Camping in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Where to Stay, Reservations, and Rates
Camping in the U.S. Virgin Islands means pitching your tent steps from the Caribbean, with a coral reef within easy reach of your fins. The national park covers two-thirds of St. John and has just one official campground, but it's an exceptional one. Island logistics, booking ahead, tropical safety: here's everything you need to know.
The bottom line: yes, you can camp in Virgin Islands National Park. There's only one official campground inside the park: Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campground. Reservations are essential, especially during the high season from December through April. Backcountry camping isn't allowed.
Campgrounds in the park (1)
- Campground Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground see NPS · 121 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can you camp inside Virgin Islands National Park?
Yes. The park has one concession-operated campground, Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campground, on St. John's north shore. Outside this site, no camping or backcountry camping is allowed within the park boundaries.
To get there, you'll fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. St. John has no airport. A taxi or rental car will take you to the Red Hook terminal on the west side of St. Thomas, where you'll catch the ferry to Cruz Bay. The guide to getting to St. John covers all your transportation options.
Campgrounds in the park
Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campground
Cinnamon Bay sits on one of the most beautiful beaches on St. John's north shore. You'll have direct access to the sea, shore snorkeling, and forested hills rising behind the beach. The site was completely rebuilt after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and reopened under new management.
There are three lodging options:
Bare sites: prepared sites for your own tent. This is the most affordable choice for self-sufficient campers who bring all their own gear.
Safari tents: tents set up on platforms with beds and storage. You bring your own linens and dishes. It's a good way to travel light without sleeping on the ground.
Cottages: solid-wall units with beds, a refrigerator, and a kitchenette. You get the feel of a campground with the comfort of a bungalow.
The three site types share communal facilities, including showers and restrooms. There's also a restaurant and a grocery store on-site, which makes handling meals much easier.
RV or tent camping: what to know in the U.S. Virgin Islands
RVs are nearly impossible to use on St. John. The roads are narrow, winding, and seriously steep. Cinnamon Bay isn't set up for large vehicles. If you're renting a vehicle on St. Thomas, choose a compact 4WD vehicle.
The natural alternative to a bare site is a safari tent. It's a good fit for families and anyone who doesn't want to haul sleeping pads and sleeping bags onto the ferry. During the high season, safari tents and cottages book up before bare sites do. Prioritize them if you don't want to end up sleeping under the stars unexpectedly.
Camping nearby: options outside the park
The Coral Bay area, on the east side of the island, has private campgrounds with a range of options, including bungalows, equipped tents, and bare sites. They're a good backup when Cinnamon Bay is full.
St. Thomas has more lodging options, but you won't get the national park atmosphere. For lodges and hotels, our guide to hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands lists the options in the area.
Backcountry camping and dispersed camping
Virgin Islands National Park doesn't allow dispersed camping or backcountry camping. The ecosystem is too fragile, with tropical dry forest, mangroves, and protected coral reefs, and the park is too small to support a wilderness permit system. Trails are for day hikes. The guide to hiking on St. John covers the main trails, elevation gains, and hiking times.
How and when to reserve a campsite in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, the federal reservation platform, and through the official Cinnamon Bay website. The booking window generally opens six months ahead for sites in federal national parks.
The high season runs from December through April. Sites book up within hours of reservations opening. Log in right at opening time if you're aiming for December or January. The low season, from June through November, is easier to book, but it overlaps with hurricane season. Our weather page covers the main climate patterns month by month.
Rates: how much does a night of camping cost in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Cinnamon Bay prices vary by lodging type. Bare sites are the least expensive option. Safari tents fall in the middle range, while cottages are the most expensive. High-season rates are higher across all categories.
Always check current prices on Recreation.gov or the campground's official website before booking. Rates change from one season to the next. For an overview of your trip budget, our complete guide to the U.S. Virgin Islands explains entrance fees and other expected costs.
Safety and good practices
Wildlife: there are no bears in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but raccoons and mongooses, an invasive species, roam around campsites at night. Always store food in airtight containers. Don't leave anything on the picnic table.
Mosquitoes: they're present year-round and most active at dawn and dusk. Bring repellent containing DEET.
Sun and hydration: the park sits at about 18 degrees north latitude. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen in the morning, wear a hat, and bring enough water for every outing.
Hurricanes, June through November: if there's a weather alert, the park may order the campground evacuated within a few hours. Monitor NOAA forecasts and NPS alerts throughout your stay.
Snorkeling around the campground: wear lightweight fins so you can move away from the rocks without touching the coral. Don't swim alone.
Which campground is right for you?
Self-sufficient camper with your own tent: a Cinnamon Bay bare site. Bring a sleeping pad suited to tropical humidity.
Light packer or couple: a safari tent. You arrive empty-handed and sleep in a bed.
Family with kids: a Cinnamon Bay cottage. A refrigerator and solid roof make all the difference during a night of tropical rain. Our guide to visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands with kids has more advice for this kind of trip.
Tight budget or Cinnamon Bay is full: private campgrounds on the Coral Bay side, east of St. John.
The golden rule is still the same: book early. Cinnamon Bay is the park's only campground, sites are limited, and St. John draws visitors from around the world. The earlier you plan, the more options you'll have.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Yes, you can camp in the U.S. Virgin Islands inside the national park, but only at Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campground on St. John. Private campgrounds are also available outside the park, especially in the Coral Bay area.
Where is Cinnamon Bay?
Cinnamon Bay is on St. John's north shore, about a 15-minute drive from the Cruz Bay ferry landing, inside Virgin Islands National Park.
How do you get to Cinnamon Bay?
You'll need to travel through St. Thomas, arriving at STT, then take the ferry to St. John and Cruz Bay. The park access guide explains the steps and transportation options.
How much does a Cinnamon Bay campsite cost?
The price of a Cinnamon Bay site depends on the lodging type you choose: bare site, safari tent, or cottage. Rates vary by season and are updated regularly. Check Recreation.gov or the campground's official website for current prices when you book.