Due to the popularity of St. Lucia's extravagant and luxurious hotels, only recently has the island opened itself up to camping and eco-tourism. Of course, as is the St. Lucian way, even roughing it is a top-notch experience.
Set in a hillside with its own private cove, Anse la Liberté is a forest preserve owned by the St. Lucia National Trust and run by its Environmental Educational Centre. Anse la Liberté is currently the only place to camp on St. Lucia. Geographically it is set near the fishing town of Canaries, 40 km (25 miles) southwest of the Castries on the west coast of the island.
Anse la Liberté literally translates to “Freedom Harbor,” and if you're seeking freedom from the predictable, this is the place to pitch your tent. Anse la Liberté provides twelve camping sites and even three tepees for the truly daring. All kinds of water sports, from scuba-diving to kayaking, can be enjoyed from its pristine shoreline. Eight kilometers of hiking trails wind through its jungle enclaves, and staff members are always on call to enlighten travelers to the fine details of the island's ecology.
Reservations for Anse la Liberté can be made through the National Trust at 758-452-5005. Depending on the season, prices range from $25(USD) to $75(USD), with a small discount for those willing to sleep on the ground. Tents are provided, as well as stone cooking stoves. Anse la Liberté does use pit latrines, though they are said to be fairly clean. Camping equipment is available for rent, but be sure to bring your own mosquito netting and repellent – these two essentials are not cheap.
Camping may not be the first thing to come to mind when St. Lucia is mentioned, but with luscious natural locations like Anse la Liberté, it may soon be.
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