Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
RV Guide
Introduction
As part of the BLM’s 42,200 square miles of National Conservation Lands, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) is the only complete unit located east of the Mississippi River. This small BLM property is a 0.2 square mile destination embedded in the Treasure Coast of Florida and rich in natural and cultural resources. Access to the ONA is easy as it lies just off major a highway and a paved road.
This ONA doubles as a fantastic recreational destination and a base spot for exploring nearby attractions. Things to do at this BLM property include hiking on a scenic trail that leads to a watchtower; participating in guided tours and educational programs that provide information about the area’s rich history; fishing; paddle-boarding; and flora/fauna observation. More fun activities include diving, boating, picnicking, swimming and snorkeling. Cyclists and mountain bikers pursue their interests at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
There are no camping facilities in this ONA. However, visitors can enjoy primitive, tent, group, equestrian, and RV/trailer camping options nearby.
RV Rentals in Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
Transportation
Driving
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area is located north of Jupiter, Florida. Access to this ONA is off Federal Highway 1, along South Beach Road (S.R 707/C.R. 707) towards Jupiter Island. The roads that lead to the park are paved and maintained, so visitors will find it easy getting to the park’s area.
There are two access points to the ONA on the western end of the South Beach Road (S.R 707/C.R. 707) near the intersection with US Highway 1. If you wish to visit the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, the first right on South Beach Road is your route. If, however, your preferred destination is the ONA’s Natural Area Trails, the first left on the road is your route.
There is a small parking area on the north side of South Beach Road, 0.17 miles east of the US Highway.
Access to Juniper Inlet Lighthouse ONA by public transport is provided by bus transit. If you wish to take advantage of this service, make use of Palm Tran Bus Transit Line 10 that stops near the park.
RV rentals are available at Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Jupiter.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
Campsites in Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
Reservations camping
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
A host of camping options are offered at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, ranging from primitive camping to tent, group, equestrian, and RV campsites.
Two primitive camps are present within the park, each equipped with a pitcher pump. Pets are not allowed in the camp, and the water must be treated before use.
An equestrian campground with five sites is available for guests that wish to camp with their horses. Tie out posts and sturdy portable pens are provided.
Two tent and RV campgrounds, with a total of 142 campsites offer modern camping facilities such as tiled restrooms, hot showers with washer and dryer, picnic table and grill, and dump station. Electric, water, and sewer hookups are also provided in the campsites. The campsites are pet-friendly too. Maximum RV length is 40 feet.
Reservations are accepted.
West Palm Beach / Lion Country Safari KOA
By far the most unique and appealing feature West Palm Beach / Lion Country Safari KOA is the sound of lions roaring and gibbons whooping. Whether going to bed or waking up, campers at this KOA campground are greeted by these animal sounds.
Tent and RV camping options are provided in the campground which features a basketball court, pool, playground, and volleyball court. The campground is open year-round and offers winter activities such as ice cream social, dinners, shuffleboard and more.
Electric hookups are provided for RVs, and the maximum length that can be accommodated is 40 feet. Wi-Fi is also available.
Reservations are accepted.
Seasonal activities in Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
In-Season
Fishing
Fishing opportunities abound for anglers who visit this BLM property in Florida. No matter your angling skill level, you will be able to catch various fish species in the Indian River Lagoon that lies east of the park. What’s more, both shoreline and river fishing opportunities are available.
Fly- and light-tackle anglers are often seen in technical poling skiffs going after different fish on the shallow flats, while canoe and kayak anglers fish from their boats in the no-motor-zone. Seatrout, snook, redfish, bluefish, and black drum are some of the commonly caught fish in the river. Ensure you abide by applicable fishing regulations.
Lighthouse Park
One of the more popular destinations for visitors at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA is the Lighthouse Park. Here, there are several recreational facilities that make time spent outdoors enjoyable. Children on the trip can have fun at the small playground provided for them. Moreover, adults can take part in leisure waterfront activities such as paddle-boarding and fishing.
You are encouraged to come along with cameras and binoculars to enjoy the fauna and flora sightings on offer here.
Hiking
All visitors at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA are offered the chance to explore the scenic hiking trail on the north side of Beach Road that meanders through Florida Scrub habitat, a mangrove swamp, and tropical hammocks. Hikers that make it to the end of the trail are rewarded with wonderful views of a quiet manatee refuge that is surrounded by red mangrove from an observation tower.
More hiking opportunities that range from half a mile to about 10 miles long are also available at Jonathan Dickinson State Park for adventurers willing to test their strength.
Off-Season
Guided Tours
Plenty of learning opportunities are available at Juniper Inlet Lighthouse ONA through guided tours, outreach programs, museum exhibits, field trips, and all-ages programming. These programs are geared towards engaging with the visitors at the BLM park and providing education about the history of Jupiter Inlet, as well as the natural features of the park. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum archives feature photographs, maps, artifacts, and books on display for visitors.
Wildlife/Bird Viewing
Wildlife enthusiasts enjoy plenty of viewing opportunities at and around this Bureau of Land Management park. The chance to engage in this wildlife and bird observation alone is a major attraction to the site. Raptors such as ospreys, bald eagles, and hawks, as well as wading birds like ibis, herons, and spoonbills roam the skies above.
Nearby at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, raccoons, deer, foxes, bobcats, and other animals abound in the area. If you visit the river, there’s a good chance you’ll see alligators and turtles.
Bicycling
There are no bicycle trails at Juniper Inlet Lighthouse ONA, but plenty of paved and off-road trails are available at Jonathan Dickinson State Park for the ONA visitors to ride bikes on. An ADA-accessible two-mile multi-use trail available to bikers also runs from the main picnic and river area in the park.
Mountain bikers are not left out at Jonathan Dickinson State Park as the Camp Murphy Off-road Bicycle Trail System offers nine miles of riding adventure. Only human-powered bikes are allowed on this trail.
