Top Ten National Park Campgrounds

Virgin Islands National Park, renowned throughout the world for its breathtaking beauty, covers two-thirds of the 19-square-mile island of St. John and boasts some of the most beautiful coral reefs, plant life, and multicolored tropical fish in the Caribbean. Several beautiful beaches and 22 hiking trails are also included within the national park's boundaries. More than a third of the 11,560 acres that make up the national park are underwater, offering unparalleled diving and snorkeling. Thanks to the park, St. John's has sustained its vast stretches of green hillsides, exotic foliage, and pristine white-sand beaches.

Cinnamon Bay Campground is the only place to camp on parkland. Accommodations include bare tent sites, sites with tent-covered platforms already set up, and cottages. Prepared sites and cottages are equipped with cooking supplies and linens. There is also a camp store with food, other supplies, and a cafeteria. Reservations can be made by writing Cinnamon Bay Campground, P.O. Box 720, Cruz Bay, St. John, VI 00831-0720, or by calling (809)-776-6330 or (800)539-9998.

Visitor Center

Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Contact Station is temporarily located across from the public ferry dock in Cruz Bay, in the foyer of the Morris de Castro Clinic, while construction of the new visitor center and administrative offices is under way. The Visitor Contact Station is an ideal place to begin your park explorations. Park rangers will provide you with maps, brochures, and the latest activity schedule, as well as answer your questions and help you plan your visit. A sales area operated by Eastern National Cooperating Association offers a broad selection of books about the natural and cultural history of the area. Maho Bay Campground is a privately run camp with "tent-cabins" containing cooking supplies. Facilities include a camp store and central dining area where meals are served. For more information, write: Maho Bay Campground, 17A East 73rd Street, New York, NY 10021, or call (809)776- 6226 or (800)392-9004.

Ecotourism on the Caribbean

Just the Facts

Route: Glacier to Artist Point on WA 542.

Length: 24 miles (one hour)

Season: Summer to early fall.