April 2024 marked an unforgettable adventure for my husband and me. We decided to celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary by embarking on a camping trip to the enchanting Cinnamon Bay in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. With its pristine beaches, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters, this trip promised an idyllic escape from our bustling New York City lives.
Cinnamon Bay is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and serene ambiance, making it a perfect retreat for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Nestled within Virgin Islands National Park, it offers a harmonious blend of pristine beaches, lush vegetation, and historical sites. We were captivated by the promise of snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, hiking through tropical forests, and unwinding under the starlit sky.
Upon arriving, we were greeted by the gentle rustling of palm trees and the soothing sound of waves caressing the shore. Setting up our tent at one of the camp sites, we marveled at the view: the turquoise waters stretching out to meet the horizon and the powdery white sand inviting us for a barefoot stroll. The campsites were well-maintained, equipped with picnic tables, bbq's, and close proximity to modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable yet rustic experience. The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at ANY campground. The showers are located outdoors which is phenomenal. Imagine showering under the sun, or moon light it's truly magical.
Our first day was dedicated to exploring the underwater wonders of Cinnamon Bay. Armed with snorkeling gear, we ventured into the crystalline waters. Vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles greeted us. We felt like we were swimming in a natural aquarium, mesmerized by the marine life that thrived just beneath the surface. The clear visibility and warm water made it a snorkeling paradise, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in this underwater wonderland.
After a refreshing swim, we explored the historical ruins of an old Danish plantation. The ruins, overgrown with tropical foliage, whispered stories of a bygone era. Walking hand in hand through the ancient stone structures, we felt a profound connection to the island's rich history.
Being hiking enthusiasts, we couldn't resist the allure of the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail. This easy yet rewarding hike meanders through dense forests, offering glimpses of native flora and fauna. The trail led us to a vantage point with a panoramic view of the bay, a perfect spot for a picnic. We sat on a rock, enjoying a meal while absorbing the stunning vista before us.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, we retreated to our campsite. The campground, illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns and the various solar powered lights we purchased from Amazon, transformed it into a magical setting. We built a campfire in the provided BBQ, roasted marshmallows, and shared stories under the starlit sky as we sipped on a bottle of white wine we purchased from the campground store. The sound of the ocean waves, coupled with the symphony of nocturnal creatures, created a soothing soundtrack to our evening.
Our nights at Cinnamon Bay were pure magic. We cozied up in our tent, with the soothing sound of the waves lulling us to sleep. Waking up to the first light of dawn along with sound of roosters cocka doodle dooing. We often found ourselves on the beach, the sand still cool beneath our feet, soaking in the peaceful beauty of the early morning. When my hubby was too comfy to join me, I’d slip out for some solo time, meditating and practicing Mysore Yoga on the deserted beach before the day’s visitors arrived.
Our camping adventure at Cinnamon Bay was the perfect mix of thrill and chill, with just the right amount of romance. We snorkeled vibrant coral reefs, hiked through lush forests, and even explored some ancient ruins—each day was packed with discovery and wonder.
The island’s natural beauty and calm vibes made it the perfect backdrop for making memories that we’ll cherish forever. As we packed up and said goodbye to Cinnamon Bay, we knew we’d found our little slice of paradise, and we promised ourselves we’d be back.
Cinnamon Bay truly delivered a camping experience like no other. We went all-in on the rustic charm by opting for a bare campsite right in the heart of the Virgin Islands National Park. There’s something so special about falling asleep under a sky full of stars, surrounded by the rainforest. But if roughing it isn’t your thing, don’t worry—they’ve got luxury tents with all the comforts of home, plus cozy cottages if you want a bit more pampering.
The best part about Cinnamon Bay? It’s all about unplugging from the world and reconnecting with each other. No schedules, no distractions, just you, your loved one, and the stunning natural surroundings. Whether you’re up for an adventure or just want to relax, this place has it all—from beachfront camping spots to eco-tents and cottages with direct access to the beach.
Getting There -
Thinking about jetting off to the U.S. Virgin Islands for a romantic escape? No need to stress about passports if you’re a U.S. citizen! While you can leave the passport at home, don’t forget you’ll still need to prove your citizenship when it’s time to leave paradise. A raised-seal birth certificate paired with a valid government-issued photo ID, like your driver’s license, will do the trick.
That said, bringing your passport might save you from juggling extra documents. Plus, it just feels so official, right? As for that REAL ID buzz, starting May 7, 2025, you'll need one to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
We suggest flying into St Thomas (STT) then taking a ferry directly from the airport to St John which is around $25 per person and worth every penny.
According to the website for inter island boat services:
Quick Details
Ages: All Ages
Duration: 35 Minutes
Departs: Crown Bay - St. Thomas
Trip Type: One-Way
Crown Bay FerrySt. Thomas to St. John, VI
35-Minute Voyage
This ferry will take you from Crown Bay Marina in St. Thomas to Cruz Bay Creek in St. John.
Weekly Crown Bay Ferry Schedule
Crown Bay Departures:
9:45 am*
2:15 pm*
3:30 pm
5:30 pm
*Friday, Saturday, Sunday Only
What to Know
Each passenger is allowed one personal item for free. Luggage tag is required for additional luggage up to 50 pounds. Luggage exceeding 50 pounds would incur an additional charge.
Check in is 30 minutes prior to departure time
Things to know about visiting Cinnamon Bay Campground:
Pack Light - We spent most of our time either soaking up the sun on the beach or out exploring, so packing light was key. Depending on what you plan to do, we found that just a few functional outfits were more than enough. We brought along two swimsuits, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, and long pants for those cooler evenings, plus a few mix-and-match outfits in case we wanted to dress up for dinner at the restaurant.
Laundry on Premises - The bonus to packing light? There’s a laundry facility right on site! It’s super convenient if you need to refresh your clothes, though it’s a bit on the pricey side—around $5 each to wash and dry. But hey, it’s worth it to keep your load light and your outfits fresh!
General Store - If you’re planning a stay at Cinnamon Bay, there’s a small general store on-site, but don’t expect a full-on shopping experience. It’s more like a glorified souvenir shop with a few basics—think some toiletries, eggs, snacks, and kids’ toys—all with those typical convenience store markups. We quickly realized that bringing as much as possible with us was the way to go if we wanted to save some cash.
If you’re coming in by ferry from the airport, we highly recommend swinging by a local grocery store in St. John before hopping on a safari bus to the campsite. There’s one within walking distance of the ferry dock. And if you’re taking the ferry from Red Hook, there’s also a grocery store nearby where you can stock up. Just remember, extra baggage on the ferry means extra fees, so pack wisely!
Rain- Tropical weather means rain, but don’t let that dampen your spirits! Rain showers here are usually short and sweet—sometimes just a few minutes long. It’s not unusual for one side of a bay to get a sprinkle while the other side basks in sunshine. Clouds can come and go in the blink of an eye, so don’t be surprised if the forecast shows rain every day. Rest assured, it’s definitely going to rain somewhere… hopefully not on you! 😉 Hubby and I found we really enjoyed the random shower to two sans the lightening of course. lol
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