My husband and I spent 6 days at Maho Bay Camps, Oct 11-17,2006. It is low season, so there were not very many people there. I'm sure that was part of the reason why we got a cabin with a fantastic view of the bay.
Unfortunately, during the month of October, the glassblowers are on vacation, so I could not see them in action. I wonder too if the chef is on vacation. We had adequate meals with large portions, but it was basic fare. The blueberry pancakes for breakfast were larger than the plate. There was no way I could eat all three of them. I was hoping for fish, but it was never on the menu when we at at the restaurant. The meal prices are high, but in line with what we found in town.
We were advised to get a car rental and were glad we did. Maho Bay is a long way down a rutty road from anywhere. It was convenient to have our own transportation and not have to wait on taxis. A vehicle was expensive though - about $400 for our 6 days. And, driving can be tricky as there are quite a few sharp hairpin turns.

Do pack light! We did not and I had quite a hassle getting my bags down all the stairs to my cabin. That was even worse when I had to do it all in the pouring rain as we were leaving.

We visited a different beach every day. The snorkeling was fantastic and the water so clear. Actually some of the best snorkeling was right there in Maho Bay.

Biggest drawback - the bugs. The cabin is by no means sealed and there are many ways mosquitoes, sand fleas, and lizards can come in. Both my husband and I looked like we had a case of measles. And, that was after using bug lotion, mosquito coils, and bug wipes. But then again, it is the rainy season.

St. John's is not cheap, but it is truly beautiful. We hope to go back sometime when it is not as wet.

First thing I will say is I would recommend the Maho Camps as a destination.
Now the story.

We went on one of the worst weeks you could be there. When you arrvive and another family is fighting to get in the cab to get away from the mosquitoes, thats bad. We went in mid-AUgust this year (2006). Unfortunately a hurricaine had brushed by the island a week before.

THat means LOTS oF MosQuito BAbies!!

Over all it was a nice experience but we could not enjoy it at all because of the bug problem. My daughter was almost eaten alive. Seriously, she was COVERED in bites no matter what we used on or around her.

Yes that included sprays, lotions nets, mists, smokers, you name it.

However, I have to say I know Maho camps are a great place. The staff was GREAT the views were GREAT, the food was above average but not cheap.

THis was one of the more expensive vacations we have taken.
I would like to try the camp again one day and hopefully have better luck.

The cab fair will get you if you are broke but for you people from New York, its probably pretty cheap compared.

It is a well maintained, clean and safe area and I would recommend it as long as you know there is the potential of what happened to us.

I have to say that this week was definitely an experience unlike any other. We stayed May 20-28th at Maho Bay Camps. I read all the reviews and I did my homework before I went and I thought I was prepared. So I thought I would write this review to help someone else be prepared for an experience like mine.

- It's all true.... If you are not a "Camper", this is not a place for you!!

-If you don't like 200 steps to the beach (from the Registration Desk), this is not a place for you!

-If you feel inconvenienced because you have to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom and climb up 6 flights of stairs to get there... this is not a place for you!!

-Now, if you can handle this and you don't mind a little inconvenience, then this is a great place! It is located within a small distance from everything else,so it is very quiet and relaxing. The accommodations are like everyone else has said in the past "luxury camping", but remember you are still camping! If someone tells you to get a tent in the E Section (unless you want total seclusion at the top of the mountain and the stairs (approx. 350 steps to the beach)... ask for A Section, they have the best views of the beach and the sunset). I think A13 was the best view spot....We stayed in A22 ( it was only 48 steps). It was also real nice.
Don't expect people to wait on you, because it doesn't happen! If you switch tents (like we did) don't expect them to give you new linens until Tuesday!! I made the mistake of asking housekeeping for new linens after we moved tents (because the new tent did not have them) and I thought she was going to bite my head off!! It wasn't like I asked her to make my bed for me (gosh!)... Anyways the rest of the staff was very friendly, but housekeeping definitely needs to be reminded that they live in paradise and we are the ones that have to go back home to the same rountine, gimme a break!
Anyway... The beach was perfect and the scenery was amazing. That made up for any inconvience that I may have had. We went out a couple nights into Cruz Bay which was so fun!! If you get the chance, go to the BEACH BAR. We made some great friends there and had a blast, get a BBC (very good). I do not suggest drinking to much in Cruz Bay and taking a taxi back to Maho late at night... it is quiet scary in the dark!
Now about the travel.... Getting from St. Thomas to Maho was pretty simple, with the exception of some of the people at the St.Thomas side of the Red Hook ferry. They really don't like tourists at all. If you can take Charlotte Amalie... I would suggest that. The ferry is longer, but the taxi ride isn't. There not to much to see in St. Thomas. It is pretty much run down. Pack light if you can, the taxi cabs charge $3.00 per bag, plus remember you have to carry that bag up and down alot of stairs when you arrive to the camps!!
Now things to bring to Maho... Bugs Spray, Bugs Spray, Bugs Spray!!!! and Ramen Noodles(of course). Things are pretty expensive at the store (ex. $5.00 for "yesterdays" sandwiches)... yeah I know, crazy huh? Expect to drink hot/lukewarm water (with only 3 potable drinking water spigots located around for all 114 tents, unless you plan on buying a bag of ice or block of ice every morning). However, the restauant is excellent and the service was good. They say prices range between $14 and $22 (well more like $19-$22), so please be prepared! The food is very good for the price though, but I rathered save my money for the cab ride back to Cruy Bay for food and its a little cheaper once you got there. All in all, you would spend about the same... but you can do more in Cruz Bay (if you like).
Snorkling is great Maho and I think Little Maho Bay is one of the best beaches on the island. So, we really enjoyed ourselves. It is a great place to go on a budget!! I probably won't be going back, but the experince was definitely an adventure. I totally recommend this place for avid campers and wilderness "girls"!!! As you can tell... it's just not for me, but will always be a wonderful memory. One more thing... Please read all reviews, do you homework, expect the worse and you will be pleasantly surprised! Please know what you are getting into... like one other review said, if you see the word "tent" in the title, make sure you realize that. Have FUN!!

I first went to Maho Bay as a child with my family and went back with my husband and it was a marvelous experience. You definitely have to be prepared to forsake standard luxuries but it is a wonderful way to experience the beautiful nature of St. John. The staff is helpful, the programs are great and the food is yum! Only downsides are the bugs after evening and the wait for the taxi to get into town or to the far side of th island.