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. The nearest town is North Key Largo — roughly 1108 mi (1783 km) out, about 26 hr 40 min of driving.
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 | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| North Key Largo | 1108 mi (1783 km) | 26 hr 40 min |
| Key Largo | 1111 mi (1787 km) | 26 hr 44 min |
| Key Biscayne | 1111 mi (1787 km) | 26 hr 44 min |
| Miami Beach | 1111 mi (1789 km) | 26 hr 45 min |
| Tavernier | 1113 mi (1791 km) | 26 hr 47 min |
| Isle of Normandy | 1114 mi (1792 km) | 26 hr 48 min |
| Surfside | 1114 mi (1792 km) | 26 hr 49 min |
| Plantation | 1114 mi (1793 km) | 26 hr 49 min |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Island National Park Overnight Mooring | Reservable | — |
Where Virgin Islands National Park sits
Official Virgin Islands National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- 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, and the closest town of any size is North Key Largo — about 26 hr 40 min away.
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 1 campground 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.