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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

Know Before You Go

Effective May 16, 2022: William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area is pleased to expand its operating hours. Beginning Monday, May 16, the park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week.

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

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

Stephanie McDonald, manager
Learn

Manager's Message

Welcome to the newest recreation area in the network of Florida state parks. I am excited to share day-use facilities with you – 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. When safe, cabins will be opened to provide overnight accommodations for guests.
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
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

The dunes at William J. "Billie Joe" Rish Recreation Area provide habitat for a variety of animals.
The Olympic-sized swimming pool at the park.
The pool features a wheelchair ramp for accessibility.
A mobimat leads to St. Joseph Bay.
One of the cabins at William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area
Marshland
A photo of the sunset over Rish
Motorized wheelchair at sunset at Rish
A photo of Rish
A rainbow over the bay at Rish
A photo of Steve Ruffin volunteering
A photo of the new pool at rish
A photo of the sunset over the boardwalk at Rish
A photo of a motorized wheelchair on the beach
A photo of the pavillion at Rish

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

Nature Ethics Seminar

Sat, Jan 28, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST

What kind of steward are you - and what kind would you like to be? Explore best practices with a Leave No Trace trainer in this interactive workshop. Registration is required.
Rish Recreation Area

Port St. Joe, FL

Event

Beach Hike Series

Mon, Feb 6, 2023 8:15 am - 10:15 am EST

Join a park ranger for a weekly 3/4-mile or 2-mile hike along our beautiful shoreline every Monday in February. Registration required.
Rish Recreation Area

Port St. Joe, FL

Event

Owl Prowl

Sat, Feb 11, 2023 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST

"Hoo" made that sound?! Explore our park at dusk with a park ranger to learn about Florida's amazing nocturnal predators - owls! Registration is required.
Rish Recreation Area

Port St. Joe, FL

People Make the Parks

An image of Anna Kellner

Staff Spotlight

Anna sees herself growing with the park and perfecting her skills as an interpreter. In the future, she hopes to start an annual event for National Disabilities Independence Day at the park.
A photo of Steve Ruffin at Rish

Volunteer Spotlight

Always eager to help people and show his love for the outdoors, Steve Ruffin is one of our superstar volunteers at William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area.
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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FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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