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New ‘Eco-Tents’ Coming To Campground At Virgin Islands National Park

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Published Date

September 30, 2016
Cinnamon Bay Campground

The tents and platforms are being replaced at Cinnamon Bay Campground at Virgin Islands National Park/NPS

The Cinnamon Bay Campground in Virgin Islands National Park is about the get a facelift, as new platforms and “eco-tents” will be installed in the coming months.

The upgrades are a requirement under a new 15-year concessions contract, which was awarded to Redwood Parks Company in June. The company will take over management of the campground and Trunk Bay Snack Bar and Gift Shop beginning October 1, which is also when camping reservations will open.

“We look forward to working with Redwood Parks Company to develop the best possible experience for the many visitors who travel to Virgin Islands National Park and St. John each year,” Superintendent Brion FitzGerald said in a release when the contract was announced. “Their proposal expressed a strong commitment to provide safe, quality products and exceptional services that are in alignment with the mission of Virgin Islands National Park.”

As part of the campground project, Redwood Parks will remove the existing tents and platforms in October and November and replace them with 64 new eco-tents. Currently, a number of hillside tent sites are crumbling and in a poor state. Some of these sites require repair, reinforcement, and addition of masonry to accommodate the new eco-tents. Earth anchors will be used to ensure that the eco-tent platforms are secured to the ground and level. This protects the tents and any occupants from hurricane-force winds, and ensures longevity of the eco-tents and platforms.

“Cinnamon Bay and Trunk Bay are magnificent destinations that will benefit tremendously from new facilities and improved services,” Brian Stewart, the founder and president of Redwood Parks Company, said in a July release after the contract was awarded.

For the past 46 years, concessions were managed by Caneel Bay, which built the existing campground in 1970.

The park has not announced a reopening date for the winter season, as the campground historically closes for September and October.

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Comments

Submitted by Stephen W Smith on October 22, 2016 - 5:54pm.

So I am trying to book one of the most basic tents from Jan 1-Jan 7

 

Regards, 


Submitted by wild places on October 23, 2016 - 10:44am.

This has been on my bucket list ever since first visiting for a day nearly 30 years ago. I don't recall a gift shop or snack bar back then. Hopefully it still gives a visitor a feeling of being off the beaten path a bit. One of the most beautiful bays I have ever visited.


Submitted by Joan on December 25, 2016 - 6:55am.

My son and I stayed here about 25 years ago and had the best time.  We stayed for 2 weeks and were able to experience the beauty and laid back nature of the area.  We even took a side trip to the BVI's.  A great location and seriously cool camping experience.  Beats the heck out of a high rise hotel.  


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