St. Joe State Park

Status - Open
Area - Trail
Land - State Park

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The roar of engines breaks the stillness of the Old Lead Belt at St. Joe State Park, one of two off-road vehicle parks in the state park system. The many trails set aside for off-road vehicle use make the park the premiere off-road vehicle area. The park also features four lakes, two swimming beaches, equestrian trails, a hiking and bicycling trail, a water trail and picnic sites, as well as two campgrounds capable of accommodating campers with ORV or horse trailers.

Camping

St. Joe State Park has two nicely shaded campgrounds. The campground you use is dependent on what type of recreational equipment you have. Before making a reservation, look at the chart below to determine which campground is right for your needs. For a little extra space, try a family campsite.

Boating

You can access any of the park's four lakes via a gravel boat ramp. The boat ramps are open year-round. Man-powered boats and boats with electric trolling motors are allowed on the lakes; the use of gas-powered motors is not permitted. There are no launch fees. A fishing pass must be obtained from the park office for access to Apollo and JoLee lakes. There is a water trail on Monsanto Lake.

Swimming

Cool off on hot summer days at one of the park's two excellent swimming beaches. Swimming is permitted at Monsanto and Pim lakes only. No cans, glass bottles, coolers, fires, alcohol or pets are allowed at the beaches. Swim at your own risk.

A large shelter with picnic tables is located at Monsanto Lake and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also benches, a volleyball net, a change house and a vault toilet. Pim Lake and beach is smaller than Monsanto, but has benches, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a change house and a vault toilet

Scuba diving is permitted in Monsanto and Pim lakes. You must be certified and must be accompanied by another certified diver. You are required to display a marker indicating your location. Divers must check in and out at the park office.

Fishing

Anglers in search of bass, catfish and crappie can cast their lines into any of the park's four stocked lakes. Monsanto Lake is the largest, approximately 25 acres and about 30 feet at its deepest point. Apollo Lake and JoLee Lake are the next in size, and the smallest of the four is Pim Lake. Boats can be used on all four lakes, however, only electric motors are allowed.  An accessible fishing dock is offered at Monsanto Lake.

State fishing regulations apply. A fishing pass must be obtained from the park office for access to Apollo and JoLee lakes.

Picnic Areas

Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of several picnic sites with tables and grills located in the Pim Day-Use Area. For your convenience, there are vault toilets, water and a children’s playground in this area. From this area, you can hike Lakeview Trail to access Monsanto Lake and beach.

Picnic sites with grills are also available at the equestrian and ORV staging areas as well as at Pim Lake. Picnic tables only are provided at the Blankshire and Harris Branch trailheads and at Monsanto Lake.

PICNIC SHELTERS
There are six picnic shelters in the park perfect for family gatherings or special outings. Shelter 1 and Shelter 2 can be reserved for $35 per day. If not reserved, these shelters are available at no charge on a first come, first served basis. The other four shelters are available for no charge on a first come, first served basis. See details of each shelter below.

Shelter 1 – Reservable, capacity of 64 people, no electric, a water hydrant nearby, a vault toilet nearby, ADA Accessible
Shelter 2 – Reservable, capacity of 32 people, no electric, a water hydrant nearby, a vault toilet nearby, ADA Accessible
Shelter 3 – Capacity of 32 people, no electric, a water hydrant nearby, a vault toilet and restrooms nearby, ADA Accessible
Shelter 4 – Capacity of 32 people, no electric, a water hydrant nearby, a vault toilet and restrooms nearby, ADA Accessible
Shelter 5 – Capacity of 32 people, no electric, a water hydrant nearby, a vault toilet and restrooms nearby, ADA Accessible
Shelter 6 – Capacity of 64 people, no electric, vault toilet nearby, ADA Accessible

PLAYGROUNDS
Playgrounds are located in the Pim Day-Use Area for all park users and in campground 1 for use by registered campers.