Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground
The Quick Take
Cinnamon Bay is the rarest thing in the National Park System: a campground where you fall asleep to the sound of Caribbean waves and wake up steps from a white sand beach. The setup ranges from bare tent sites tucked under sea grape trees to eco-tents and cottages for those who prefer a roof between themselves and the tropical rain. A camp store, laundry, and food service mean you can travel remarkably light for an island destination. The trade-off is obvious — this is not a wilderness experience. You are sharing one of St. John's most popular beaches with day-trippers, and the vibe leans more coastal resort than backcountry solitude. But that accessibility is the point. If you want to snorkel world-class reefs before breakfast and grab a cold drink afterward without leaving camp, Cinnamon Bay is the only game in the Virgin Islands. Best for travelers who want a beach vacation with a national park backdrop rather than a rugged camping trip.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 121 sites are reservable.
Book at Virgin Islands LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms available. The campground's restaurant, front desk, general store, beach, and many campsites are wheelchair accessible. Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Pro Tips
Reservations open months in advance and sell out fast for peak season (December through April). Book the day availability drops — especially for cottages, which disappear within hours. Shoulder months like November and May offer warm water, fewer crowds, and better availability at a fraction of the planning stress.
The campground sits right on the Cinnamon Bay Trail, which climbs over the island's spine to the ruins of a sugar plantation. Hit the trail early before the heat builds, then reward yourself with a snorkel session at the bay — the underwater trail just offshore is one of the best introductions to Caribbean reef life you will find anywhere.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen (it is the law in the USVI), a lightweight dry bag for beach days, and water shoes for the rocky entry points at nearby bays. The camp store covers basics but charges island prices, so bring any specialty food or gear from the mainland. There is no electrical hookup, so a portable battery bank is essential for keeping devices charged.
Photos
NPSGetting There
Directions
Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground is located on St. John's North Shore Road (Route 20) about 4 miles outside of Cruz Bay.
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