Manager's Message
Jonathan Dillard, Park Manager
We are excited to have all areas of T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park open for visitors to enjoy. With ten miles of white sandy beaches, opportunities for swimming, fishing, shelling, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach abound. The park truly has something for everyone.
Hikers can pick from three unique hiking experiences on one of the park’s three nature trails. Witness views of the St. Joseph Bay while hiking the half-mile Maritime Hammock Trail or 1.6-mile Bayview Trail. For a more remote experience, venture into the Wilderness Preserve on the six-mile Wilderness Preserve Trail. Keep in mind a Wilderness Permit is required for access and can be obtained at the Ranger Station.
Bring your boat and enjoy a day on the water. Launch your own boat from our boat ramp or venture into the St. Joseph Bay on a kayak, canoe, SUP board or pontoon boat available for rent at Scallop Cove Too. Located at the Eagle Harbor Boat Basin, Scallop Cove Too has snacks, ice, beach towels, sunscreen, bait and tackle. They also recently added bikes, bike carts, beach carts, and beach chairs and umbrellas to their rental options. Free Wi-Fi also can be accessed here.
RV and tent campers can stay overnight in the Shady Pines campground, which features 36 standard-facility campsites and 10 tent-only campsites. Two new bath houses were recently built. Overnight stays are also available at the eight renovated cabins and the 14 primitive campsites in the Wilderness Preserve. Reservations for campsites and cabins can be made by calling 1-800-326-3521 or visit our reservation website.
While you’re here, be on the lookout for wildlife. The dunes and beaches are home to many species of unique and threatened wildlife. Sea turtles nest on the beaches from May to October each year. The elusive and imperiled St. Andrews beach mouse live among the dunes. Migratory birds and butterflies rest here, and the beach is a crucial nesting site for native Florida birds like the snowy plover.
If you would like to help keep the park beautiful, please contact us at 850-541-4011. We have several volunteer opportunities available, and training is provided. One of those opportunities is to join the Friends of St. Joseph State Parks, a dedicated group of volunteers who serve as the park’s nonprofit citizen support organization. They assist the park with programs, special events and fundraising. They are an extremely important part of the park, and we would love to have new members who share the same passion and love for St. Joseph Peninsula. You can see their good work by following them on Facebook or at their website.
Thank you for your interest in T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. We hope to see you and your family in the park soon!