With miles of white sugar sand,
this park has one of the top rated beaches in the United States. Sunbathing,
snorkeling, and swimming are popular activities along the Gulf of Mexico and St.
Joseph Bay. From offshore, canoeists and kayakers can take in a superb view of
the high dunes and sand pine scrub. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping,
fishing, hiking, and bicycling. As a coastal barrier peninsula, St. Joseph
provides excellent opportunities for bird watching; over 240 species have been
sighted in the park. A boat ramp is located at Eagle Harbor on the bay side.
Campers can stay in a full-facility campground, a short walk from the beach, or
at primitive campsites in the wilderness preserve. Eight cabins on the bay side
offer alternative overnight accommodations.
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. Artificial light confuses a
sea turtle’s perception of the natural horizon. Sea turtle and shorebird nests
are marked so that you can avoid disturbing them, allowing them the best chance
for survival and success. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park has some of the oldest
and highest sand dunes in the state. These dunes are inhabited by sea oats and
endangered St. Andrews beach mouse. Visitors are reminded to not walk, climb or
play on the dunes that provide them with food and shelter. Time has proven that
these dunes help protect park amenities.
Cabins
With miles of white sand, St. Joseph Peninsula features one of the top rated
beaches in the United States. Located on the bayside of the park, eight cabins
each accommodate up to seven people with a fold-out futon and a day bed on the
main floor and two queen-sized beds in the loft. The kitchen is complete with a
stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee-maker, basic dishes, cookware, silverware
and a dining table. A screened porch with rocking chairs and a picnic table
faces St. Joseph Bay. Each cabin has central heat and air, as well as a wood
burning fireplace. A grill and shower are located outside each cabin. Linens are
provided.
Camping, Full Facility
Two camping areas provide 119 campsites with water and electricity. The
Shady Pines campground is secluded and shaded. Gulf Breeze sites, located behind
the primary dune system adjacent to the beach, are relatively open. Pets are
welcome at the campsites. Restroom and showers are located in both campgrounds.
The beach is a short walk from both campsites. The park's boat ramp provides
access to St. Joseph Bay.
Camping, Primitive
Camping is allowed in the Wilderness Preserve for a maximum of 14 nights at
$4.00/person/night. No facilities are available. Campers must bring their own
supplies. Campers are also responsible to pack-it-in/pack-it-out. Pets are not
permitted. Reservations for up to 15 people may be made up to 11 months in
advance by contacting the park at (850) 227-1327. On the day of arrival, access
may be obtained by phone for boaters wishing to come from outside the park,
credit card payment is required. Registered campers must arrive at least one
hour prior to sunset and must check out with park personnel.
Location
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located near Port St. Joe. On U.S. 98
(heading east) turn onto State Road 30-A. Travel to State Road 30-E. Turn and
travel to the park. From Apalachicola, take U.S. 98 west, turn left on County
Road 30-A, then turn left on County Road 30-E. Travel to park.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
8899 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe, Florida 32456
Phone: (850) 227-1327
State Park Website
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Cape San Blas is one of the best beaches in the
United States. Our top 10 list
is constantly being revised. Currently, Cape San Blas which contains St. Joseph
Peninsula State Park is number 5 on
our list. So, if
you feel we are missing
one,
please email
us and let us
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