Leave No Trace
The Treasure Coast can get windy. Therefore, you need to think about how you are going to contain your trash. Keeping a trash bag handy when picnicking can help stop it from blowing away.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area is the only site east of the Mississippi River administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal government agency, and the only one part of the National Conservation Lands. You will want to visit this 120-acre site in northern Palm Beach County. The area where the lighthouse sits is under the control of the United States Coast Guard, and it can only be visited on guided tours. Lighthouse Park contains ball fields and tennis courts operated by the City of Jupiter, Florida.
This site on the Treasure Coast is about 120 miles north of Everglades National Park and about 120 miles from Biscayne National Park. While you will not find Bureau of Land Management campgrounds nearby, you can find other terrific camping facilities. If you decide to travel to the Western United States, search for "BLM camping near me" wherever you decide to roam as you can often stay in these areas for up to 14 days for free.
The Historic Jupiter Indiantown Trail connects Riverbend Park, Cypress Creek Natural Area and Hungryland Wildlife & Environmental Area. Each facility sets its own rules and may require entrance fees.
Length:16.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail runs from Hobe Sound Beach to Lake Okeechobee. It travels through Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Palm Beach County Natural Areas, Corbett Wildlife Management Area and Dupuis Management Area. The ecosystems change almost every mile along this scenic trail.
Length: 61.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Summit the highest natural hill at John Dickinson State Park by following this trail. At the end of the trail, climb the observation deck to see for miles. This short trail is easy to follow because it is a boardwalk the entire way.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Dune Hammock Trail at MacArthur Beach State Park winds through gumbo limbo, mastic, cabbage palm and strangler figs. It ends at a sandy Atlantic Ocean beach.
Length: 0.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
There are many great places near Jupiter for a fishing adventure. Waterway Park has three boat ramps and over 65 parking spaces. This park also has about 170 feet of floating docks for yachts and a fishing pier. Another great choice is Juno Beach Park, where you will find almost a 1,000-foot-long fishing pier and a bait shop. Enjoy views of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse while fishing at Sawfish Bay Park where you will find a fishing pier, canoe and kayak launch, and two fish cleaning stations.
Go climbing with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop at Blowing Rock Preserve. The height of the climbs varies by season, with the longest climbs being found in the winter months. If you want to stay dry while climbing, be sure to time your visit so that you are climbing during low tide.
The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a fabulous place to view wildlife. Animals who are sick or injured are brought to this facility. You are likely to see all types of native animals as you stroll under the cypress, oak and pine trees. Meet some of the animal ambassadors who cannot be released back into the wild.
You can find terrific places to picnic without leaving Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. Head to the area near the tennis courts and ball fields, and you will find fabulous places. Other beautiful nearby choices for a picnic include Burt Reynolds Park, Carlin Park, and Jupiter Beach Park.
While you will not find any BLM RV camping at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, there are other terrific choices nearby. There are two campgrounds at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Each of these campgrounds offers a bathhouse and restroom facility. You may also want to consider camping at West Jupiter RV Resort. This campground covers over nine acres, and they have a catch-and-release pond.
Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities do not exist at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, but you can find free camping near the Treasure Coast. Dinner Island WMA offers free camping in a large grassy lot. There are no hookups. Another choice is Rotenberger WMA. Daily camping is available here during hunting seasons and on weekends throughout the year.
If you plan to spend time boating on this trip, make sure that everyone has a life jacket that fits them properly. The United States Coast Guard should approve it. Additionally, it should be the right size for the person wearing it. While floaties and other devices are fun for children, they may not save a life.
Another thing that you will want to pack along is sunscreen. Make sure it has an SPF factor of at least 30. Look for the words "broad spectrum" on the container to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free sunscreens offer protection that almost everyone can wear.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping. You can use the tips there for planning a camping trip incorporating some BLM natural attractions here or in other states.
The Treasure Coast can get windy. Therefore, you need to think about how you are going to contain your trash. Keeping a trash bag handy when picnicking can help stop it from blowing away.
It is easy to reach Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area from downtown Jupiter. Head west on West Indiantown Road. Turn right on North Orange Avenue and another right on Hibiscus Street. Turn left on North Old Dixie Highway. Turn right onto Center Street, and the first cross street get on Florida 811 North. This highway will become South Beach Road. Follow it until you reach the lighthouse. The address is: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, 600 County Highway 707, Tequesta, Florida 33469
Ready to visit Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step-guide to renting an RV with RVshare.