During World War II, the U.S. Army opened Camp Murphy near Jupiter as a training station for soldiers to learn a brand-new technology that would help win the war: radar.
When the base was decommissioned, it was turned over to the state of Florida and became Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
An expanse of conservation land along the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River, it boasts extensive trail systems close to one of the densest populated areas in Florida.
View south from Hobe Mountain Tower, with one distinct former barracks rising from the scrubResources
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Overview
Location: Hobe Sound
Length: Over 26 miles of trails
Entrance: 27.00362,-80.10043
Address: 16450 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound
Fees: $4-6 per vehicle, plus camping fees
Restroom: at most recreation areas
Land Manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 772-546-2771
Leashed dogs welcome. You must check in with park rangers before backpacking to ensure that there is space remaining at the backcountry campsites.
Directions
Take Florida’s Turnpike exit 116 or Interstate 95 exit 87A, SR 706 (Indiantown Rd), Jupiter. Drive east 5 miles to US 1. Turn left and continue north 5.1 miles to the park entrance on the left. The trailhead for the East Loop adjoins the ranger station. The park road leads past other trailheads and recreation areas, ending at a boat basin along the Loxahatchee River.
About the Park
Our Florida Trail Association friends in the area call this park “JD,” and they’ve been coming here for decades building and maintaining trails.
As a result, Jonathan Dickinson State Park has miles of dedicated hiking trails crossing its 11,000 acres along the Loxahatchee River, much of it in a backcountry defined by expansive pine forests.
Intersection of the White Loop with the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail (Chris Stevens)On a hike along the Green Loop or a wild ride along the Camp Murphy Off-Road Bicycle Trail, you’ll come across bits and pieces of the former base emerging like Greek ruins out of the vines and mosses.
The hills here – all ancient sand dunes – are the highest south of Lake Okeechobee, including Hobe Mountain.
Hobe Mountain (Chris Stevens)It’s topped with an observation tower that provides a sweeping view of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Loxahatchee River.
Separate dedicated trail systems for cyclists and hikers make this one of the hottest recreation destinations in Southeast Florida, particularly for backpackers.
Camp Murphy trailhead for off-road cyclistsThe Green Loop, White Loop, and Kitching Creek Nature Trail all provide connections to the linear Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail, an adventuresome 61-mile spur off the Florida Trail between Lake Okeechobee and Hobe Sound Beach.
Paddlers come to the park to experience one of the last wild and scenic rivers in Florida. And those who love Old Florida take the journey to Trapper Nelson’s island and learn the legend of the Wild Man of the Loxahatchee.
Loxahatchee River launch areaWith two massive campgrounds, modern cabins, backcountry camping, equestrian trails, plenty of picnic tables, and more than you can do in a weekend, this is a park many families return to year after year.
There’s little that Jonathan Dickinson State Park doesn’t offer. The beach is what it lacks, although there’s a swimming area along the river and it isn’t much of a drive to the Atlantic Ocean.
Pine Grove Campground near the front entranceTrails at Jonathan Dickinson
More than 26 miles of footpaths and singletrack crisscross this enormous park, with more mileage possible following the equestrian trail system.
Easy Hikes
Hobe Mountain Trail Catch sweeping views in every direction atop the highest natural hill south of Lake Okeechobee on the Hobe Mountain Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Kitching Creek Nature Trail On the Kitching Creek Nature Trail, immerse in a small corner of the vast pine flatwoods communities extending across Jonathan Dickinson State Park. 
Jonathan Dickinson River Trail Burrow into a tangled tunnel of mangrove forest with the Loxahatchee River lapping at their roots on a nature trail combining scrub-topped bluffs and river-level mud.Longer Hikes and Backpacking
Jonathan Dickinson Green Loop Formerly the East Loop, the easternmost hike in the park scrambles up and down scrub-covered ancient dunes and through the ruins of Camp Murphy on its 5 mile circuit. 
Jonathan Dickinson White Loop Connecting with the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail, the White Loop provides passage to the park's backcountry as well as a satisfying day hike.
Florida Trail, Ocean to Lake: Luckey Tract to Kitching Creek 10.7 miles. A hike of extreme contrasts, this segment of the Florida Trail crossing Riverbend Park and Cypress Creek connects Loxahatchee Slough with Jonathan Dickinson State Park.Trail Map
Blue: River Trail. Brown: Multiuse Trail. Purple: Camp Murphy Trails (beginner).
Explore More!
Slideshow
See a selection of our photos from this park
Nearby Adventures
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Straddling both sides of the Indian River Lagoon between Hobe Sound and Tequesta, this refuge provides both sea turtle nesting grounds and Florida scrub-jay habitat.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area One of only three federally designated ONAs in the United States, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area combines a unique location with botanical beauty and history. 
Peck Lake Park In a hidden corner of Hobe Sound, Peck Lake Park lets you tunnel through coastal habitats along the Pioneer Passage to an observation point along the Indian River Lagoon.
Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park Protecting what remains of the forested Atlantic Ridge between the Indian River and the St. Lucie River, this secluded state park is hidden behind subdivisions in Stuart. 
- Baseline Trails - November 7, 2026
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026
- Hal Scott Preserve - October 28, 2026