Joemma Beach State Park, a Washington State Park located near Gig Harbor, Lacey and Lakewood

JOEMMA BEACH STATE PARK

JOEMMA BEACH STATE PARK
20001 Bay Road Kp South
Longbranch, Washington 98351

(lat:47.2261 lon:-122.8057)

Phone: 253-884-1944

Joemma Beach State Park is a 122-acre marine camping park with 3,000 feet of saltwater frontage on southeast Key Peninsula. Aside from the natural beauty of park and surroundings, the area is an excellent place for fishing, boating and crabbing. This forested park set on Puget Sound provides a boat launch and water trail campsites. Fishing and crabbing attract visitors.

History of the Area

This property was granted to Washington at statehood in 1889 for the support of common schools. The original recreation site was developed beginning in 1961 and was named Robert F. Kennedy Recreation Area on opening day in 1968. The property was transferred to State Parks in 1995 and was renamed "Joemma Beach State Park" after Joe and Emma Smith who lived on the premises from 1917 to 1932.

Passes

A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.

Camping

The park has 19 tent spaces and five vault toilets all ADA. In addition, there are two water trail sites available only to campers arriving by human-powered watercraft and two primitive hiker/biker sites no motorized vehicles permitted.

Boating

Located in Pierce County on Puget Sound, Joemma Beach has one boat ramp and 500-feet of dock space.

Fishing

You can enjoy saltwater fishing from the 3,000-foot shoreline or a boat. Species include salmon and shellfish such as clams.

Location

Joemma Beach State Park is located near Gig Harbor, Lacey and Lakewood

Nearby Parks

McMicken Island State Park

Penrose Point State Park

Jarrell Cove State Park

Tolmie State Park

Squaxin Island State Park

Tolmie Underwater State Park

Hope Island Marine State Park

Kopachuck State Park

Cutts Island State Park

Nisqually State Wildlife Recreation Area

Picnicking

The park provides four sheltered and seven unsheltered picnic tables. The picnic shelter has a maximum capacity of 50 people. The unsheltered picnic sites are all available on a first-come, first-served basis. The covered picnic shelter is reservable by calling the park office at 253 884-1944.

Birding

Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species including bald eagles, ospreys and various waterfowl. The park's forested areas are home to songbirds like the Pacific-slope flycatcher and Swainson's thrush. Other common sightings include red-breasted sapsuckers, brown creepers, golden-crowned kinglets and spotted towhees.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

August 25 LOVED IT! by Heather

It was a beautiful weekend to start with. I took my three kiddos for the weekend while their dad had to work. Such a goodtime there memories were made with sand castle building tons of crabs to catch ay only knee deep water. If your outdorsy you will love it. The park rangers were so nice and helpful. However expensive community so get your groceries before you go out there.

June 30 no docks very lame

traveled 45 miles by boat to stay and there are no docks but has spot for them , what a tease

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Area Campgrounds

Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor
9515 Burnham Drive
Gig Harbor, WA
253-858-8138

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Directions

Located 28 miles southwest of Tacoma, Wash. in Pierce County.

From Tacoma:Take Hwy. 16 to Purdy exit. At the light turn left onto Hwy 302, which changes into Key Peninsula Hwy. Travel approximately 15 miles and turn right on Whiteman Rd. Go approximately four miles, turn right and travel on Bay Rd. approximately one mile. Stay on asphalt into park.