U.S. Virgin Islands Camping: St. John, Cinnamon Bay & Maho Bay

Camping in the United States Virgin Islands can be a fun and different way to experience a tropical vacation. The island of St. John offers visitors two beautiful campgrounds with full-service tent or cottage sites that include stoves, grill, and other important camping equipment. For visitors who are more adventurous, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and other great outdoor activities are also available at these Virgin Island campsites. Rates for these campsites can be high during the busy season, but will be more reasonable at times when the visitor traffic is lower.

Camping in the Virgin Islands: St. John

The smallest of the Virgin Islands, St. John is often considered the most visually appealing as well. Two-thirds of the island is covered by a National Park, making it one of the safer areas to camp in the Virgin Islands. There are two campgrounds within the park to choose from: Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay. The rates for these St. John campgrounds will vary based on the time of year, so it is best to make reservations for the slower times of the year. This is usually May through December for this part of the Virgin Islands. Of course, you may be subject to less ideal weather conditions during the off-season, so pack your camping equipment accordingly.

Camping in the Virgin Islands: Cinnamon Bay

The Cinnamon Bay campground is popular because of its waterfront camp sites that include either cottages or tents provided by the park itself. These full service camp sites in the Virgin Islands also offer picnic tables, water jugs, lanterns, charcoal grills, stoves, cooking utensils, and a storage container. For those who wish to go it alone, there are also ground-only campsites that do not include any of these amenities. Campers can bring their own equipment or truly rough it by sleeping right there on the dirt.

Camping in the Virgin Islands: Maho Bay

The Maho Bay campsite on St. John island also provides tents and cottages to visitors. Many of the campsites offer an amazing view of the Maho Bay below. There are also furnished apartments on the site for guests who would prefer a more luxurious camping experience in the U.S. Virgin Islands. One of the most popular attractions to the Maho Bay camping area is the great snorkeling spots. Snorkeling gear, catamarans, and kayaks can be rented from shops right there at the campground. Glass blowing is another of the unique attractions that you will find at the Virgin Islands' Maho Bay camp area.