Key Points

Before diving into the full guide, here's a quick snapshot of what this article covers:

• Where it is: Jonathan Dickinson State Park sits in Hobe Sound on Florida's Treasure Coast, making it an easy home base for exploring the southeast Florida coast.

• What makes it unique: The park was once Camp Murphy, a secret WWII radar training school, and today protects the Loxahatchee River, Florida's first federally designated Wild and Scenic River.

• Where to camp: Two in-park RV campgrounds, Pine Grove and the river campground, both offer full hookups, with additional options nearby at Lion Country Safari's KOA and Palm Beach Traveler RV Park.

• When to go: Jonathan Dickinson is a genuine year-round destination, with each season offering its own draw, from winter manatee spotting to spring hiking and biking.

• Top activities: Canoeing and kayaking the Loxahatchee, guided boat tours to Trapper Nelson's homestead, hiking Hobe Mountain Trail, and mountain biking through the old Camp Murphy grounds.

• Nearby exploring: Beach access at Hobe Sound Beach and Coral Cove Park, plus dining and golf throughout Martin County, round out this park as a strong Treasure Coast base.

• Good to know: No on-site ocean beach, limited concessions availability can vary, and it's worth confirming the campsite-change policy at check-in.

Imagine boating downriver amid a swampy forest of ancient cypress trees. Kayak paddles gently slap the surface of the water as the river parts ahead. Tropical greenery passes by just as easily as the worry-free time flows. Slowly but surely, the environment shifts around you into a lush mangrove field, roots sprawling like tentacles down below. Something catches your eye. A hulking figure lazily floats alongside you: a pale blue manatee that's made this river home for the moment, just as you have.

Such an experience can be had at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, a massive, diverse community of park grounds along the Florida coast. Read on to see how to have an adventure like this yourself with Jonathan Dickinson State Park RV camping in this ultimate guide!

Jonathan Dickinson State Park Facts and History

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the largest state park in southeast Florida, and it earns that title with more than 10,000 acres spread across sixteen distinct natural communities, from sand pine scrub to mangrove river swamp. A few facts make this park worth the detour on your Florida coast road trip:

• The park is named after Jonathan Dickinson, a Quaker merchant from Jamaica who shipwrecked on the Florida coast in 1696.

• Trapper Nelson, the legendary Wild Man of the Loxahatchee, lived off the banks of the river in the 1930s, trapping and selling furs before slowly re-entering society. When he passed away in 1968, the state used his land to help form the park you can visit today.

• The Loxahatchee River running through the park is Florida's first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, a rare distinction that protects its natural character.

• Hobe Mountain, an ancient sand dune inside the park, is the highest natural hill south of Lake Okeechobee, and it's one of the only spots in South Florida where you can hike to the top of a dune like this.

• Wildlife here includes foxes, raccoons, deer, otters, bobcats, and alligators, along with roughly 140 species of birds that pass through the park, making it a genuine destination for birdwatching.

Camp Murphy: A Secret WWII Radar Training School

Long before it was a state park, this land had a very different purpose. During World War II, the U.S. Army opened Camp Murphy here as a training site for a brand-new technology that would go on to help win the war: radar. Soldiers trained in radar operations at Camp Murphy from 1942 to 1944, and the base was one of the largest and most secretive of its kind in the country at the time.

When the war ended and the base was decommissioned, it was turned over to the state of Florida and became Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Roughly 1,000 original camp buildings once stood on the site, and today, hikers and mountain bikers still come across remnants of the old base scattered through the scrub along trails like the Camp Murphy Off-Road Bicycle Trail, where crumbling structures emerge from the vines like small ruins. It's one of the more unexpected pieces of history you'll find inside any Florida state park, and it adds a layer of depth to a visit that goes well beyond the river and the trails.

Come explore this layered history for yourself with an RV trip to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, and read on to find the right campground for your visit.

Exploring the Loxahatchee River

The Loxahatchee River is the heart of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, and it's easy to see why. As Florida's first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Loxahatchee offers a genuinely different experience depending on which stretch you're on. The upper section winds through ancient cypress trees, while the lower section opens into a lush mangrove swamp, roots sprawling into the dark water below.

A trip down this scenic river feels like stepping back into old Florida, long before development reached this stretch of coast. Wildlife sightings are common along the way, and if you're visiting in winter, keep an eye out for manatees. It's one of the best places in the region to spot manatees in the wild, especially early in the morning before boat traffic picks up.

Canoeing, Kayaking, and Boat Tours

There's more than one way to experience the river, so it's worth thinking through which fits your trip best.

• Paddle it yourself: A canoe or kayak launch near the park entrance gives you direct access to the river, letting you set your own pace and explore at leisure. This is the better option if you want a quieter, more independent adventure.

• Take a guided tour: Boat tours along the river, including trips out to the Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site, are a great choice for anyone who'd rather sit back and let someone else navigate. Guides often share stories about the river's history and point out wildlife you might otherwise miss.

• Check availability before you go: Concessions and rentals at the park can vary, so it's worth calling ahead or checking current conditions before building your whole day around a specific tour or rental.

One thing worth noting for RVers: Jonathan Dickinson doesn't have its own ocean beach on-site. The river does offer a few swimming holes if you want to cool off, though the real beach access is a short drive away, which we'll cover later in this guide.

However you choose to explore it, the river is the reason most people fall in love with this park. Few places let you experience so much of Florida's original coastline in a single afternoon.

Where to Camp: State Park and Nearby RV Options

Once you're ready to plan your stay, you've got two main options: camp directly inside the state park along the river and pines, or choose one of a couple of well-equipped RV parks just outside the boundary. Here's a closer look at each.

Pine Grove Campground

Near the former Camp Murphy site, Pine Grove Campground is one of the most convenient RV camping options inside Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Sites here are large, level, and well-maintained, though shade is limited across much of the campground, so plan accordingly if you're visiting in the warmer months.

Amenities:

• Full hookups at every site

• Large tiled restrooms and showers nearby

• Easy access to a lake for fishing, a swimming hole, and a nearby beach

• Located close to biking trails, including access to multi-use trails for both road and mountain biking

Capacity: 77 sites

Size restrictions: Most sites accommodate standard RVs and trailers comfortably, though it's worth confirming your rig's specific length when booking, since site dimensions vary throughout the campground.

River Campground

If boating or paddling the river is the centerpiece of your trip, the river campground is the better home base. Every site here sits just a few strides from river access, making it easy to launch a kayak or canoe right from your campsite.

Amenities:

• Full hookups at every site

• Large tiled restrooms and showers on-site

• Direct proximity to the Loxahatchee for paddling and fishing

• Picnic tables at individual sites, with picnic pavilions and picnic areas available nearby for larger groups

Capacity: 45 sites

Size restrictions: Similar to Pine Grove, most standard RVs and trailers fit comfortably, but it's worth double-checking specific site lengths against your rig before booking, since river campground sites tend to run slightly smaller than those at Pine Grove.

Dump Station and Utility Access

Both campgrounds offer full hookups, so most RVers won't need to rely heavily on the park's dump station during their stay. That said, it's good to know it's available for anyone traveling without full hookups, doing a quick pass-through stop, or needing to empty tanks before hitting the road again. Check in at the ranger station if you have questions about location or access.

More RV Parks Near Jonathan Dickinson

If the in-park campgrounds are full, or you're looking for a different kind of stay, two nearby options are worth a look.

Lion Country Safari's KOA

Half RV park, half safari theme park, this is a fun and family-friendly option a short drive from the park. Tour the 320-acre safari from your RV or on foot, and fall asleep to the distant soundscape of an African wilderness.

Capacity: 233 sites

Palm Beach Traveler RV Park

A solid alternative with an amenity list longer than the state park's own. Expect an enclosed, heated swimming pool, a clubhouse, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, full hookups, and free high-speed internet at the clubhouse.

Capacity: 99 sites

Best Time to Visit Jonathan Dickinson State Park

One of the best things about Jonathan Dickinson State Park is that it's genuinely a year-round destination. Unlike parks that really only shine in one season, this stretch of the Florida coast offers something worthwhile no matter when you visit, as long as you plan around the weather that comes with each part of the calendar.

Winter

Winter is many visitors' favorite time to camp here. Florida's humidity is at its lowest, and the state enjoys some of the mildest winters in the country. Expect sunny days around 76 degrees with overnight lows dipping to about 59 degrees. It's also prime season for spotting manatees along the river, so pack a light jacket for the mornings and plan a paddle.

Spring

Spring offers a nice in-between. You'll get a warmth similar to summer without the heaviest humidity, and it's an ideal season for hiking and biking trails throughout the park. A visit around May tends to hit the sweet spot, with lower humidity than the months that follow and a comfortable buffer before hurricane season officially begins.

Summer

Summer brings the heat, with highs commonly in the 90s and humidity often above 90% as well. It's not the easiest season for hiking, but it's still a fine time for river activities like paddling and swimming, especially if you plan your days around the cooler morning hours. Just know that afternoon storms are common this time of year, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Fall

Fall brings pleasant temperatures, typically 70 to 80 degrees, with more tolerable humidity than summer. The tradeoff is timing: hurricane season runs through the fall, with September historically the most active month for Florida storms. That said, fall can also mean fewer crowds and easier campsite availability, so with some flexibility and a close watch on the forecast, it's still a season worth considering.

The takeaway here is simple: there's no wrong season to visit Jonathan Dickinson, just different things to plan around. With an RV, you've got the flexibility to adjust your route or timing if a storm rolls through, which is one more reason this park works so well as a year-round stop on a Florida road trip.

Things to Do in Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Between the campground, the river, and the seasonal planning tips above, you're well on your way to a great trip. Here's a closer look at how to spend your days once you've settled in.

• Float along the Loxahatchee: Whether you're paddling a canoe or kayak yourself or joining one of the boat tours, time on the river is the centerpiece of most visits here.

• Hit the trails: The Hobe Mountain Trail is one of the park's most popular hikes, climbing a boardwalk up an ancient sand dune for sweeping views over the surrounding scrub. For something longer, the Green Loop winds through the old Camp Murphy ruins, while the Kitching Creek Nature Trail offers an easier walk through pine flatwoods and along the creek.

• Explore on two wheels: Mountain biking is a major draw here, with dedicated off-road trails weaving through the park's scrub and pine habitats. Road cyclists have plenty of paved options too, making this one of the better multi-use trail systems in the region for a mixed group.

• Spot manatees in the wild: Winter visitors have a real shot at seeing migrating manatees along the river. Head out early for the best chance, or book a guided tour if you'd rather have an expert pointing them out.

• Visit Trapper Nelson's homestead: A ranger-guided tour tells the story of this local legend, who lived a self-reliant life along the river before slowly re-entering society, eventually building a zoo and public gardens on his land.

• Stop by the visitor center: The Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center offers exhibits and programs that bring the park's nature and history to life, with visual materials throughout and both visual and audio options available for the park's auto tour. The center is also equipped with several electronic mobility devices and a wheelchair friendly ramp, along with an accessible canoe and kayak launch and a small pier down to the boat dock, making it one of the more accessible ways to experience the park regardless of mobility.

• Picnic in the park: Picnic pavilions and tables are scattered throughout the grounds, giving you plenty of spots to eat surrounded by nature.

There's a lot packed into this park, and most visitors find a single day isn't quite enough to see it all. Plan accordingly, and don't be surprised if you end up extending your stay.

Hobe Sound and Nearby Treasure Coast Attractions

Part of what makes Jonathan Dickinson such a smart home base for RVers is what surrounds it. The park sits right in Hobe Sound, within easy reach of some of the best that Martin County and the greater Treasure Coast have to offer. Since you're already parked and settled in an RV, day trips out from camp are simple without any hassle of packing up and checking out.

Beach Access

Jonathan Dickinson doesn't have its own ocean beach, but you're only a short drive from several excellent ones.

• Hobe Sound Beach: The closest option to the park, offering classic Atlantic coast scenery without a long drive.

• Coral Cove Park: A short trip north gets you free parking and a genuinely nice beach, with the added bonus of the Indian River just across the road for anyone who wants to fish or simply take in the view.

Dining

After a day on the river or the trails, you won't have to go far for a good meal. Hobe Sound and the surrounding towns of Jupiter and Tequesta offer everything from casual seafood spots to Italian restaurants, so there's something for every craving after a day of camp cooking.

Golf

For RVers looking to fit in a round between outdoor adventures, the area around Hobe Sound has no shortage of golf courses, with several highly rated options within a short drive of the park. It's an easy way to break up a multi-day stay with something a little different.

Why This Makes Jonathan Dickinson a Great Home Base

Because so much of the Treasure Coast sits within a short drive, you don't have to choose between basing your trip at the park and exploring everything around it. Beach days, dinners out, and a round of golf are all easy additions to a stay built around Jonathan Dickinson, which is part of what makes it such a strong central stop for RVers touring this part of Florida.

Tips for Visiting Jonathan Dickinson

You've got the campground booked, the season planned, and a list of activities both inside the park and out. Before you hit the road, a few practical details will help your trip go smoothly.

• Watch for alligators: It's not uncommon to spot alligators in the park. They're typically shy and avoid people, but can act aggressively if provoked, so keep a safe distance from any you see in the wild.

• Keep an eye on the forecast: Florida's weather can shift quickly. Plan your visit dates carefully, and check conditions regularly as your trip approaches.

• Be cautious about swimming: Swimming is allowed in certain watering holes, but it's not always recommended due to weeds, murky water, and a lack of lifeguards. If you're looking to swim, Hobe Sound Beach is a better bet.

• Pack bug spray: The hot, humid environment here is a haven for mosquitoes, so come prepared.

• Check your route on the river: The Loxahatchee is a slow, gentle river that shouldn't pose a serious challenge to most paddlers, but it's still smart to plan your route and have a backup plan in case of an emergency.

• Know the site-change policy: If you arrive and want to switch to a different campsite, some visitors have reported a small fee for making the change after booking. It's worth confirming the current policy when you check in, so there are no surprises.

None of these are dealbreakers, just a few things worth knowing ahead of time so nothing catches you off guard once you arrive.

Get Your RV Rental for Jonathan Dickinson State Park

That's the full picture of this remarkable stretch of the Florida coast. Between the Loxahatchee, the WWII history hidden in the scrub, and everything within reach in Hobe Sound and the surrounding Treasure Coast, Jonathan Dickinson State Park earns its place on any road trip through South Florida.

Getting there is easier with the right RV. Cruise America offers a wide range of modern rentals equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, from a working kitchen and shower to air conditioning and real living space. Whether you're a first-time RVer or a seasoned road tripper, there's no better way to make Jonathan Dickinson your home base for exploring this part of Florida.

Ready to start planning? Reserve your RV rental today and make Jonathan Dickinson State Park your next stop.