Cinnamon Bay Campground

Overview

Cinnamon Bay Campground is the park’s classic stay-if-you-love-the-beach choice—set right behind St. John’s longest strip of white sand. It reopened after hurricane recovery and keeps things simple on purpose: trade luxury for location and wake to waves and tree frogs.

Where You’ll Sleep

You’ve got options: bare sites (bring your own kit or rent theirs), eco‑tents (including family layouts), group tents, and simple cottages. Expect ceiling fans but no air‑conditioning, and shared bathhouses instead of in‑unit bathrooms. Sites typically include a picnic table and grill; many units come with linens and a cooking kit, and cottages add a mini‑fridge. It’s basic, but the bathhouses are kept clean and close enough for a quick rinse.

Food, Drinks, and Supplies

There’s an on‑site cafe serving breakfast and dinners (theme nights pop up), plus a lunch option via a food truck. A small general store stocks essentials, though it’s cheaper to stock up in Cruz Bay. Handy touches like water refill stations and gear carts help camp life go smoothly.

Beach & Things To Do

This is a long, gently sloping beach with plenty of shade and clear water—easy swimming and great for families. Snorkel from shore toward Cinnamon Cay for coral, fish, rays, and the occasional turtle. You can rent chairs, snorkel sets, kayaks, and SUPs right here. Into more than beach time? Expect offerings like yoga, art classes, and guided hikes through the campground, and wander the nearby sugar plantation ruins across the road on the nature loop.

Wildlife

You’ll share the grounds with iguanas, deer, mongooses, crabs, birds—and the usual island bugs. No‑see‑ums are sneaky; bites often itch a day or two later. Bring repellent and you’ll be fine.

Practicalities

• Day‑use facilities have restrooms but generally no showers; overnight guests use the campground bathhouses (simple, unheated).
• Parking fills—arrive early if you’re driving. Open‑air taxis run the North Shore, but they can be hit‑or‑miss late in the day and add up in cost if you’re beach‑hopping.
• The on‑site store is convenient but pricey; stock up in town.
• Expect true camping conditions: heat, humidity, and critters are part of the deal. If that’s not your vibe, book elsewhere on the island.

Best Time to Visit

For day use, aim for early morning to snag parking and calm water; light is soft for photos and the bay is quiet. Midday brings the crowds. By late afternoon (after ~3 pm), many day‑trippers peel off and the beach breathes again. Overnight guests get the best hours—early and late—when the beach feels nearly private.