by Marney Richards, Education and Outreach Coordinator
While unpacking gear in my campsite, one of the first things I noticed was a pair of bald eagles in a tree close by. A good omen for the weekend! Joining friends visiting the coast from Wisconsin was a perfect reason for me to drive to Cape San Blas to camp at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
Bald Eagles. Photo by Robyn Cowlan
A warm day in early February saw heavy fog rolling in before dusk. We enjoyed walking the beach at sunset, watching shorebirds and chatting with anglers packing up. By dark, everything was dripping wet from the fog, including the outside of tents. The cloudy night offered only brief glimpses of the moon and stars.
Getting up early is a delight of camping. The next morning a great horned owl, calling softly at dawn, was a fine start to the day. The fog was still heavy, and there was no colorful sunrise, but the Bayview trail offered a lovely walk through the scrub vegetation.
Once the fog cleared it was a beautiful morning to walk on the beach. The Gulf waters were clear, blue-green, and a chilly 62 degrees—great for walking and wading, and a short plunge for one hardy friend!
There are ten miles of gorgeous sandy beach to explore and enjoy at this state park. It also provides vitally important habitat for beach-nesting birds, three species of sea turtles, and the endangered St. Andrews beach mouse. Every fall brings an incredible migration of raptors, songbirds, butterflies and dragonflies.
At the northern end of the peninsula, a 1,700-acre wilderness preserve helps to protect and nourish the sensitive habitat. In one of the most beautiful areas of the park, a wilderness trail winds through the middle of the peninsula. The preserve is accessible on foot or by kayak, and a permit is required for hiking or primitive camping. This natural area was very resilient to the impacts of Hurricane Michael and the dunes and vegetation are sturdy and strong today.
In October 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall in the Panhandle with catastrophic damage to the area. The state park was severely impacted and the intense storm cut through a narrow strip of the peninsula just a mile north of the park entrance. The road was breached, leaving 90% of the park inaccessible. Most of the park infrastructure was destroyed along with significant damage to dunes and vegetation.
Over time, as the tides and currents moved sand, the narrow strip began to fill in and eventually could be stabilized for a road. Years of work were needed to remove debris and downed trees and build the new road. A beach renourishment project helped reestablish the beach and dunes. Sea oats were planted to stabilize the dunes and help prevent erosion. One campground opened in late 2024 and a second one is planned.
All areas of the park are now open. The vegetation and dunes continue to rebuild, protecting vital wildlife habitat.
How to Visit T.H. Stone Memorial State Park
Address: 8899 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset (campground and boat ramp access may vary)
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located on Cape San Blas, about a 20-minute drive from Port St. Joe. Parking is available on-site.
Early mornings and late afternoons are best for wildlife viewing and enjoying the park’s natural beauty with fewer crowds. Cooler months (fall through spring) provide the most comfortable conditions for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the beach.
The park truly offers something for everyone—swimming, fishing, hiking, boating, birdwatching, camping or relaxing on the beach. A trip to T.H. Stone Memorial State Park is a wonderful opportunity to spend time in this splendid coastal environment and experience Florida’s natural beauty.
