Virgin Islands National Park campsites operate primarily during the dry season from December to April when temperatures average 78-85°F with minimal rainfall. The park encompasses 7,259 acres on St. John island where camping facilities face limited availability due to hurricane recovery efforts. Most sites feature sandy terrain with minimal natural shade, necessitating early arrival for securing spots with tree cover.
What to do
Snorkeling excursions: Cinnamon Bay offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities with abundant marine life. "We brought our own snorkel gear but you can definitely purchase gear nearby. They sell snorkel gear throughout the whole island. The underwater life is incredible!!!" notes Sasha W. about Cinnamon Bay Beach And Campground.
Early morning hiking: Trail exploration is most comfortable before midday heat intensifies. "I would recommend hiking early in the morning before the sun starts shinning and it gets miserably hot. We saw Cinnamon Bay from the top of the hike we went on," advises Isabella H. Many trails provide elevated vantage points of beaches and surrounding landscapes.
Wildlife observation: Sea turtle viewing ranks among top visitor activities. "The snorkeling was incredible here. We saw so many different kinds of fish, all beautiful colors. We also saw some turtles which was my top goal," shares Isabella about her experience at Cinnamon Bay. Multiple review accounts mention turtle sightings near shorelines at various depths.
What campers like
Convenient campsite locations: Proximity to facilities and transportation makes daily excursions manageable. "The campsites are approximately 5 minute walk to beach, camp store, dining, and bus stop," explains Diana B. about Virgin Islands Campground, highlighting the practical layout that minimizes transit time between accommodations and activities.
Platform tent options: Canvas accommodations provide essential camping gear without requiring visitors to transport equipment. "We chose a canvas platform tent ($68/night in December 2015) because it provided everything we would need for our time here: cots, linens, towels, gas stove, cooking utensils and dishes, a cooler, and a lantern," reports SwitchbackKids at Cinnamon Bay.
Marine ecosystem diversity: Underwater visibility and species variety create memorable experiences. "We did tons of snorkeling and also did a scuba dive here (but farther off the beach). The waterlife is incredible, and of course the water is magical. We saw turtles, tons of beautiful fish and coral. No sharks, which I was glad," recounts Evelyn R. about her Cinnamon Bay experience.
What you should know
Limited food availability: Beaches offer few dining options, requiring visitors to pack provisions. "Bring lots of snacks and water because there really isn't a food place on the beach. We brought sandwiches from our rental house and tons of water and Gatorade," advises Evelyn R. from Bargain On The Beach.
Weather considerations: Hurricane season significantly impacts travel plans. "I would recommend coming in the summer months because during the fall and winter is their hurricane seasons and it is crazy how impactful the hurricanes are," suggests Evelyn R., emphasizing the importance of seasonal planning.
Wildlife interactions: Local fauna includes more than marine species. "There are also a lot of chickens!! So many chickens walking everywhere. They weren't really on the beach area, but definitely on the boardwalk areas. They were cute at first, but then just got annoying because they were everywhere," notes Evelyn R. about terrestrial wildlife encounters.
Tips for camping with families
Early arrival strategy: Securing optimal camping locations requires morning planning. "We got to the beach around 9am and claimed our spot. We found a great spot with some trees, and hung our hammocks up and put our beach towels down with chairs," recommends Isabella H. at Rooster Run Guest House and Camping.
Activity scheduling: Alternating between water activities and land exploration maximizes comfort. "We did some early morning hiking, and spent the afternoon at this beach," explains Drew W., describing how his family balanced activities to avoid midday heat exposure.
Equipment preparation: Bringing proper gear enhances the experience while minimizing costs. "We brought our own snorkels and goggles, and we were out on the water for hours on end," notes Isabella H., highlighting how family-owned equipment facilitated extended water activities without rental expenses.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV facilities: Virgin Islands campgrounds provide minimal infrastructure for recreational vehicles. The restricted road system and ferry access limits large vehicle camping options throughout the islands, with most RV accommodations being smaller Class B or compact units.
Utility connections: Hookup availability varies significantly across sites. Cinnamon Bay lacks traditional RV amenities such as sewer, water, or electrical connections, requiring self-contained operation or alternative accommodation options like cabin rentals within the same campground.
