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The beach at William J. "Billie Joe" Rish Recreation Area.

William J "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area

Discover white-sand beaches and turquoise waters

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

Park Menu

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Make a Reservation

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 Mexico. 


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

Stretching from the Gulf of Mexico 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.

Plan Your Visit

LeAnn Hinson
Learn

Manager's Message

Welcome to the newest recreation area in the network of Florida state parks. I am excited to share this park with you. You'll enjoy the amazing beach, the canoe and kayak launch, and more.
One of eight cabins that will be available in the future for overnight accommodations.
Learn

Looking to the Future

A careful assessment is being conducted of all amenities at this park. Two family-style cabins are available for overnight stays.
A beach mouse on the dune.
Learn

Wildlife at the Beach

A variety of animals live on Cape San Blas, including plenty of wading birds. The health of the ecosystem is also important to the survival of the beach mice that live in the dunes.

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Shelling
Shelling
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Star Gazing
Star Gazing
Swimming
Swimming

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Cabins
Cabins
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Shower Station
Shower Station
Swimming Pool
Swimming Pool
Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Water Fountain
Water Fountain

Visitor watches the sunset on the beach using a motorized beach wheelchair.
A boardwalk leads to Cabin 7.
Floating wheelchair rests on ramp into swimming pool.
A rainbow over the boardwalk to the beach.
The sun rises over the bay behind the kayak/canoe launch.
Covered rest areas along the boardwalk to the beach.
Park ranger reads a book to Junior Rangers.
A group of people on the beach volunteering to pick up litter.

People Make the Parks

Park ranger on the beach holding a replica sea turtle skull.

Staff Spotlight

Whether he’s cleaning a cabin or creating a 40-foot papier-mâché rattlesnake for a parade, James puts his whole heart into his work and is up for any challenge.
Pam and James hold up signs about why they volunteer: "meeting people" and "sharing barrier free resources."

Volunteer Spotlight

Their favorite part of volunteering at Rish Recreation Area “spans from the smiling visitors to the grateful staff. It is the people that make this park a gem."
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

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Beach view with wave coming ashore

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

Stretching 20 miles into the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, St. Joseph Peninsula is a true wildlife haven. Its powdery beaches and bayside salt marshes are nesting grounds for sea turtles, shore birds and the endangered St. Andrews beach mouse.

8899 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe FL 32456

View of Beach and sea oats with vistor under an umbrella

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park

On a barrier island fronting historic Apalachicola Bay, St. George Island State Park offers visitors a little strip of paradise. Beachside or bayside, the spectacular views of crystal waters, blue skies and sugary beaches will make you want to stay.

1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive
St. George Island FL 32328

Bald Point Beach

Bald Point State Park

Enjoy some of the most picturesque areas along North Florida's Gulf Coast. Bald Point offers access to two Apalachee Bay beaches for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing. Facilities include a fishing dock and picnic pavilions.

146 Box Cut Road
Alligator Point FL 32346

Florida State Parks

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    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
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    • Rules & Regulations
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Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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