Blue Springs State park Florida

History & Nature 

The 10,500-acre park is named for Jonathan Dickinson, a Quaker merchant whose vessel shipwrecked nearby in 1696. His book, God’s Protecting Providence, records the story of his party’s capture by the Jobe (Hoe-Bay) Indians and their release and journey up the coast to St. Augustine. Victims of war and disease, these native people died off shortly thereafter. 

During World War II, the land the park now occupies was home to Camp Murphy, a top-secret radar training school with over 6,600 men. The land became a state park in 1950. Far upriver is the Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site, the restored homestead of a man who came to this area in the 1930s and lived off the land, trapping and selling furs. He became famous as the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee,” opening his “Trapper’s Jungle Gardens and Wildlife Zoo” to the public. 

About 20 percent of the park is covered in coastal sand pine scrub, a biological community so rare it has been designated “globally imperiled.” More rare and endangered species, like the Florida scrub-jay, Florida mouse and gopher frog, are found in the scrub than in the rest of the park combined. The Loxahatchee River winds slowly through the park, passing under a canopy of centuries old cypress trees. This river was designated as Florida’s first “National Wild and Scenic River” in 1985. Wildlife found in the park includes deer, raccoons, foxes, bobcats, opossums, alligators and otters. Over 140 species of birds have been identified here, making Jonathan Dickinson an excellent  

Real Fun in Blue Springs Florida state park

The Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its exhibit hall uses interactive displays and panels to interpret the natural and cultural features of the park. A variety of programs are offered. Two family campgrounds are available. One is located a short distance from the ranger station, the other four miles into the park, near the Loxahatchee River. Primitive youth group sites and equestrian sites are also available. Twelve rental cabins are situated near the river, and may be reserved through Reserve America. 

The park’s concessionaire rents canoes, kayaks, motorboats and bicycles and offers tours of the Loxahatchee aboard the Loxahatchee Queen II. Please call them directly at (561) 746-1466 for more information about these popular tours. A picnic area with four pavilions and a playground borders the Loxahatchee. Three of the pavilions may be reserved, and the fourth is available first-come, first-served. 

An old-fashioned “swimming hole” is located along the river, just east of the concession store. Four nature trails and off-road and paved bicycle trails offer opportunities to experience wild Florida. Horse trails are available for those bringing their own mounts. A network of hiking trails, maintained by the Florida Trail Association, leads to primitive campsites. 

The Hobe Mountain Observation Tower offers commanding views of the park, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Hobe Mountain, an ancient sand dune, rises 86 feet above sea level, making it the highest natural point of land in South Florida. Nature walks and evening campfire programs are offered. In addition, tours are given regularly at the Trapper Nelson Interp etive 

Park Guidelines

• Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year

• An entrance fee is required. 

• The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is prohibited. 

• Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and well behaved at all times. 

• Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. 

• Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only. 

• Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station. 

• For information about joining the Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, call (561) 744-9814. 

• For camping information, contact Reserve America at (800) 326-3521 or (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica. com. 

• Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station birding destination.  

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