Region: Northwest

ST. JOSEPH PENINSULA STATE PARK
Port St. Joe, FL

Contact Information
8899 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe, Florida 32456
Phone: 850-227-1327

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park has miles of white sand beaches, striking dune formations, a heavily-forested interior and a favorable climate for year-round outdoor recreation. The 2,516-acre park is bounded on three sides by the waters of St. Joe Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located near Port St. Joe. On US 98 (heading East) turn onto SR30-A, travel to SR30-E, turn and travel to the park.

Picnic Pavilion Fees
A 70-seat pavilion is available for rent at the Bayview picnic area. Water and electric are available. The pavilion overlooks St. Joseph Bay. Bathrooms, a nature trail and playground are conveniently located close by. Access to the Gulf Beach is approximately 1 mile south of the pavilion. For availability and reservations, please contact the park office.

ACTIVITIES

Full Facility Camping

We have 119 campsites with water and electric available. Gulf Breeze sites are more open and can accommodate larger vehicles. The Shady Pines campground is more secluded and shaded. Only registered guide and companion animals are allowed

Cabins

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park has 8 loft-style, furnished cabins on the bay side of the park. Five persons can sleep comfortably with a maximum of 7 people allowed. The beach is 900 -1200 feet away. Boaters will need to moor in the boat basin or trailer boats to their cabin. There are 2 queen-sized beds in the open loft, a double futon and day bed downstairs. The downstairs bath has a large shower. Cabins are equipped with a fireplace (closed May - Sept), central air and heat, modern kitchen with appliances to include a microwave and coffee maker, screened-in porch with a picnic table, an outdoor grille and boardwalk to the bayshore. Basic pots, pans, and dinnerware are available. Initial linens are provided, bring additional towels, shampoos and bath soaps. Fluted filters are needed for the coffee maker. Televisions and telephones are not provided. Only registered guide and companion animals are permitted. Check in time is 4pm Eastern, checkout time is 11am Eastern with a maximum stay of fourteen days. Cabin reservations require a minimum of two-nights stay.

Birding

Late September throughout October, thousands of migrating hawks and falcons fly over or rest at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. These raptors travel south from Canada and the northern United States until reaching the Gulf of Mexico, where they turn to the west following the Gulf coast until reaching Mexico and South America.

Beaches

Sun lovers flock to the 10 miles of white sand beach during the summer where the water temperature averages around 84 degrees. Swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kite-flying are some of the activities that take place then. Summer is also the time when Loggerhead sea turtles come up onto the beach to nest. Visitors are reminded to not use flashlights or lanterns on the beach at night unless they are equipped with turtle film, from May to October.

Boat Ramp

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is equipped with a boat ramp and a small marina that can accommodate 15 - 18 small boats at a time. A loading area is adjacent to the accessible outdoor shower and a fish cleaning station. Overnight guests have free use of the boat ramp and may leave their boats moored at the marina, space permitting. Other boaters must remove their boats by sunset.

Canoeing & Boating

Kayaks, canoes, and pontoon boats and other watercraft may be rented at The Entrance located just outside the park gate. Motorized boats are delivered to our boat basin at Eagle Harbor.

Fishing

Florida residents may fish from the beach or bayshore without a fishing license. Non-residents and boat anglers must possess a fishing license. Regulations change frequently so pick up a copy whenever you visit. Fish caught in the waters around the park include: Speckled Trout, Red Drum, Flounder, Mullet, Bluefish and Whiting.

Nature Trails

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers 3 different trail experiences: The Maritime Hammock Trail winds through a coastal hammock environment to the shores of St. Joseph Bay. The Bayview Nature Trail curves through a maritime oak community and a salt marsh before running alongside the bay. The Wilderness Preserve Trail begins at the end of the paved road and continues through 1750 acres of an unspoiled coastal ecosystem.


Primitive Camping

Camping is allowed in the Wilderness Preserve for a maximum of 14 nights. No facilities are available, campers must bring their own supplies. Campers are also responsible to pack-it-in/ pack-it-out and to practice "Leave No Trace" principles where possible”website. Pets are not permitted.

Snorkeling

Snorkelers are drawn to the clear water of St. Joseph Bay in search of sea horses, brittle stars and horseshoe crabs. Dive flags are required and may be purchased from local vendors.

Youth Camping

This area offers a primitive overnight site to organized groups of up to 30 or a minimum of 6 persons. Chaperones must be provided for youth groups and must remain with the group at all times. Check in and checkout time is at noon, Eastern. Restrooms, cold water outdoor showers, picnic tables and fire rings are available.