cabins will close for renovations beginning October 18, 2026 |
Camping questions about Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Can you camp at Jonathan Dickinson State Park?
Yes. Jonathan Dickinson State Park has 142 campsites. Pine Grove Campground: 90 sites, water/electric/table/grill or fire ring, sewer hookup on all sites, max RV length 40 ft. River Campground: 52 sites, same hookups (no sewer), max RV length 36 ft. Both have tiled restrooms w/hot showers, washer/dryer.
How do you reserve a campsite at Jonathan Dickinson State Park?
reserve.floridastateparks.org or 800-326-3521/TDD 888-433-0287; up to 11 months in advance.
Are there cabins at Jonathan Dickinson State Park?
11 cabins, furnished w/bed & bath linens, dinnerware, utensils; 1BR w/queen or full bed, full bath, living area w/sleeper sofa, dining/kitchen w/microwave, full fridge, cooktop. Max occupancy 4-6 depending on cabin. Outside picnic table & fire ring. Pets NOT allowed. Min 2-night stay. Closing for renovations beginning October 18, 2026.
Are pets allowed at the Jonathan Dickinson State Park campground?
Well-behaved pets welcome in both family campgrounds; NOT permitted at backpack camps or primitive youth group camps; not allowed in cabins.
Source: floridastateparks.org (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leashes may not exceed 6 feet; pets must be under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas — swimming pets can be viewed as prey by alligators.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in any state park buildings, cabins or cabin areas.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at several parks including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs (free kennels at the entrance), Weeki Wachee Springs and Egmont Key; in campgrounds pets must be confined in the camping unit 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Dogs & wildlife
- Keep leashed pets well back from the riverbank and canal edges, as FWC advises in alligator habitat.
Are dogs allowed at Jonathan Dickinson State Park?
Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via floridastateparks.org. More: Florida state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Jonathan Dickinson State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: Southeast Florida's largest state park protects 16 natural communities and several threatened and endangered species the park service specifically names: Florida scrub-jays, gopher tortoises, manatees and eastern indigo snakes. Alligators and turtles are commonly seen along the Loxahatchee River, and deer, raccoons, foxes, otters and bobcats roam the uplands. With more than 150 bird species recorded, the Hobe Mountain boardwalk through the scrub and a paddle on the wild and scenic Loxahatchee are two of the best vantage points.
Watch out for: Alligators are commonly seen along the Loxahatchee River, per the park's own wildlife page. Follow FWC's rules: never feed an alligator, keep your distance on riverbanks and boat ramps, and swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. Paddlers should observe the idle-speed zone, which also protects the manatees that use the river.
Are there alligators at Jonathan Dickinson State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via web.archive.org.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Jonathan Dickinson State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
