Joemma Beach State Park

Description

I’ve been to quite a few state parks in Washington, but there’s something special about Joemma Beach State Park that keeps drawing me back. This 122-acre marine paradise sits right on the Key Peninsula, offering an incredible 3,000 feet of pristine saltwater frontage. Y’know what I love most about this place? It’s got this perfect balance of developed amenities and natural beauty that’s pretty hard to find these days.

Key Features

• A beautiful stretch of sand and gravel beach perfect for beachcombing and sunset watching
• Spacious campground with 19 spots for RVs and trailers (up to 40 feet) and tent camping
• 2 dedicated water trail campsites for kayakers and paddlers
• 3 hike-in/bike-in tent sites for adventurous travelers
• Well-maintained boat launch facility
• Multiple hiking trails winding through forested areas
• Prime fishing and crabbing spots (my personal favorite during summer!)
• Day-use picnic areas with BBQ grills
• Clean, accessible restroom facilities
• Scenic views of Puget Sound that’ll make your jaw drop

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, late spring through early fall is absolutely prime time at Joemma Beach. Summer months bring the warmest temperatures and clearest skies – perfect for swimming and water activities. But I gotta tell ya, September might just be the sweet spot. The crowds thin out, but the weather’s still gorgeous, and you might even catch some spectacular fall colors starting to show.

Winter visits have their own charm too. The moody Pacific Northwest atmosphere creates amazing photo opportunities, and you’ll practically have the whole place to yourself. Just pack your rain gear – this is Washington after all!

How to Get There

Getting to Joemma Beach State Park means taking a scenic drive through the Key Peninsula. From Tacoma, you’ll want to head west across the Narrows Bridge and follow the signs toward Key Peninsula. The park sits on the western side of the peninsula, facing Case Inlet. The road leading in is well-maintained, though it does get a bit winding – just adds to the adventure if you ask me!

Tips for Visiting

Listen, I’ve learned a thing or two from my visits here, and I’d love to share some insider tips. First off, make sure to grab your Discover Pass before heading out – you’ll need it for parking. The rangers are pretty strict about this one, trust me!

If you’re planning to camp, booking ahead is absolutely essential during peak season (June-September). I’ve seen way too many disappointed faces when the campground fills up, especially on weekends. The online reservation system makes it super easy to secure your spot.

For the best fishing experience, time your visit with the tide tables. Low tide is fantastic for clamming and beachcombing, while high tide brings better fishing opportunities. And speaking of fishing – don’t forget your license!

Pack layers, even in summer. The weather can change pretty quickly out here on the Sound, and evenings can get chilly even after a warm day. I always throw an extra sweater in my bag, just in case.

If you’re bringing kids (and you should – they’ll love it here), the beach near the boat launch is the safest for swimming. The gradual slope makes it perfect for little ones to splash around.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: bring quarters for the hot showers if you’re camping. Nothing beats a warm shower after a day of hiking or swimming! And while the park does have drinking water available, I always recommend bringing extra, especially during peak summer months.

For the best sunset views (and trust me, they’re spectacular), head to the northern end of the beach. There’s a little clearing there that makes for perfect photo ops. Just remember to pack out what you pack in – keeping this gorgeous park clean is everyone’s responsibility.

Lastly, don’t forget to check out the interpretive signs along the trails. They’re actually pretty interesting and give you a great insight into the local ecosystem and history. Sometimes I’ll spot eagles or seals while reading them – it’s like nature’s adding its own illustrations to the story!

Location

Places to Stay Near Joemma Beach State Park

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides