Question 1

What documents are required for travel to the US Virgin Islands?

Accepted Answer

Because St John is a US Territory you do not need a passport to visit. You will need a state or federal ID like a drivers license and a copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal. Please visit www.USVItravelportal.com for current travel requirements due to COVID.

Question 2

What do I need to make a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Reservations require a 50% deposit and the full balance is due 30 days before arrival. If full payment is not received 30 days prior to arrival, your reservation will be cancelled and you forfeit your deposit. 
*Reservations are limited to a maximum length of 14 consecutive nights within any 3 month period with a maximum of 30 days per calendar year per US National Park requirements. 
 
We currently have a 2 night minimum for all pre-reserved stays, 7 night minimums for Christmas and New Year’s week, Presidents Week and Easter Week.
All confirmations are sent via email. Online reservations are open 11 months in advance to allow in house, repeats guests the chance to rebook dates for the following year. We never guarantee reservation locations, requests are noted. We reserve the right to require you to move units during your stay as needed.

Question 3

What are the Campsite rules?

Accepted Answer

Do not tie anything to any trees
Do not drive or push any stake, pin or stick into the ground.  The area sits upon a sensitive archeological site.  You could damage sensitive artifacts.
Do not feed any wildlife.  This includes birds.
Do not leave food or trash outside of proper labeled receptacles.
Keep an orderly clean site. No trash.  Everything must be neat and not scattered about.
No sleeping outside of a tent.
No music.  It may disturb others. Please bring headphones.
No parties or non-guest group gatherings at your site.
Registered guests only in the campground.
No open fires.  Charcoal may be used, in the provided grill, for cooking purposes only.

Question 4

What is the cancellation Policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations made within 30 days of your stay forfeit the entire amount of the deposit. Cancelation made more than 30 days before your arrival date will receive a full refund minus a 10% fee. You may change the date of your stay one time without fee if made at least 30 days before your arrival. Additional date changes are subject to a $50 change fee. Any changes within 30 days of your arrival date are considered a cancellation and no refund will be given. 
ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING.
Trip insurance that covers your stay is highly recommended. It is the guest’s responsibility to make sure any trip insurance covers all situations that may cause last minute cancelations of their trip.  Cinnamon Bay will not issue a refund due to a guest not having trip insurance or the trip insurance not covering the reason for cancellation.

Question 5

What forms of payment to you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, Visa credit or debit cards, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.  We accept travelers checks onsite only, not for deposits. We do not accept personal checks, money orders any other forms of payment at this time.

Question 6

What time is check in/check out?

Accepted Answer

Check out 10am - Check in 4pm

Question 7

How do you get to Cinnamon Bay?

Accepted Answer

-Fly into Cyril E. King airport (code STT) on St Thomas, US Virgin Islands (St John does not have an airport). 
-From the airport take a taxi to Crown Bay or Red Hook (see online schedules) to travel via ferry to Cruz Bay, St John. 
-Once on St John take a taxi (available on demand at ferry dock) or pick up your reserved rental car. 
-Travel North Shore Road/Route 20 until you see the signs for Cinnamon Bay on the left. Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground is approximately 4 miles from Cruz Bay.  
 
*Keep in mind that cars drive on the left on St John and the roads are steep with many switch back turns.

Question 8

What type of tents and bare sites are available?

Accepted Answer

The campground will use the new style eco-tents that were introduced in 2016. The eco-tents will have a lamp, fan, electrical outlet, a table and 2 chairs. With the addition of new bunk rooms in some units, some tents will be able to sleep up to four people
 
The bare sites will consist of a picnic table and a wooden platform where campers can set up their own tent. Campers have an option to rent other amenities from the campground, i.e. coolers, cooking utensils, camping stoves, etc., if needed. The 31 bare sites are located throughout the campground in different locations. All the higher elevation sites that were previously bare campsites remain as they were.

Question 9

Can I reserve a specific tent or cottage or bare site?

Accepted Answer

No. The type of facility may be reserved, but specific sites cannot be. You may request a site or area and Cinnamon Bay Campground will attempt to meet your request.

Question 10

How do I check in?

Accepted Answer

When you arrive by taxi, look for the Front Desk sign. Our staff will be waiting to check you in and get your vacation started. Our front desk is open from 8am - 8pm. If you reach after hours, one of our security staff will either be at the desk or with you shortly. Luggage carts are usually available to overnight guests so that you may take your belongings to your unit. Please return them quickly to the front desk area so other guests may use them.
 
When you arrive by rental car, drive around the U-shaped drive and follow signs to the parking area. Park in the parking lot only (front space is for taxi’s loading/unloading only), walk back to the front desk area to check in. Luggage carts are usually available to overnight guests to take your belongings to your unit. Please return them quickly so other guests may use them too.
 
You will not receive your unit location until you arrive in person for check in. You will not be able to call to find out the location before you arrive. We do our best to honor requests but never guarantee them.

Question 11

What is the bathroom situation?

Accepted Answer

There are 4 shared bath houses located on the property. Each bath house has multiple sinks, individual shower and flush toilet stalls. All bathhouses have a separate accessible toilet/shower combo. Shampoo/body wash is provided in the showers. Environmentally safe hair conditioner is available in the store. 
 
Bath towels are provided for eco-tents and cottages in the unit (one per registered guest) and are included with the comfort kit for bare sites. 
 
Water conservation is a big deal on St John. Please limit your water usage in the bathrooms as much as possible.

Question 12

Does the campsite have individual bathrooms?

Accepted Answer

No. The campground will continue to offer four communal bath houses as well as an additional Barrier Free/ADA accessible full-service restroom and shower in the main building.

Question 13

Families and All Family Friendly.

Accepted Answer

Cinnamon Bay is perfect for families of all ages, colors, shapes, sizes and make up. Our goal is that everyone feels comfortable and safe when staying with us. We are an inclusive community that welcomes everyone. 
 
We aim to be a family friendly property in all areas, all the time. That includes the guest’s behavior and attire.   Our nature talks, guest speakers, movies and activities are family friendly unless otherwise posted. Children must be monitored at all times, especially on the beach. There are NO LIFEGUARDS at Cinnamon Bay.

Question 14

Do you have air conditioning?

Accepted Answer

NO, there is absolutely no a/c anywhere on camp. Ocean breezes are provided free of charge when available. Eco-tents and Cottages have electric fans.

Question 15

Quiet Time.

Accepted Answer

Quiet hours are between 10pm and 7am. While some people like to stay up late, others like to get up early. Be courteous to your neighbors and observe the quiet times. However, courtesy doesn’t end when quiet hours do, so keep in mind that others are sharing the campground with you. 
 
We are not a destination for noisy groups or parties. Security patrols the property to help with enforcement and reserves the right to ask guests to lower the noise. 
 
While we understand portable devices are now common, no one should hear you enjoying them. Please use headphones/ear buds when listening to music or using any device that makes noise. 
 
We want all guests to enjoy their stay.  That does not include disrupting fellow guests.  Noisy/disruptive guests will be required to leave without a refund and be prevented from booking future stays.

Question 16

What is there to do?

Accepted Answer

You can do all of the things or none of the things during your stay. Nothing is better than listening to the water roll to the shore, feeling the sun on your face, smelling the salt air, hearing the tree frogs sing at night, reading a good book or just enjoying quiet time with your travel companions. Cinnamon’s beach is the largest on island and is perfect for long walks along the shore.
 
When you want to do more, we offer guided hikes, kayak, paddle board and snorkel trips or just watersports rentals if you want to go on your own. There are amazing boat excursions you can book at activities based on your interests. Want to try an offshore fishing trip or scuba diving? We can book that too. 
 
Most nights there are free activities in the restaurant after dinner including nature talks, guest speakers, movie and game nights.

Question 17

Will there be bugs?

Accepted Answer

We 100% guarantee you will see bugs during your stay. Some are more interesting than others, but there is sure to be a variety. Mosquitos and no-see-ums are common all over St John. Leaving the beach before dusk (what we call bug thirty) will help outsmart no-see-ums. We recommend loose, light weight, long sleeve shirts and pants at night as the best defense for biting bugs.
 
You may also see lizards, scorpions, unidentified flying insects, ants, tree rats, iguanas, deer, chickens, donkeys, mongoose, land turtles and other creatures who make St John and Cinnamon Bay their natural habitat. When you stay in nature you are venturing into their home, so observe them but do not attempt touch, hold or harass them. Do not feed them or you will have a very aggressive friend that out stays their welcome every time. For this reason, do not leave food open inside your unit. We recommend only preparing food outside on your picnic table and in the grill areas.

Question 18

What is in the Eco-tent?

Accepted Answer

Each Eco-tent has a queen bed (with under-bed drawers), sheets, blanket, pillows, two side tables, a fan, shelves, a light, and small trash bin. Outside the tent there is a picnic table, storage box, chuck box w/propane stove, plates, cups, utensils and camping style cook pots. Bath towels, wash cloths and a kitchen towel are also provided.  No cooking appliances should be used inside the tent. There is one electrical outlet per tent for recharging devices, etc. Charcoal grills are located throughout the property for your use.

Question 19

What is in the Cottage?

Accepted Answer

Each cottage has a queen bed (with under-bed drawers), sheets, blanket, pillows, two side tables, a fan and small wardrobe, light, day bed (w/trundle), small refrigerator and trash bin. Outside the cottage there is a picnic table, storage box, chuck box w/propane stove, plates, cups, utensils and camping style cook pots. Bath towels, wash cloths and a kitchen towel are also provided.  No cooking appliances should be used inside the room. There are electrical outlets for recharging devices, etc. Charcoal grills are located throughout the property for your use.

Question 20

How do I get to Cinnamon Bay Campgrounds?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to get to our campgrounds is by taxi or "safari" bus. You can arrange transportation at the ferry dock when you arrive. It is approximately a 30 min ride to camp.

Question 21

ADA Accessibility

Accepted Answer

Cinnamon Bay has accessible units available in eco-tents and cottages. Parking spaces, bathrooms and resaurant also have ADA accessability. Please contact reservations to inquire what is available for your stay before you make your reservation.

Question 22

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

You should bring an adventurous mindset ready for the unexpected and ready to make amazing memories! 
 
A flashlight or headlamp is an absolute must. There is no lighting on the paths at night. You will need a light source to get back to the tent/cottage after dinner and for bathroom trips after dark.  Please bring face masks as we are a federal property, they are required in the bathhouses, store and restaurant or anywhere 6 feet social distancing is not possible. (See current USVI rules for restaurant protocols)
 
Everything else will depend on the level of comfort you prefer. The saying is true on St John, pack for your vacation and then take out half. We sell reef safe sunscreen, beach towels, and pretty much anything else you need in the camp store. 
We do not provide spices, cooking oil, salt or pepper in the units. Cooking basics are available for purchase in the store. 
 
St John is a casual but conservative island, the same goes for Cinnamon Bay. As is St John custom, swim suits are for beaches and pools. Coverups should not be see through.  Cinnamon aims to be family friendly/G rated in all areas. Full non-see through cover ups are required in the restaurant, store and the front desk, please plan accordingly.
 
DO NOT BRING sound producing devices, drones, or any items prohibited by the National Park. DO NOT BRING continuous spray sunscreen and bug products. Use of the sprays damage plants and wildlife, get on everything including other people near by and are not reef/water safe. Many contain alcohol that has the potential to catch fire, even after they have been applied. We sell Stream2Sea sun products in the store because they are the safest we have found for humans and the environment. The USVI has outlawed non-reef safe sun products, please do not bring them or use them on property. 
 
Renting a bare site? Only the platform is provided. You will need to bring ONE tent, bedding, bath towels and anything you plan to use for cooking.

Question 23

Can I lock the Eco-tent?

Accepted Answer

We recommend you do not leave valuables in your unit when not there. The deck boxes at each unit are lockable with a pad lock that you must provide. Cinnamon Bay is not liable for the loss or theft of your belongings while on property. Cottages have keyed doors but we recommend not leaving valuables in the room.

Question 24

Ruins on Property.

Accepted Answer

Cinnamon Bay is one of the most historic sites on St. John. Ruins and archeological artifacts speak to history ranging from the Indigenous Taino peoples' early settlements and sacred sites to the Danish colonial period of enslavement and plantations. You will see stone walls, mounds, and what was once the oldest standing building on St. John, destroyed by Hurricane Irma. All guests must respect these sacred spaces and leave them as they found them. Do not climb, mark, or move anything on or near these ruins. If you find an artifact, leave it in place and notify park staff. Learn more at the park's website: History & Culture - Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Question 25

Electricity in Units.

Accepted Answer

The Eco-tents and Cottages will have at least one outlet for charging items. Please note; the islands have a volatile power system and we can loose power frequently. It is not unusual for power to be restored within several hours but it can sometimes take overnight or more than one full day. Bare sites do not have electricity or outlets.

Question 26

WiFi.

Accepted Answer

Free wifi is provided in the restaurant for overnight registered guests. It is not unusual for internet to go in and out or to loose signal strength at times. 
 
We welcome you to unplug and use your time at Cinnamon Bay to reconnect with nature, the ocean and your travel companions. It is also an amazing opportunity to meet new people from around the world and learn about a different culture and environment.

Question 27

Store.

Accepted Answer

Our store is stocked with most everything you will need and want while camping at Cinnamon. We have cold drinks, limited grocery items, produce, frozen treats, bagged ice, charcoal for grills, reef safe sunscreen, basic toiletries, bug spray, hats, t-shirts, beach towels, etc.

Question 28

Do you host groups?

Accepted Answer

We love to host groups! Yoga groups, swim clubs, hiking associations, spiritual groups, nature clubs, school groups, scouting groups, learning labs and more have stayed at Cinnamon Bay. If you are interested in your group staying overnight at Cinnamon Bay please email us at groups@cinnamonbayvi.com to discuss all of the options and services we offer.

Question 29

Smoking.

Accepted Answer

Cinnamon Bay is a smoke free property. Smoking of any kind including vaping is not allowed in or around the bath houses, tents, eco tents, cottages, the restaurant, beach or anywhere else on property except for a designated area in the parking lot. It is against St John law to smoke on or within 50 feet of any beach. If you are found smoking anywhere outside the designated area, you will forfeit your stay and your security deposit and the rest of your stay will not be refunded. You will also be prevented from booking future stays.

Question 30

Can I host my wedding at Cinnamon Bay?

Accepted Answer

At this time we do not host weddings or large groups for one day events.

Question 31

Dogs/Pets.

Accepted Answer

We do not allow family pets of any kind or emotional comfort animals at Cinnamon Bay for their safety and the comfort of our guests. If you have a service animal that needs accommodation, please contact us directly to make your reservation.

frequently asked questions