Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

October 7, 2021

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a Florida State Park and historic site located between Hobe Sound and Tequesta in Martin County, Florida. The park is home to the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center, as well as a variety of natural habitats, including sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, mangrove swamps, and river swamps. The park is bisected by the Loxahatchee River, which was named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1985 (the first in Florida). Additionally, the park is located along the Ocean to Lake Trail. The park is located at 16450 Southeast. Hobe Sound's Federal Highway. Camp Murphy Mountain Bike Trails are a popular feature of the park.


The park is named after Jonathan Dickinson, a Quaker merchant who was shipwrecked along the Florida coast in 1696 with his family and others. He kept a diary of their interactions with indigenous peoples and their voyage along the coast to St. Augustine.


Trapper Nelson settled on the banks of the Loxahatchee River in the 1930s, subsisting off the land by trapping and selling furs. He quickly earned the moniker "Wildman of the Loxahatchee." Following his 1968 death, the state seized his property and deeded it to the park.


In 1942, the United States Army built Camp Murphy in the area that is now the park as a top-secret radar training facility. The camp consisted of over 1,000 structures and was home to approximately 6,000 commanders and troops. After just two years of existence, the camp was closed in 1944. The majority of the camp's structures have been demolished, although some of the foundations remain. In 1947, the state of Florida acquired the land, which opened as a state park in 1950.


Bicycling, boat tours, boating, cabins, canoeing, fishing, hiking, horse paths, kayaking, picnic spots, swimming, wildlife watching, and complete camping facilities are available at the park. Additionally, the park is home to the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center, which has exhibits on the area's natural and cultural heritage. The park provides tours to Trapper Nelson's farmstead in a 44-passenger boat.


Information provided by DRYOUTpro PLUS, Inc.

If you like Jonathan Dickinson State Park, you also might like to visit Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.

Get A Free Estimate

By filling out the form below

hidden water damage behind walls
By Jackie Howard • May 20, 2026
Learn how to detect hidden water damage behind walls, identify moisture signs, and prevent mold growth with expert help from DRYOUTpro.
By Jackie Howard • April 17, 2026
Water damage can happen without warning. Whether it’s a burst pipe, storm flooding, or appliance failure, homeowners often ask one important question: how much does water damage restoration cost in Florida? At DRYOUTpro PLUS , we understand that cost is a major concern. However, the total cost of water damage restoration varies depending on several factors. Because every situation is different, pricing can range from minor cleanup costs to more extensive repairs. In this guide, we break down the average cost of water damage restoration , what affects pricing, and how you can reduce expenses.
water damage restoration insights from DRYOUTpro PLUS.
By Jackie Howard • March 17, 2026
Learn how long water damage restoration takes, the drying timeline, and factors affecting cleanup. Expert insights from DRYOUTpro PLUS.
LOAD MORE POSTS