camping

Moni,

Before I gave you list of beaches I wanted to actually check on the legality of camping on beaches. I called around and was directed to Housing Parks and Recreation.

For St. Thomas/Water Island, you can not camp on Magens Bay without securing a permit/permission from the Parks and Recreation Department. You can call them at (340)774-0255.

St. John - no camping in the National Park which includes several beaches unless at designated campgrounds.

St. Croix: You can not camp on beaches that are known Sea Turtle Egg Laying Beaches - like Sandy Point for example. You can call them at (340)773-9696 if you want to ask more questions.

Overall I was told that camping on other beaches (beside Magens, National Park and Sea Turtle Beaches) are "Camp at Your Own Risk".

None would tell me camp at this beach; they did say which ones you could not and said at your own risk for others.

I will mention the ones that I would not recommend for St. Thomas; Brewers Bay, Vessup Bay and Lynquist Beach; thats a personal opinion... all three are fine during the day.... Water Island - your only choice is Honeymoon Beach and it would be fine. St. Croix I am not very well informed on the safety of beaches at night over there- perhaps J or Ali on this board can offer some advice on St. Croix camping. As mentioned earlier I believe the frequented park for camping is Cramers Beach Park on St. Croix...

One question - are you intending on leaving your tent up and like "setting up shop" for a week OR do you plan to take it all down in the morning and pack it in a back pack and then go check out the island carrying your things in the back pack??

Also if you are going to make a little fire or something - it needs to be little... fires require permits, smoke will draw attention to yourselves and perhaps get the fire department and police department called.

--Islander

HI:)
You asked if we would pick up our camp site everyday...more than likely. We would probably carry our bag around. Do you know of any little area to store things...some sort of locker? We may rent a car and leave our things in the car so we can enjoy the island without our packs.

We are realizing certian areas we can camp in camp grounds other islands not so easily. Do you have any suggestions for renting on St. Croix and St. Thomas for a week span of time. Anything safe but on the less expensive side? Any information will be much appreciated.
Enjoy,
MONI:)

Hello Moni,

No lockerrs at say the bus stops.... on St. Thomas. Magens Bay has lockers, small ones - but they are day use while the store is open - for folks who are the beach you know what I mean. And on St. John well Trunk and Cinnamon Bay have lockers also for the same reason. Renting a car is good - good place to store.

Less expensive on St. Thomas

Miller Manor - www.millermanor.com

Island View Guest House www.st-thomas.com/islandviewguesthouse

Galleon House www.st-thomas.com/galleonhouse

The Crystal Palace www.crystalpalaceusvi.com

Mafolie Hotel www.mafolie.com

Bellavista Hotel www.bellavistascothotel.com

Cant seem to find my St. Croix hotel rate sheet right now - will get that for you tommorrow.

--Islander