Found in the southeast of the state, the town of Jupiter, Florida, is a small town rich with history. Originating in the 18th century, the name for this town doesn't actually refer to the planet. The name "Jupiter" is a reference to the local waterway, which the Spanish had named "Rio Jobe." The British, who sometimes referred to the Greek God as Jove, changed the name to the more common version of Jupiter.
Throughout its history, Jupiter, Florida, became known for numerous attractions, such as its namesake lighthouse. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was first built in the 1850s. It stands 108 feet tall and is recognizable thanks to its stark red coloration. The lighthouse is now a museum, and local residents celebrate its birthday every year on July 10th. The lighthouse is open from Tuesday to Sunday most weeks.
Further along its history, Jupiter would become home to prohibition-era bootleggers. During the time when alcohol was illegal, the waterways in the area were deemed perfect for the transportation of booze. During the night, bootleggers would transport their contraband from the Bahamas, where alcohol was still legal.
Today, Jupiter has a population of well over 60,000, and there are also numerous opportunities to view local wildlife. The Florida black bear, alligators, foxes, and panthers are a few of the animals that can be spotted in the area. Jupiter has also historically been a prime place for celebrity watching. The late Burt Reynolds called the town home, and entertainers such as Mark Wahlberg and Michael Jordan owned homes in the area.
Campgrounds Near Jupiter, Florida
Check out West Jupiter Camping Resort, which is found within the town limits. This RV park features full hookups and even has a hot tub for visitors. Pets are allowed at this location. Those who love to fish can do so at the stocked pond, and other activities available include yoga and dance classes. For a bit of a thrill, consider the frequent Texas Hold 'em games held here.
About 23 miles away from Jupiter, you'll find Loxahatchee, which is the home of West Palm Beach/Lion Country Safari KOA. Like most KOA campgrounds, you'll find full hookups and multiple back-in/pull-through sites. This location has spaces for a variety of RV sizes so that you can easily accommodate anything from a small pop-up trailer all the way up to a Class A motorhome. You can also bring your pet along to enjoy this campground.
Juno Beach, which is named for Jupiter's goddess wife, is home to the Juno Ocean Walk RV Resort. This resort is about five miles from Jupiter and provides easy access to the ocean. Both back-in and pull-through sites can be found here, and RVers will also appreciate the full hookups. There's also a bar for visitors to wind down at night and water aerobic classes to start your day.
State Parks Near Jupiter, Florida
Jonathan Dickenson State Park, which is only about 12 miles away from Jupiter, is one of the largest state parks in Florida. It provides quite a few activities to enjoy, but one of the most unique is exploring and climbing Hobe Mountain. Hobe Mountain is an ancient sand dune that stands 86 feet high south of Lake Okeechobee. There are several hiking trails to explore on foot, bike, or horseback. You can also check out the Loxahatchee River in your own kayak or canoe. If you don't own a boat, rentals and guided tours are available inside the park.
At about 80 miles north of the city, you'll find Sebastian Inlet State Park. This park is great for relaxation because it has three miles of white sandy beach where you can take in some sun. It's also a great place for anglers to enjoy some quiet fishing. If you prefer adventure, do some surfing or try your hand at other water sports. The Atlantic side of the inlet has some of the best waves in Florida, so try your hand at surfing. The quieter side of the inlet is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. There are also three hiking trails in the park.
About 85 miles inland, you will find Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, which is stunning grassland that seems to go on forever. This park is ideal for birdwatching, so don't forget your binoculars. It is also a great place to locate other wildlife, so keep an eye out for rare and endangered species. There are 100 miles of trails to explore, which makes wearing comfortable shoes a necessity. Ranger-lead buggy tours are also available in the park.
National Sites Near Jupiter, Florida
The Big Cypress National Preserve is a site worth visiting while you're in Jupiter, Florida, and the trip to get there is only about 150 miles southwest. This area covers 729,000 acres of land where you can see plenty of plant life. Mangroves are also present here, so you might even get the chance to see alligators as you explore. There are quite a few hiking trails in the park, including a 29.5-mile hike that goes through waist-deep water. This specific trail is known to be difficult to traverse, even for experienced hikers.
Along the coast about 187 miles north, Canaveral National Seashore is a 25-mile stretch of sand to explore. It is perfect for relaxing on the beach or taking a swim in the ocean. Since this seashore is very close to the Kennedy Space Center, double-check to see if there is a launch while you're visiting the area. Launches can easily be viewed right from the beach. There are also several trails to explore.
De Soto National Memorial, which is about 175 miles west of Jupiter, is another national site you'll want to check out. This site commemorates a turning point in the history of Florida. It takes you back to 1539 and provides a lot of history surrounding what it was like in the area at that time. There is even a reenactment at Camp Uzita, which is located inside the De Soto National Memorial. There are also plenty of hiking trails to explore, as well as boating opportunities. During your hiking experience, you will find several ecosystems, including mangroves and beaches.
National Forests Near Jupiter, Florida
Located in central Florida, you will find Ocala National Forest. This area, which covers 387,000 acres, has four different wilderness areas to explore. There are plenty of trails to hike or bike to see some of the less common animals. This area also has more than 600 lakes and waterways, so fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, and even water skiing are often enjoyed. In the winter, stargazing is often enjoyed by visitors, especially since the light pollution in the area is so low.
Near the northern state line, slightly northwest of Jupiter, you will find Osceola National Forest. This forest is the location of the largest battle during the Civil War in Florida. It is a bit swampy, but the watery trails are perfect for horseback riding. With so much water in the forest, boating, swimming, fishing, and water skiing are also often enjoyed. Birdwatching is also a great option in this area, and the forest is a prime spot to find endangered species.
Apalachicola National Forest is located in Florida's panhandle, which makes it a little farther away from Jupiter. It's nearly 400 miles away, but if time permits, this location makes an incredible day trip. This forest is unique compared to the others in the area, and visiting it will give you the option to explore sinkholes and caverns. Trails range from an easy two-mile hike that is dog-friendly to a strenuous hike that can be difficult to traverse. One of the more difficult trails goes through deep swamp forests, making it less ideal for inexperienced hikers.
