Cape San Blas, Florida - Beach Camping at St. Joesph Peninsula State Park

White sandy beach...beautiful sand dunes with lots of sea oats...boat launch to the bay...boardwalks across the marsh...beautiful camping sites - THIS is St. Joseph Peninsula State Park - YOUR next camping destination.

Rated as one of the top beaches in the U.S., Cape San Blas - St. Joe Peninsula State Park - has more than nine miles of white sandy beaches and some of the tallest sand dunes in the state. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located at the north end of the peninsula. Located in the park is a boat ramp/marina, boat basin, campground with 117 campsites and 8 cabins.

On one side of the peninsula is the Gulf and on the other side of the peninsula is the bay.

There are two camping areas in the park. Gulf Breeze camping area, which is closer to the shore and feels like the beach, and the Shady Pines area, which is located in a natural pine grove, but with easy access to the beach. The campsites are closer together in Gulf Breeze than in the Shady Pines side, but each has different attributes. A boardwalk with viewing sites to the marsh connects the two campgrounds; bike riders, walkers and nature lovers enjoy the boardwalk. It is a great place to stroll with your morning coffee in hand!

We have stayed at both Gulf Breeze and Shady Pines and each are good campgrounds. If you have dogs that travel with you, Shady Pines does offer more woods in which to walk the dogs. In addition, the Shady Pines side offers more shade. Gulf Breeze does receive the ocean breeze; Shady Pines does not. But, whichever part of St. Joe Peninsula you choose, I am sure you will enjoy your stay because each offers easy access via boardwalks to a wonderful beach.

The campsites at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park are clean and well maintained. There is a picnic table and fire ring on each site, as well as electric and water. There is a dump station located near the exit. For a beach campground, without a doubt, these were the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen! A washer and dryer were located at several of the bath houses. Easy to navigate paths connected the bath houses to the campsites.

Camping Fee:

The camping fee per night at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is only $24.00 per night, plus tax, which includes water and electricity. What a bargain! Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a social security disability award certificate or a 100 percent disability award certificate from the Federal Government are permitted to receive a 50 percent discount on current base campsite fees.

Boat Launch & Entrance Fees:

$9.00 for one person with a boat.

$11.00 for 2 - 8 people with a boat.

For more information about this Florida State Park go to http://www.floridastateparks.org/stjoseph/default.cfm

For reservations go to www.reserveamerica.com

When camping at the beach, don't forget:

• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Beach Umbrella
• Beach Chairs

Because St. Joe Peninsula State Park is near the end of the peninsula, if you forget something, you will have to drive a long way. Ice is available at the park and there is a small store at the Marina, but plan before you go.

Okay Folks - there are bugs - You are camping at the beach after all. Take bug spray, thermacells, and tiki torches and they won't bother you!