Quick Summary
Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound is home to the Camp Murphy Off-Road Bicycle Trail System, a 9-mile network of mountain bike trails suited for all skill levels, from beginners to black diamond experts. The trail system sits on a former WWII radar training base and is maintained by Club Scrub, a local volunteer biking club. Park entry fees apply. Helmets are required on all trails.
What Is Camp Murphy?
The mountain bike trails at Jonathan Dickinson State Park are formally known as the Camp Murphy Off-Road Bicycle Trail System. The name traces back to 1942, when the site served as a top-secret U.S. Army Signal Corps training base for radar operations during World War II. The base was decommissioned in 1947, and the land became a Florida state park in 1950.
Today, the former military grounds host one of Southeast Florida’s most popular off-road cycling destinations. Remnants of the old base, concrete foundations, earthworks, and overgrown structures are visible along several trails, adding a distinct historical layer to the riding experience.
The trail system is maintained entirely by Club Scrub, a local non-profit off-road biking club. A family membership costs $40 per year and includes 12 free park entrances. Club Scrub also hosts events throughout the year, including a dedicated Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. For more information, visit their site or follow on Facebook.
Park Access & Preparation
Getting There
📍Address: 16450 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
📞 Ranger Station: 772-546-2771
Jonathan Dickinson State Park is located along US Highway 1 in Hobe Sound, in Martin County. From Stuart, travel approximately 12 miles south along US-1. The Camp Murphy trailhead is accessible from within the park; parking is available at multiple locations throughout the grounds.
Park Entry Fees
Per Florida State Parks:
- $4.00, 1 person / 1 vehicle
- $6.00, 2 or more people / 1 vehicle
What to Bring
Before heading to the trails, come prepared with the following:
- Helmet: required for all riders on Camp Murphy trails; mandatory by Florida law for cyclists age 16 and under
- Closed-toe shoes: strongly recommended
- Water: trails are exposed and Florida heat is significant year-round
- Tire patch kit: cactus plants and sand spurs are present throughout the trail system and are a common cause of flat tires
- Trail map: available free at the ranger station and the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center on-site
Bike Rentals
Riders without their own equipment can rent bikes daily from the park’s concession stand. Helmets are provided free with rental for children under 16.
Mountain bikes may also be rented from nearby shops, including Real Deal Bicycles and Bicycle World, both located in Jupiter.
Trail System Overview
The Camp Murphy Off-Road Bicycle Trail System covers approximately 9 miles of off-road trails organized into two main sections:
- Front Section: 5.4 miles
- Back Section: 3.2 miles
Trails are primarily singletrack but include a variety of technical features, including roots, jumps, wooden ladders, raised boardwalks, and switchbacks. The system also includes a pump track, a skills course, and a dedicated children’s trail. Each trail is marked by difficulty level and distance.
Trail difficulty is rated across three levels:
- 🟢 Green (Easy/Beginner): smooth doubletrack and grassy paths; suitable for first-time riders
- 🔵 Blue (Intermediate): twisty routes with moderate climbs and more varied terrain
- ⚫ Black Diamond (Expert Only): steep, technical sections requiring advanced skill
Trails at a Glance
Ocean to Lake JD West Segment
📊 Difficulty: Easy
🚵 Type: Doubletrack
⏱️ Avg. Completion: 36 minutes. Multi-use trail open in both directions. Flat and accessible with an easy physical rating. Good warm-up option for riders arriving from the northern trailhead.
Ocean to Lake JD East Segment
📊 Difficulty: Easy
🚵 Type: Grassy doubletrack Transitions into a very sandy northeast section. Wider tires perform significantly better on this segment.
EaglesView – Blue Post 4 to Bridge
📊 Difficulty: Easy
🚵 Type: Doubletrack
⏱️ Avg. Completion: 9 minutes. Multi-use trail with consistent visibility. Open in both directions. A short but reliable connector trail.
EaglesView – Blue Post 3 to 7
📊 Difficulty: Easy
🚵 Type: Doubletrack
⏱️ Avg. Completion: 8 minutes. Well-marked trail with easy navigation. Multi-use and rideable in both directions.
EaglesView – Blue Post 6 to 9
📊 Difficulty: Easy
🚵 Type: Doubletrack
⏱️ Avg. Completion: 2 minutes. One of the shorter segments in the system. Consistent trail surface and easy to follow.
EaglesView – Yellow
📊 Difficulty: Easy
🚵 Type: Doubletrack
⏱️ Avg. Completion: 4 minutes. Multi-use, bidirectional trail. A short and manageable option for newer riders exploring the EaglesView area.
EaglesView – Red
📊 Difficulty: Easy
🚵 Type: Grassy multi-use Open grassy trail. Lower traffic than paved sections. Suitable for casual riders and families.
Kitching Creek Overlook
📊 Difficulty: Easy
🚵 Type: Sandy trail
⏱️ Avg. Completion: 9 minutes. Multi-use and rideable in both directions. Sandy surface throughout — wider tires are recommended. Connects to the Kitching Creek area of the park.
Bunker Hill
📊 Difficulty: Advanced
🚵 Type: Singletrack Steep climbs and descents with technical demands. The longest trail in the system at approximately 2.1 km. Highest elevation gain in the network. Inspect the route before riding.
Conditions, Rules & Restrictions
- Helmets are required for all riders on Camp Murphy trails
- Electric bicycles (e-bikes): Check current guidelines at the Florida State Parks e-bike policy page before visiting, rules for human-powered electric bicycles on park trails are subject to change
- Dogs: May be permitted on some trails; confirm current regulations with park staff before bringing pets
- Trail hours: Open year-round; park hours run from 8:00 AM to sunset
- Trail conditions: Sandy sections are most challenging in dry weather; wider tires (2.2″ or more) are recommended throughout
- Wildlife: Live alligators are present near water features throughout the park. Maintain a safe distance and do not approach them
Safety & Best Practices
- Start at the northern trailhead. First-time visitors should begin on beginner and intermediate trails to warm up before progressing to technical obstacles.
- Pre-ride inspection. Walk or scout any jump, ladder, or technical feature before riding it for the first time. The trail system includes wooden ladders, raised boardwalks, and drop-in sections that reward a preview.
- Watch for sand. Sandy conditions are the most commonly reported challenge across Camp Murphy trails. The second half of several routes becomes significantly sandier, reduce speed and keep momentum steady through loose sections.
- Protect exposed skin. Cactus plants and sand spurs are present throughout the trail system. These cause flat tires and skin irritation. Wear pants or long socks in areas with heavy vegetation.
- Stay alert near water. Alligators are part of the natural ecosystem at Jonathan Dickinson. Never feed, approach, or attempt to interact with them.
- Wear high-visibility clothing. Camp Murphy trails are multi-use. Other trail users, including hikers and equestrians, share portions of the network. Make yourself visible, especially on blind corners.
- Best time to visit: Early morning on weekdays offers the least trail congestion. Florida summers bring heat and afternoon thunderstorms, ride early and plan to finish before midday from June through September.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to access the mountain bike trails at Jonathan Dickinson State Park?
Yes. Standard park entry fees apply: $4.00 per person per vehicle or $6.00 for two or more people per vehicle. There is no separate trail access fee.
Are helmets required at Camp Murphy?
Yes. Helmets are required for all riders on the Camp Murphy Off-Road Bicycle Trail System. Florida law also requires helmets for cyclists aged 16 and under.
Can beginners ride at Camp Murphy?
Yes. The trail system includes multiple green-rated beginner trails and is regularly recommended as a starting point for riders new to mountain biking. Start at the northern trailhead and work up gradually.
Is Jonathan Dickinson State Park good for wildlife viewing while biking?
Yes. The park is home to more than 150 bird species, and visitors commonly spot Florida scrub-jays, bald eagles, Sandhill cranes, and alligators along the trail system.
