T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Campground

Absolutely wonderful campground I grew up going to. But Hurricane Michael ravaged it and it is not open for camping, day use only. The ranger took our money and we went through, but could only get about a half mile into the park before it is closed off. Just something to be aware of.

This is one of the most amazing little spots. The true forgotten coast. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico beautiful scenery, lots of nature, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets you can catch. Unfortunately hurricane Michael devastated this area causing the camping site of the park to close along with access to the beautiful wooded nature preserve. You can still access the beach and the bay.

Most of the park, including camping, is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Michael. The boat ramp and day use area are open. We spend the day swimming, looking for wildlife and enjoying the sun. 

Fish, sea urchins, starfish, deer, and birds were all in the park and viewable during our visit. Be sure to take sunscreen! They have kayak rentals that make the water enjoyable. We are looking forward to when the camping is back open and can further explore this great Park.

Hurricane Michael beat this park down. They’ll be working a few more years before they’re back in operation for camping. The south part of the park is currently open for day use only.

Things we love about this campground: Snorkeling for scallops Swimming Bike riding Nature Secluded areas

There is currently no camping allowed at the campground due to the significant damage caused by hurricane Michael in October 2018. The park is open for day use of the beach, swimming and paddle boating. I urge everyone to please stop by to show continued interest in this beautiful area. In time this will once again be as spectacular as ever and hopefully a decision will be made on reopening the campgrounds. This was one of those places that once visited you will never forget. I’m providing a few pictures from my last visit in 2018 before the hurricane to show what it was and what it will return to over time. 

Here’s the information currently on the Florida State Parks information page and on the Reserve America web site

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T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park T.H. Stone St. Joseph Memorial Peninsula State Park is recovering. The natural communities on the peninsula, such as coastal scrub, have evolved over millions of years and countless storms. Tall dunes provided extra protection. The resilient coastal ecosystems in the park are some of the best suited to rebounding after hurricanes. The south end of the park reopened in January 2019. Staff and volunteers made an incredible effort to clean up debris and make the park safe for visitors. The northern area of the park is currently closed to visitors. Natural sand infill has narrowed the channel created by Hurricane Michael’s storm surge. Across the channel, in the northern half of the park, roads, utilities and several facilities were destroyed and are not accessible. It will be some time before camping or cabins are available. The south end of the park still offers many of the experiences that make St. Joseph a great destination. Swimming, snorkeling and beach-combing are still popular activities. The concession is offering rentals of kayaks and paddle-boards, and a boat ramp provides easy access to St. Joseph Bay. The Division of Recreation and Parks' Office of Park Planning continues to assess the park’s condition. The Office of Park Planning shares opportunities for public comment on their webpage. For the most current information on available amenities and conditions, visit St. Joseph Memorial Peninsula State Park or call 850-227-1327. Please remember, for your safety and to protect the park’s ecosystems, please obey all posted signage. ______________________________________________________________________________

From what I understand, the park is currently closed to camping and cabins due to hurricane damage but some areas are still open. I am reviewing anyway to help encourage public support to rebuild the access to the park and reopen.

This park had smaller sites that were close together; however, the thick vegetation between sites gave each one a very private feel. The ground is dirt/sand (with a paved road leading to sites). The beach is absolutely wonderful. The restrooms were very large, clean, and well kept. There are bike trails leading down boardwalks and paved roads, and a large playground. All of the staff we encountered were very polite and helpful.

As we left, a very heavy storm came and the site flooded as we were packing up. Of course, as most daily gulf storms go, everything dried up rather quickly.

Abundance of places to explore and great fishing. We have been visiting for a few years now. Feels like home!

Great, short walk to beach access. Lots of activities on bayside as well, including kayak rentals and put-ins. Two large, clean bathrooms with showers at Shady Pine campground. Recycling available and dumpsters in good order.

You need to book this place way in advance, within minutes of these cabins being available for reservation. Reserve even if you don't know you'll be able to go; cancellation is like $17 or something.

Cell reception is spotty with At&T.

Beach is a pretty hilly 10 min. hike or so - so you will need to be organized and not be hand carrying big coolers; you'll need backpack. But not many people make the hike; you'll often have the beach to yourselves.

Lots of wildlife around - deer, armadillos, etc.

If wind is blowing from the north (shore toward beach, from behind you if you are looking at the gulf) the beach may have nasty biting flies, so drive 45 mins and go to St. George beach. Usually wind comes off the gulf though and keeps the bugs at bay.

We love Cabin #7.Cabin 8 has steps down to the bay; all others are a straight walk out.

Downstairs "beds" are not really suitable for adults; I wouldn't try to put more than 2 adults in a cabin and expect much sleep.

Bring kayaks and SUPs! You will be right on the bay, and St. Joe bay is great paddling with tons of fish and wildlife. We've seen manta rays, tons of cownose rays, huge schools of Jack Crevalle, turtles, and caught many species of fish...redfish, snook, seatrout, etc. Even saw an alligator way out at the end of the peninsula once!

if you want serenity and lots of beach to yourself this is it. it is located out on peninsula and there is no thru traffic. day use area but so much beach you have lots of solitude.

It's worth getting a permit to hike into the peninsula but don't let the sand fool you. It will wear out your legs hiking in and it is essential to hike in all water. One you find a good spot you feel like you are the only person on the planet. The campground is probably more family friendly if your kids are not backpacker ready but this is a must do experience.

Enjoy the beach, snorkel in the bay, rent a kayak at the marina, go hiking, go fishing. One of the BEST Florida parks!

This is one outstanding campground even primitive camping. You've got the gulf in front with dolphins, large variety of migratory birds that pass through, and the warm, clear waters. The campsite is kept clean and as a bonus if you want to fish or kayak; there is the bay behind you loaded with all bay water species. All around great place to camp. A must visit!!

I spent 5 days of peace and quiet here. Nice layout with plenty of photo ops from the beach or on the bay. Great fishing opportunities.

St Joseph Peninsula State Park on Cape San Blas is a great spot. We tent camped for 4 days and loved it! Bathhouse is air conditioned, sites are large and most have ample shade. Easy walk to the beach and the bay is also close for paddling and fishing! Wonderful very secluded beach and shells galore!

Lovely area, bring snorkels, kayaks, and bikes. Lots of wildlife. Really neat shorelines with sand and very tall trees, driftwood, dunes. Make sure to explore both sides of the peninsula. About 1.5 hours from Apalachicola National Forest, lots more to do in the area. Watch the sunset! Camp sites have nice privacy, some areas are wooded for shade. Some of my group stayed in the cabins and they were also nice (though sparcely stocked, call to know exactly what to expect). Very clean, great services as described.

Medium size campground with clean facilities and showers. The campground is located in an area with a lot of mosquitoes and raccoons that steal stuff as soon as you walk away, so bring tons of bug spray and put your food away even if you just walk to th ed bathroom. This place has miles of gorgeous large white sand beaches, clear water, excellent sunsets, decent fishing, bird watching, kyaking and sea turtle conservation. I'd visit this place year round if I could. The town is about 20 minutes away and you can get supplies and good food there as well.

This place is just nature at it's best! Great fishing! Gorgeous dunes! Shells, shells, shells!!! If you have a boat....take it!!! You can walk from the waves across to the calmer water....short distance. Deer frolic in the ponds at sunset. It is by far one of the best beach camping experiences I've ever had! Good facilities. GREAT cabins! Primitive camping too!

I have been visiting this park sense I was about three months old. I am now twenty seven years old. Most people would think of being tired or bored of a place you've visited so much, but so0o0 not the case with this place! The way this place is preserved and protected, the natural wildlife of the land, bay and gulf....is absolutely amazing. I now have a son and he is now a frequent visitor of the park also!