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06-22-2006, 06:24 PM
Location:
ST. JOSEPH PENINSULA STATE PARK
8899 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe FL 32456
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located on the tip of Cape San Blas between Port St. Joe and Apalachicola, off US 98 in the Florida Panhandle.
Weather:
Typically Florida hot and humid in the summer, can reach freezing tempatures in the winter. Always a few degrees cooler in the summer and a few degrees warmer in the winter due to the moderating influence of the Gulf.
Campground Condition:
St. Joe state park is 2,516 acres surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay. It offers swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. There are also well appointed cabins in a secluded setting for those who aren't up to camping.
There are two camping areas. Gulf Breeze is the better choice for RVs and trailers, but still offers some choice tent camping sites. The staff will try to place you in one of the roomy shrubbery-screened spots. This area is right on the Gulf and is perfect for the beach lovers. The sound of the Gulf is very soothing at night and will lull you to sleep. Shady Pines is well-suited for tent campers with large, well-spaced and private sites, and just a short walk to the beach.
Summers can be hot, tourist infested, gnat infested, and misquito infested. There are also gators living within the park, but they are unlikely to bother you nearly as much as the tourists. Forget staying on a holiday or weekend during the summer, anything along the coast will already be booked up.
The white sand beaches have been chosen among the best in the country by several magazines and "Dr. Beach." Off-peak times can provide perfect weather and uncrowded beaches.
Bathroom/Shower Facilities: Gulf Breeze has two sets of facilities. One set is way past it's prime and in fair condition at best. A new facility is just across the road and in excellent condition. I haven't had a chance to use the facilities in Shady Pines.
Campground Road Conditions: The roads through the park are rough in spots. The campground areas, being right on the beach, are prone to sand blowing across them. Beach sand + big touring bikes = bad news.
Personnel/Host/Ranger Attitude: The campground host is among the best I've encountered. The low lying branches are always kept trimmed, the campsite is always just-raked, and I've never had to buy firewood because a stack is always waiting for me. The rangers are friendly and knowledgeble. It's hard to be sour when the state houses you in such a beautiful location.
Area Attractions: This part of the panhandle is "Florida's Best Kept Secret." There aren't many attractions other than peace and quiet. The Apalachicola National Forest and Apalachicola River are nearby with thier unique attractions for the outdoorsmen. Apalachicola, the proverbial sleepy fishing village (at least it was before you Yankees found it), is less than a half-hour away. For those looking for a little more excitement, Panama City Beach is only an hour or so away. Once known as the Redneck Riviera, it is fast becoming a cultural center with all of the tourist attractions you could ever want.
Area Riding: The road leading to the park is the twistiest in the county, which isn't saying a whole lot. Most of the Panhandle roads are straight and flat, with the exception of US Highway 98. Highway 98 from Port St. Joe to Ochlochnee will lead you through some of the prettiest waterfront views in the state of Florida.
Additional Information: http://www.abfla.com/parks/StJoseph/stjoseph.html
ST. JOSEPH PENINSULA STATE PARK
8899 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe FL 32456
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located on the tip of Cape San Blas between Port St. Joe and Apalachicola, off US 98 in the Florida Panhandle.
Weather:
Typically Florida hot and humid in the summer, can reach freezing tempatures in the winter. Always a few degrees cooler in the summer and a few degrees warmer in the winter due to the moderating influence of the Gulf.
Campground Condition:
St. Joe state park is 2,516 acres surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay. It offers swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. There are also well appointed cabins in a secluded setting for those who aren't up to camping.
There are two camping areas. Gulf Breeze is the better choice for RVs and trailers, but still offers some choice tent camping sites. The staff will try to place you in one of the roomy shrubbery-screened spots. This area is right on the Gulf and is perfect for the beach lovers. The sound of the Gulf is very soothing at night and will lull you to sleep. Shady Pines is well-suited for tent campers with large, well-spaced and private sites, and just a short walk to the beach.
Summers can be hot, tourist infested, gnat infested, and misquito infested. There are also gators living within the park, but they are unlikely to bother you nearly as much as the tourists. Forget staying on a holiday or weekend during the summer, anything along the coast will already be booked up.
The white sand beaches have been chosen among the best in the country by several magazines and "Dr. Beach." Off-peak times can provide perfect weather and uncrowded beaches.
Bathroom/Shower Facilities: Gulf Breeze has two sets of facilities. One set is way past it's prime and in fair condition at best. A new facility is just across the road and in excellent condition. I haven't had a chance to use the facilities in Shady Pines.
Campground Road Conditions: The roads through the park are rough in spots. The campground areas, being right on the beach, are prone to sand blowing across them. Beach sand + big touring bikes = bad news.
Personnel/Host/Ranger Attitude: The campground host is among the best I've encountered. The low lying branches are always kept trimmed, the campsite is always just-raked, and I've never had to buy firewood because a stack is always waiting for me. The rangers are friendly and knowledgeble. It's hard to be sour when the state houses you in such a beautiful location.
Area Attractions: This part of the panhandle is "Florida's Best Kept Secret." There aren't many attractions other than peace and quiet. The Apalachicola National Forest and Apalachicola River are nearby with thier unique attractions for the outdoorsmen. Apalachicola, the proverbial sleepy fishing village (at least it was before you Yankees found it), is less than a half-hour away. For those looking for a little more excitement, Panama City Beach is only an hour or so away. Once known as the Redneck Riviera, it is fast becoming a cultural center with all of the tourist attractions you could ever want.
Area Riding: The road leading to the park is the twistiest in the county, which isn't saying a whole lot. Most of the Panhandle roads are straight and flat, with the exception of US Highway 98. Highway 98 from Port St. Joe to Ochlochnee will lead you through some of the prettiest waterfront views in the state of Florida.
Additional Information: http://www.abfla.com/parks/StJoseph/stjoseph.html