Roger Sherwood
Google
Jonathan Dickinson State Park: where Florida's "natural beauty" meets the cacophony of highway traffic and the relentless assault of biting midges/sand gnats/no-see-ums. Camping here is like pitching a tent on the shoulder of I-95, with the Pine Grove Campground thoughtfully nestled right next to Highway 1, ensuring that the soothing sounds of nature are drowned out by the lullaby of car engines. But don't worry, if the traffic noise doesn't keep you up, the blinding lights from the bathhouses will. Designed with the subtlety of a sports stadium, these facilities ensure that you'll never have to experience the terror of true darkness in the wilderness. And let's not forget the "River Campground," a paradise for those who enjoy the company of their neighbors; REALLY enjoy their company. With sites so close together you'd think they were designed for hobbits, and access roads that challenge even the most skilled drivers, it's the perfect place to test your patience and maneuvering skills. Of course, no visit would be complete without the park's infamous sand gnats, or "no-see-ums." These nearly invisible pests are always ready to make your acquaintance, especially when the wind decides to take a break. They were "horrendous" when the air was still. One of the restrooms in the River Campground is closed for renovations in the peak of winter Florida tourist season (March 2025), leading to competition for showers and toilets.
So, if you're looking for a place in typical Florida "nature" that features endless ugly slash pines and palmettos, kayaking in opaque, brown, murky, snake and alligator infested swamp water, getting your workout biking in sugar-sand and no shade, coupled with a camping experience that combines the serenity of a truck stop, with the charm of a bug-infested swamp, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is your destination. Just remember to bring earplugs, blackout curtains, industrial-strength insect repellent, and a sense of adventure or perhaps, misadventure.
Bring insect repellant and a small fan, as the biting midges are absolutely brutal, especially in March and April. Do not leave ANYTHING outside your camp overnight. The racoons will be making close inspections. There is only 1 dump station at the Pine Grove camping section. Riko's Pizza just south of the park in the Publix shopping plaza on US-1 was great; very popular place with their unique pizzas, salads, chicken wings, etc. For cocktails on the water check out The Square Grouper on the Jupiter Inlet.