Camping

The Blue Mountains

Camping has not been developed to its full potential by any means in Jamaica, perhaps because it is not considered a good way to make money in the tourism industry. Nevertheless, decent camping facilities can be found in the Blue Mountains, and in Portland and St. Mary parishes. It is unlikely you will be bothered for setting up a tent in any remote area of the island and the safety concerns that have likely been a factor in preventing camping from becoming more popular are more hype than well-founded warnings. Nonetheless, women traveling unaccompanied by men should stick to designated camping facilities, at least until your comfort level in the specific region has been gauged. In touristy areas, camping will not be tolerated outside designated areas, and few designated areas exist.

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Portland Gap

Portland Gap has six wooden cabins, lead-tos and camp sites. One cabin one has six bunks sleeping 12, at US$27/night; the second cabin has nine bunks, sleeping 18, for US$40/night; Cabins 3-6 are unenclosed with no beds but space for up to 15 people to on the floor. Foam sleeping mats can be rented for US$1 per night, but hikers should carry their own sleeping bags. Pit toilets and fire pits are available. A US$1 user fee is assessed at the ranger station or when booking the cabins.

In: Camping

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Holywell National Park

Holywell National Park provides cabins and tent sites bookable through the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT). Book at least two weeks in advance for a weekend stay in one of three self-contained cabins (two one-bedroom units with open layout for US$50, one two-bedroom unit for US$70; resident rate US$34 for one-bedroom, US$45 for two-bedroom). Campers (US$10 nonresident, US$2 resident) can use the shared showers, toilets, and barbecue pits on-site (US$5 nonresidents or US$1 residents).

In: Camping