Virgin Islands National Park: planning guide
Beaches, reefs, and tropical hills on St. John. Snorkeling and short hikes; ferry access from St. Thomas.
Virgin Islands National Park is in VI, United States. Reached by air to St. Thomas, then a ferry to St. John. Key Largo is the closest mapped town — about 1111 mi (1787 km) away, not a drive.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Key Largo | 1111 mi (1787 km) | Not a drive |
| Miami | 1115 mi (1794 km) | Not a drive |
| Islamorada | 1117 mi (1798 km) | Not a drive |
| Cutler Bay | 1117 mi (1798 km) | Not a drive |
| Hollywood | 1119 mi (1801 km) | Not a drive |
| Princeton | 1120 mi (1803 km) | Not a drive |
| South Miami Heights | 1120 mi (1803 km) | Not a drive |
| Sunrise | 1121 mi (1803 km) | Not a drive |
Before you go
Virgin Islands National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk Bay Daily Pass | One road or area | Timed reservation |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Island National Park Overnight Mooring | Reservable | — |
| Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground | Reservable | — |
Where Virgin Islands National Park sits
Official Virgin Islands National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks close by
- Biscayne National Park
Mostly water: mangrove shoreline and coral reef south of Miami. Best seen by boat or snorkel, not by hiking.
- Everglades National Park
A wide, slow-moving wetland across southern Florida. Sawgrass, mangroves, and wildlife — mosquitoes are part of it.
- Dry Tortugas National Park
A small island west of Key West with a brick fort and clear water. You get there by ferry or seaplane.
- Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park
Shallow reef and seagrass beds along the west coast of Isla Mujeres and nearby Cancún waters. Mostly marine — snorkeling and boat access.
Common questions
Where is Virgin Islands National Park?
Virgin Islands National Park sits in VI, United States. Key Largo, about 1111 mi (1787 km) away on the map. Reached by air to St. Thomas, then a ferry to St. John. That distance is not a drive.
When is the best time to visit Virgin Islands National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Virgin Islands National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 2 campgrounds at Virgin Islands National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.