With the Easter holiday going into full swing, on St. Croix that can only mean one thing. It’s time to hit the beaches and start camping.

All along the island’s coast, from Salt River and Dorsch Beach to Ha’penny and Cramer Park, families will construct tent cities to socialize, cool off in the sea, cook and eat, play games, and catch some sleep closer to Mother Nature.

In keeping with the tradition of Easter camping, Commissioner Alicia V. Barnes of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources reminded campers that to set up shop at the Columbus landing site at Salt River Bay Park, a permit is required during the Easter holidays.

The Salt River Bay Park and ecological preserve is a dynamic tropical ecosystem that protects significant natural, historical and cultural resources, she said. To camp on land that’s been sought after by the island’s inhabitants for thousands of years is historic in itself.

DPNR began issuing permits Wednesday, and they’ll be available at two locations through Tuesday, April 2nd: the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office at Fort Frederik Museum, and the Division of Environmental Enforcement at Anna’s Hope.

“The commissioner and staff of DPNR wish all campers and day users a peaceful Easter vacation at Salt River Bay’s Columbus landing site. The public’s cooperation in making this a happy and harmonious event, in keeping with the spirit and celebration of Easter Week, is appreciated,” DPNR Commissioner Alicia Barnes said in a statement.

One of the main draws of camping anywhere is building a campfire, but abnormally dry conditions this year make that a slight dilemma. A burn-ban has been ordered and that will be in effect for the Easter weekend. There have been brush fires the past month and, while no injuries have occurred, if people were trapped or nearby when one broke out the results could be different.

“For anyone managing any camp sites, I’m asking that you be cautious and have some water supplies available, like a five-gallon water,” said St. Croix’s Fire Services Chief Angel Torres. “With the burn ban in effect, we don’t expect to see any major fires other than the grills for cooking and we don’t expect any bonfires. That would not be permitted.”

Torres added that fire prevention crews would visit all the camp sites in both Frederiksted and Christiansted throughout the weekend to make sure things go smoothly.

“I want to wish everyone a happy Easter and a safe camping season,” Torres added.

As for specific rules at Salt River Bay Park, DPNR said they include:

1. The camp site representative or alternate designee identified on the permit must be present at all times and identification must be shown if requested by a DPNR enforcement offficer or any other law enforcement officer.
2. No digging of any kind will be tolerated. Fire pits and trash pits are prohibited. Smoothing of the ground surface is allowed only by hand, brush, rake or leaf rake. No picks, shovels or heavy equipment are allowed on the site.
3. Campfires will be allowed only if placed within a metal container or on bare sand and fires and hot coals should be supervised and monitored at all times.
4. All trash should be removed from the site by individuals or family camp groups. Anyone caught littering will be cited for violating Virgin Islands littering laws. Cleanup activities of the beach and surrounding grounds are encouraged, even for those areas outside of individual campsites.
5. Portable toilets and trash bins will be provided from March 27 to April 2. The use of additional trash bins and portable toilets are encouraged, but will have to be maintained by the individuals placing them there. Do not place trash at the trash bin site after the bin is removed on April 2.
6. No motorized vehicles will be allowed on the earthen fort at Columbus landing. Violators who drive onto the earthworks will be cited with violating the Antiquities and Cultural Properties Act and will be subject to a civil fine of up to $500.
7. Any fights, altercations, or loud, boisterous or drunken activities will be dealt with by DPNR and other enforcement officers assigned to the area to the fullest extent of the law.
8. Dogs and horses are prohibited.
9. No cutting of brush, trees or other vegetation, especially mangroves, will be allowed on the beach.
10. No marine organisms, native plants, or artifacts shall be disturbed or removed from the site. Anyone caught removing such items from the site will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

More information about camping at the Columbus landing site is available by calling the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation office at 1-340-719-7089 or the Division of Environmental Enforcement at 1-340-773-5774.