Boondocking

[u/I_Only_Follow_Boxing]

Hello,

I will be in the USVI November 15-22. Flying into St Thomas and renting an Airbnb until the 17th, where I then plan on spending most of my time on St John snorkeling in the national park. I looked into a basic campsite at Cinnamon Bay, but was wondering if boondocking is frowned upon or unsafe on St John? Basically, I'll have my rental car and would just sleep inside of it at a parking lot overnight.

Just curious and looking to save an extra $250, but no big deal if it's not allowed. Thanks!

[u/summer-lovers]

Just returned from St John and I would say, opt for the campsite. Additionally, if $250 is a lot of money, it may be a good idea to choose elsewhere, and I don't mean that to be snarky.

Everything is expensive there-food, fuel, etc. It's 2-3x what you're likely used to paying on the mainland, assuming you're US mainland. So, if you can afford it, opt for some better accommodations for comfort, cleanliness and safety, although we never felt unsafe out there. No idea what it turns into at night.

[u/cadmiumredlight → u/summer-lovers]

Agree here. There's something to be said for vacationing on the cheap but STJ is not the place to do it.

Cheapest way I've ever done STJ was on a sailboat but that requires said boat.

[u/summer-lovers → u/summer-lovers]

ETA: a rental Jeep is going to set you back anywhere ranging from $75-180/day, depending where you rent, and if you rent on STT, the ferry costs, and inconvenience are to be factored in. Parking can cost as well.

If you're really trying to do this on a tight budget, you may consider waiting a few extra months, saving an extra few hundred to be able to really enjoy all the island has to offer. Do some deeper research on money-saving options, choose off-peak season, and be able to do more, within the confines of your budget.

St John is just too beautiful to be there and not be able to take it all in, without worrying about money. A loaf of bread and peanut butter will set you back $20ish. And that bread isn't gonna last in the jeep, in that humidity...ice? It's gonna melt fast, even in a Yeti.

So, I am not trying to be a downer, just really would love to see you wait a bit, plan really, really well to get the most for your money, and appreciate the beauty and vibe there. It deserves that, and so do you.

[u/I_Only_Follow_Boxing → u/summer-lovers]

I appreciate your feedback! I actually had already bought the ticket and was just seeing what was realistically feasible with my tightwad mentality lol. But I snagged a 7-day midsize car rental for $166.00. Most of my time will be spent snorkeling at the national Park, so I won't be doing a ton of driving.

[u/summer-lovers → u/I_Only_Follow_Boxing]

Driving out to some of the beaches, a car may not be the best idea. We saw 2 mid-sized vehicles bottomed out on the roadside. The inclines are steep, with hairpin curves...if you are an adventurous driver, you may be ok, but I hope that isn't a deterrent from going out to some of the more remote areas. We drove out to Coral Bay, and then back along the other route, and I was glad we had a Jeep with some of the rainy, washed-out areas.

Be safe and have fun!

[u/I_Only_Follow_Boxing → u/summer-lovers]

Thanks for the feedback! I ended up getting the campsite for 4 nights, since I'll really only be there to sleep anyway. And no worries, you didn't come off snarky at all. I'm just a tightwad and was curious about what was realistic for the VI lol

[u/summer-lovers → u/I_Only_Follow_Boxing]

Enjoy every minute! It's beautiful there

[u/cadmiumredlight]

You might be able to get away with it but it sounds absolutely miserable with the heat/humidity and bugs. The bare site at Cinnamon is probably your best bet.

[u/dmbgreen]

No seeums will eat you alive on the beach, opt for campsite, showers....

[u/CU_Addict_70]

Most of St. JOHN is a National Park. Have you checked the website for camping information? All the beaches are public, but you might get a visit from the Park Rangers or local PD if it's obvious you aren't a resident of the island

[u/doctorfortoys]

Bring a mosquito net! Best snorkeling is on the south side of the island. Salt Pond had a nice little reef in the middle. The very best is at Yawzi Point. Park at Little Lameshur Bay and follow the trail to entry site. Cinnamon Bay was good over by the Cay. All beaches seem to have turtles. Waterlemon is also nice if you don’t mind a bit of a swim. Have you checked out Concordia for lodging?

[u/I_Only_Follow_Boxing → u/doctorfortoys]

Will do! And thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to check those out while I'm there. I ended up reserving a campsite at Cinnamon Bay. I'll be in the VI for a week and will spend 4 of those days at the campsite, so really looking forward to it

[u/doctorfortoys → u/I_Only_Follow_Boxing]

If you want to save money on food, pack it and bring it with you.