Inspiration: More than half the island is a national park, and the snorkeling is fantastic. There are coral reefs, 18th-century sugar plantation ruins, white sand beaches, and tropical forests to explore.

Green features: Nature destination; muscle- powered activities; low-impact lodgings; environmentally sensitive construction and use of solar energy at Maho Bay.

Getting there: Fly to St. Thomas, USVI; taxi to ferry landing; ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John; taxi to campground.

Getting around: Local taxis are pick-up trucks with benches and fringed awnings, reasonably priced. Maho Bay has five daily shuttle trips by van. Rental cars or jeeps are available. Both campgrounds are on the beach, so you may not even want to go far!

Lodgings: Cinnamon Bay: Your choice of bare site (BYO tent and bedding), canvas tent with cots and cooking gear, or concrete-and-screen cottage, each with bath-house nearby. Maho Bay: Furnished canvas and wood tents with shared bath-houses, or studio apartments with private bath.

Food plan: Bring and prepare your own, eat at the on-site cafeterias, or go to restaurants in town.

Time and season: Any time is great - the temperature varies only slightly during the year from its 79 degree average. High season price-wise is mid-December to mid-April. (Storms and infrequent hurricanes are possible from August through October.)

Weather: Sunny and warm. Annual rainfall is about 40 inches, mostly as brief night showers.

Activities: Hiking, sailing, ranger talks and walks, historical ruins, evening local-culture presentations, swimming, beaching, snorkeling, local craft and gift shopping.