Jamaica State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Jamaica State Park covers 772 acres along the West River in south central Vermont. Before the development of the park in 1969, the area was used by a sawmill, several small farms, and a railroad. Key features in the park are the Hamilton Falls State Natural Area, Salmon Hole, and Ball Mountain Dam. When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water from the Ball Mountain Dam twice a year, whitewater rafters flock to the park for adventure.
Spring 24–70 F
Summer 54–84 F
Fall 29–73 F
Winter 11–36 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Jamaica State Park
The campground at Jamaica State Park has 41 campsites that are suitable for both tents and RVs. The campsites, which have no hookups, can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long. Water is available from communal faucets. Each campsite comes equipped with a gravel pad, fire ring, and picnic table. The campground has restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated showers. Campground amenities also include a horseshoe pit, a volleyball court, and a dump station.
What to Do at
Jamaica State Park
Whitewater rafting on the West River during scheduled water releases from the dam is a popular activity. The river is also well-suited for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Jamaica State Park also has several trails rated as moderate that are suitable for hiking and wildlife viewing. Mountain biking is permitted on some of these trails. During the peak season, the park hosts nature and interpretive programs.
Fishing
Most of the year, the West River has both slow-running, deep waters and shallow areas with faster streams. Smallmouth bass, black crappie, brook trout, chain pickerel, northern pike, rainbow trout, and brown trout are abundant in the river. With easy river access along the park’s riverbank, finding a quiet spot to cast a line is easy to do.
Geocaching
Jamaica State Park has a hidden cache for visitors to hunt for along a hiking trail. Information about its exact location is available on the geocaching website or app.
Nature Watching
Amidst the West River and the hemlock, red oak, and white pine trees, the landscape is home to many animal species. While enjoying all that the park offers, keep your eyes open for beavers, black bears, martens, chipmunks, bobcats, rabbits, fishers, foxes, weasels, moose, muskrats, raccoons and numerous other species.
Hiking
Hamilton Falls Trail runs 5.8 miles and takes you along the river to the falls. You can also reach Hamilton Falls via the 4.2-mile Ball Mountain Dam Trail. Other trails in the park are the Overlook Trail, the West River Trail, and the Turkey Mountain Road Trail.
Boating
Depending on the river’s flow, canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting can be fun ways to spend time on the water. While the park does not have a launch site, access to the water is easy to find.
Swimming
Salmon Hole is the designated swimming area in Jamaica State Park. It is located a short distance from the campground close to a large parking lot.
Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on many of the trails in Jamaica State Park. Because hikers share these trails, mountain bikers need to ride with caution.
How to Get to
Jamaica State Park
Jamaica State Park is located off the beaten path near the towns of Lebanon and Brattleboro. From Brattleboro, travel northwest on Highway 30. In the small town of Jamaica, turn north on Depot Street. This street leads to the park’s main entrance. If you are traveling to Jamaica State Park from Lebanon, drive south on Highway 5 to the exit for Highway 121. Travel west on Highway 21 to Cambridgeport, and turn south on Highway 35. Highway 35 connects with Highway 30 in Townshend. Turn left on this road, and follow it until you reach the turnoff in Jamaica.
Entering Jamaica State Park
Jamaica State Park is open from 10 a.m. to sunset seasonally. The season runs from late April through the middle of October. The park’s main parking lot is located between the campground and Salmon Hole. The trailhead for the West River Multi-Use Trail is at the north end of the parking lot.
Jamaica State Park Entry Fee (visitors 14 and older) : $5.0
Jamaica State Park Entry Fee (children 4 to 13) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Jamaica State Park
Jamaica State Park is open between April and October each year. The weather is most well-suited for river recreation during the warmer months from June through September.
With both land and water environments in Jamaica State Park, wildlife is abundant. Some of the many species that call the area home are raccoons, muskrats, moose, weasels, foxes, fishers, rabbits, bobcats, chipmunks, martens, black bears, and beavers.
The camping sites at Jamaica State Park are suitable for both RV and tent camping.
Camping reservations are not required, but they are available via the park office, by telephone, or online via the Vermont State Parks' website. They can be made up to 11 months in advance, and the full payment is due at the time of booking. The camping fee is $20 for Vermont residents and $28 for nonresidents.
Vaccinated pets are permitted at Jamaica State Park. They must be crated or on a leash no longer than 10 feet at all times. Campers must pay a $2 fee per pet per night.