Memorial Day Weekend camping, kayaking at Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Join us on this incredible holiday weekend at Jonathan Dickinson, the largest state park in Southeast Florida. 16 distinct, natural communities and rare environments such as coastal sand hills, upland lakes and scrub forests as well as the pristine Loxahatchee River make this park a unique spot to explore on land or by water.

Historical interests include a secret World War II training camp, the story of the shipwrecked Quaker merchant who is the park’s namesake, and Trapper Nelson, the legendary Wild Man of the Loxahatchee.

The park has a Visitor Center, concession and restaurant, camping, hiking, biking (9 miles of mountain, biking trails) and equestrian trails, picnicking, fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing. The Hobe Mountain Tower is the highest point in Florida south of Lake Okeechobee and provides an overview of the park and Atlantic. We will visit at sunset to see the light of the Jupiter lighthouse. Miles and miles of pristine beaches are nearby, including Jupiter, Hope, Sound (Blowing Rocks Beach), Juno, and Peanut Island for those wanting to dive or snorkel.

Our sites will have electric and water. We will have a bathhouse with two facilities, including hot showers, and flush toilets. Saturday we will paddle the Federally protected Loxahatchee river, it is 1 of only 2 rivers designated as “wild and scenic” in Florida and wow, does it ever earn those adjectives!
The scenery is spectacular. The alligators, turtles and birds that thrive here are as wild as they come. We will decide as a group Friday night to paddle the whole 8.5 miles and self shuttle or do an up and back over a series of two dams. We will have a private tour of Trapper Nelson’s wild and historic homestead if we elect to do the whole river. Sunday we have many options, including Beach Road in Jupiter to paddle Cato‘s bridge. One of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in the area, or going over to paddle/snorkel the famous Peanut Island. There are also multiple beaches we can visit. We can discuss as a group.

We will start Monday morning with our potluck breakfast. I’ll be making fresh hot biscuits, gravy and sausage. Please wear something red, white, blue or patriotic for Memorial Day!

Cost is $35 per person for 3 days, this includes park entrance fee. Space is limited to 24 people. Please send $15 deposit by March 16. Final $20 is due May 11. Zelle Kelli Preti 5613467378 or Venmo @Kelli-Preti

Fine print:
As with all paddles, we are not professional guides nor instructors. We are a group of kayaking enthusiasts out for an enjoyable time. We help each other, learn from each and enjoy the privilege of being out on the water. By participating in any of our paddles, you assume all risks and responsibilities for your personal health and safety and for your equipment. You also agree to the terms of the Waiver of Liability (see "Files" for the Word document) that applies to all SLACKER adventures. It is important for everyone that each participant be prepared for the trip. Please use your discretion and best judgment when joining a trip. Be sure you are up to the paddle -- physically, mentally and that your equipment is appropriate for the intended trip. Know and respect your limits. Be safe, act responsibly and you will certainly enjoy another fantastic trip. No refunds but you can sell your spot. Hope to see you there!