Camping and Eco-Tourism in Jamaica

Camping and eco-tourism are one way to explore Jamaica's famous mountains

Blue Jamaica

 
 
 




Visitors in search of nature's splendors and the great outdoors have found exploring and camping in Jamaica to be an incredible experience.

The Blue Mountains are one of the most popular regions for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, not only because of their famous coffee, but because of the breathtaking vistas. Due to the popularity of camping on Jamaica, the Jamaica Alternative Tourism, Camping and Hiking Association, more commonly called JATCHA, was developed to help travelers with an interest in this type of recreation.

Blue Mountains

Campgrounds are found in areas supervised by the Jamaican Forestry Department. Cabins and dormitories account for most of the accommodations in the Blue Mountains, but few supplies are available at forest camps. You will need to bring your own linens, blankets, and kitchen supplies.

A word of caution: Travelers cannot simply arrive at a campsite and pay to use it, you must have a permit. JATCHA can make reservations and leave permits waiting for you at the sites. Otherwise they must be paid for and picked up in advance at the Kingston office of the Jamaican Forestry Department.

Some of the most popular sites in the Blue Mountains include the following:

Campsite Description
Hollywell National Recreation Park
(also: Holywell National Recreation Area)

  • Tent camping available.

  • Cabins available with fireplace, small kitchen and full bathroom.
Clydesdale

  • Former coffee plantation and pine nursery.

  • 3,700 feet in the mountains.

  • Bunk bed dormitory that can sleep 30+ with flush toilets, showers and a fire cooking pit.
Cinchona Botanical Gardens

  • One hour walk from Clydesdale.

  • Tent camping available.
Whitfield Hall Hostel

  • Privately owned.

  • Provides linens.

  • May permit tent camping.
Portland Gap Forestry Hut

  • 5,200 feet in the mountains.

  • One hour or more past Whitfield Hall Hostel.

  • Sleeping is on the floor.

  • Has running water, outhouse, and space for 30 tents.
Blue Mountain Peak

  • Forest hut; tent camping permitted.

  • Often used by party groups from Kingston on weekends.

  • Water may not be readily available.

  • May be very cold between December and February.

Other Areas

Camping is available in other areas of Jamaica. It is most often accessed through a hotel or resort that allows on-site camping. The best choice for campers outside the Blue Mountains, including the nearby cities Kingston and Port Antonio, is Negril. Beachfront and even front-lawn camping may be allowed at hotels in this area for as low as $5(USD) per night, though the average is closer to $10(USD) per tent. Generally shower, toilet and laundry facilities are available at these campsites.

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