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The beach at William J. "Billie Joe" Rish Recreation Area.

William J "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area

Discover white-sand beaches and turquoise waters

Accommodation Request

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure that our visitors with disabilities receive equal access to our parks. To request an accommodation to assist with your visit, contact the specific state park to request an accommodation.

Cabins Available

Two family-style cabins are available for reservations at William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area.

Hours

8 a.m. to sunset (Eastern time zone), 365 days a year

Fees

$6 per vehicle (two to eight people)

See all fees

Location

6773 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe FL 32456

Get directions

Contact Info

850-227-1876

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History
Make a Reservation

Welcome to William J "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area. 

Beautiful white-sand beaches and sea oat-covered dunes welcome visitors to the beach and the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Stretching from the Gulf of Mexico across the peninsula to St. Joseph Bay, this 100-acre park provides an opportunity to explore the beach, the bay and the natural resources between.

This recreation area has been designated to provide recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, their families and their caregivers.

The recreation area offers day-use opportunities and an event hall. Boardwalks provide access to a mile of beach. Visitors can travel through the underground tunnel to the bayside to launch a canoe or kayak.

Our 4-foot-deep swimming pool with wheelchair access is now open for visitor use. We are also offering ranger programs covering different aspects of the park. In the future, we will be offering cabins for overnight accommodations as well as equipment rentals on site. 

Plan Your Visit

LeAnn Hinson
Learn

Manager's Message

Welcome to the newest recreation area in the network of Florida state parks. I am excited to share this park with you. You'll enjoy the amazing beach, the canoe and kayak launch, and more.
One of eight cabins that will be available in the future for overnight accommodations.
Learn

Looking to the Future

A careful assessment is being conducted of all amenities at this park. Two family-style cabins are available for overnight stays.
A beach mouse on the dune.
Learn

Wildlife at the Beach

A variety of animals live on Cape San Blas, including plenty of wading birds. The health of the ecosystem is also important to the survival of the beach mice that live in the dunes.

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Shelling
Shelling
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Star Gazing
Star Gazing
Swimming
Swimming

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Cabins
Cabins
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Shower Station
Shower Station
Swimming Pool
Swimming Pool
Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Water Fountain
Water Fountain
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible

Visitor watches the sunset on the beach using a motorized beach wheelchair.
A boardwalk leads to Cabin 7.
Floating wheelchair rests on ramp into swimming pool.
A rainbow over the boardwalk to the beach.
The sun rises over the bay behind the kayak/canoe launch.
Covered rest areas along the boardwalk to the beach.
Park ranger reads a book to Junior Rangers.
A group of people on the beach volunteering to pick up litter.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

National Public Lands Day

Sat, Sep 23, 2023 9:30 am - 11:30 am EDT

Be a part of the largest single-day volunteer effort in the nation! Band together with park rangers and neighbors to remove litter from the dunes and roadside. Registration is required.
Rish Recreation Area

Port St. Joe, FL

Event

Turtle Talk Beach Tour

Mon, Sep 25, 2023 8:15 am - 10:15 am EDT

Join a park ranger for a weekly 3/4-mile or 2-mile tour of our shoreline every Monday in September! Bring your sea turtle questions! Registration is required.
Rish Recreation Area

Port St. Joe, FL

Event

Turtle Talk Beach Tour

Mon, Oct 2, 2023 8:15 am - 10:15 am EDT

Join a park ranger for a ¾-mile or 2-mile tour of our beautiful shoreline! Motorized beach wheelchairs are available. Registration required.
Rish Recreation Area

Port St. Joe, FL

People Make the Parks

Park ranger on the beach holding a replica sea turtle skull.

Staff Spotlight

Whether he’s cleaning a cabin or creating a 40-foot papier-mâché rattlesnake for a parade, James puts his whole heart into his work and is up for any challenge.
Pam and James hold up signs about why they volunteer: "meeting people" and "sharing barrier free resources."

Volunteer Spotlight

Their favorite part of volunteering at Rish Recreation Area “spans from the smiling visitors to the grateful staff. It is the people that make this park a gem."
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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