Experiences & Amenities

Bicycles are welcome at the park, which has over 2 miles of paved road shared with motorists. Just outside the park there is a 10-mile bike trail that borders County Road 30 East.

• Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.

St. Joseph Peninsula is an excellent location to bird-watch. Numerous species of wading birds, shorebirds, migratory birds and birds of prey inhabit or rest at the park during their migration north and south.

The park is documented as the most productive shorebird nesting beach in the Florida Panhandle.

The clear water of St. Joseph Bay; the deep-water access from the park; great fishing and snorkeling; and easy access to off-shore reefs and fishing attracts a large boating crowd. Knowledge of local waters is required.

• Please be cautious of changing tides and water depth, and do not damage seagrass or other sensitive marine habitat. 
• The park provides an accessible route around the marina basin to the restrooms, concession, fish cleaning station, rinse/shower station and beach.

The Shady Pines Campground features 36 standard-facility campsites and 10 tent-only campsites. Two new bathhouses provide showers and restrooms. Certain sites are paved and have accessible picnic tables and grills.

Sites 13 and 17 include a screened platform with a ceiling fan, light and electricity. Pets are not allowed on these two sites.

All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a fire ring. RV sites have sewer connections.

• Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the park, except for campers who consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.  
• For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers 14 primitive campsites in the Wilderness Preserve area of the park. These sites are tucked away in some of the more pristine and beautiful areas of the park. Three sites are located within the first mile from the entrance. Site #14 is six miles from the entrance.

The sites do not have any water or electricity, so please bring plenty of drinking water with you. A water-fill station is provided at the entrance to the Wilderness Preserve.

Each site is equipped with a fire ring. The sites accommodate up to four people. The sites are pack-in, pack-out, including any trash that is generated. Pets are not permitted in the Wilderness Preserve. Service animals are welcome; please let us know that you have a service animal at the time of arrival. 

These primitive camping sites are not accessible by vehicle. However, sites #3, #11, #12 and #14 can be reached by kayak. A kayak launch is located at the gate to the Wilderness Preserve.

We follow Leave No Trace principles.

• Reservations are required and can be made by calling the park at 850-227-1327. Payment is collected at the time of arrival.
• The fee is $5 per night, per person.
• Campers must arrive at the park two hours before sunset to allow enough time to register and safely get to the site before dark.

Youth/group tent camping is available for organized groups up to 30. Chaperones must remain with the group at all times. Restrooms, cold water showers, picnic tables and a campfire circle are available at the youth/group camp.  

Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance of arrival for juvenile groups and up to 30 days in advance of arrival for adult groups. Juvenile group requests will not bump a prior adult group reservation made within the 30-day window.

• For reservations, please call the park at 850-227-1327. 
• For more information, see our group reservation handout.

Fish caught in the waters around the park include speckled trout, red drum, flounder, mullet, bluefish, whiting and shark. Spear fishing is not permitted in the park. Scalloping is extremely popular during the summer months.

• All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. 
• A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

The park offers three hiking trails. The Maritime Hammock Nature Trail, a half-mile scenic walk, passes through three natural communities and provides access to St. Joseph Bay.

The Bayview Trail is approximately 1.6 miles and traverses through pine flatwoods along the St. Joseph Bay. 

The 1,700-acre Wilderness Preserve offers 6 miles of hiking trails in the northernmost part of the Peninsula. Wilderness Permit is required for access and can be obtained at the Ranger Station. 

Canoeing and kayaking are popular at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Carry your vessel and launch from the beach, conditions permitting, or launch into the bay at the ramp area. 

There are plenty of clear, shallow water areas that make St. Joseph Bay ideal for a canoe or kayak.

The picnic area at Eagle Harbor provides small picnic shelters, restrooms, boat ramp, and access to the beach and bay.

Two large picnic shelters at Gulf Breeze Beach Access #3 provide close access to the Gulf, restrooms, and outdoor showers. 

Bayview day-use area has a large pavilion available right on the St. Joseph Bay. 

Scuba diving is limited at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park; however, there is excellent scuba diving off shore. The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association has placed several artificial reefs and wrecks off shore just north of the park. 

There are dive trips offered locally and several captains ready to take you diving on that special spot.

Shelling is popular at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. With both Gulf of America and St. Joseph Bay beach access, shelling opportunities are abundant. Try shelling at different times of the year to see a variety of shells. 

• Shelling is best at low tide and after storm activity. 
• Collect only a few shells. Do not take live shells.

Snorkelers are drawn to the clear shallow waters of St. Joseph Bay. A visible dive flag is required while snorkeling and you must stay within 25 feet of your flag.

• Collecting live shells or marine life is prohibited.
• You should be familiar with the regulations regarding your activity.

Both the Gulf of America and St. Joseph Bay are excellent places to swim, and the waters are clear and relatively shallow. 

• There are no lifeguards on duty and you should be familiar with the risk associated with swimming in open water. 
• Rip tides and marine hazards can cause harm and at times be deadly. 
• Be sure to take a friend and let others know your plans, and it is always best to wear a lifejacket or carry flotation when swimming in open waters. 

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a lovely place to have a wedding. The most popular location is beach side at sunset. 

Planning your wedding in the morning? Eagle Harbor area would be a great place with the sun rising over the bay. The park is ideally positioned facing the sunset on the beach side and the sunrise on the bay side. 

• For information and fees for weddings at the park, contact the park office at 850-227-1327.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife. Deer are commonly viewed along the park drive. Bobcat, fox, otter, raccoon, squirrels, opossum, coyote and armadillo are just a few animals you may chance to see.

Shorebirds and wading birds rest, nest and feed at the park. Sea turtles come onto the beach during the summer to lay their eggs. In the fall and spring, the park is a much needed stop for migrating birds and butterflies. The park is one of the many stops listed on the Florida Birding Trail.