William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective January 16, 2025: The Visitor Center, pool and parking lot at William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area are temporarily closed for a construction project.

Accommodation Request

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure that our visitors with disabilities receive equal access to our parks. To request an accommodation to assist with your visit, contact the specific state park to request an accommodation.

Hours

8 a.m. to sunset (Eastern time zone), 365 days a year

Fees

$6 per vehicle (two to eight people)

See all fees

Location

6773 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe FL 32456

Get directions

Contact Info

850-227-1876

Welcome to William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area.

Beautiful white-sand beaches and sea oat-covered dunes welcome visitors to the beach and the blue waters of the Gulf of America.

Stretching from the Gulf of America across the peninsula to St. Joseph Bay, this 100-acre park provides boardwalk access to the beach, bay, swimming pool, and nature trail.

This recreation area is designated to provide recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Two family-style cabins are available for reservations. The park offers mobility equipment rentals on site which are included in the entry fee.

Visitors of all abilities can enjoy the day-use areas of the park. Scenic boardwalk access leads to a mile of pristine, white-sand beach. Travel through a tunnel beneath the road to the bayside to launch a canoe or kayak, wade into the bay or explore the nature trail. The 4-foot-deep swimming pool with a chair lift and wheelchair access ramp is available to visitors of all abilities. Register for a free ranger program to learn more about the park and its natural resources.