Camping in the Caribbean

Since this past Friday was Earth Day, we thought we'd tell you a little about our trip to the Virgin Islands Campground in Jan 2010. The campground is located on Water Island, just off the coast of St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

You might think that going to a campground in the Caribbean is weird, but it was actually quite wonderful. It's eco-friendly with many of the comforts of a more standard resort.

Plus, sunsets like this can't be beat!

The Cottages

The tent-cottages are nestled right in the natural foliage, and each cottage is self-contained, so you really get a sense of seclusion when chilling in your own little cottage. The walls are really just screens to keep out the bugs but that allow the trade winds to breeze through and keep you cool. Since the temps are generally very mild (70F to 80F) anytime of the year, it's always very comfortable to sleep. The cottages also have electricity (but no a/c), which is wind-generated.

The Restrooms

The restrooms are shared facilities with all the other campers. But, don't let that dissuade you! These were some of the cleanest restrooms. Of course, if you have a need to be able to walk to the restroom naked, you might want to check the availability of their suite - which offers a private bathroom and shower. Though the toilets use composting and gray water systems, there was never a smell - like most non-flushing toilets. The sinks and showers use captured rainwater and are heated with solar energy.

The Pavilion

There are small coolers in each cottage, but there is also a Pavilion with refrigerators and everything you'd need to cook your own meals. Each cottage is assigned a cupboard with a full set of dishes and there are communal pots, pans, and utensils available. Plus, it was lots of fun to hang out and swap stories with some of the other people staying at the campground.

Here's a little video tour of our stay at the campground.



If you're looking for a place in the Caribbean for eco-friendly travel, we would definitely recommend the Virgin Islands Campground. It combines the comforts of a hotel with the allure of camping - all while keeping sustainability and the environment in mind.

Jeff and Clarinda

P.S. It was on this trip that we discovered that peanut butter was a liquid. :-)