| Jamaica State Park, now comprising 772 acres, was completed & opened to the public in 1969.
Previously, the area had supported a few small farms & a sawmill. The West River Railroad ran through the park. The old railroad bed is now used as the trail that leads along the West River to Ball Mountain Dam. The railroad operated from about 1879 until 1927, when a flood wiped most of it out.
The area at Salmon Hole, now used as the swimming area, was the site of a famous Indian Massacre in 1748.
Jamaica State Park is located on a bend of the West River about one-half mile from the center of the town of Jamaica. Nearby to the north is Ball Mountain. Hamilton Falls is located about one mile up Cobb Brook, which enters the West River upstream from the park. The West River has a very large drainage area extending from Weston & the south side of Terrible Mountain to Windham on the east & Bromley on the west.
Every spring & fall, on one weekend in late April & late September, there is a H2O release on the West River from Ball Mountain Dam. This is a semiannual event for many kayakers & canoeists from all over New England.
The West River is also a favorite spot for many fishermen. The combination of deep slow running H2O & shallow fast ripples makes for some fine fishing.
There are 43 tent/trailer sites & 18 lean-to sites that are spread out through the campground. Two rest rooms, complete with hot showers ($), are located in the campground. A picnic shelter & nature center is located near the picnic area & swimming hole. A hiking trail follows the West River & branches off toward Hamilton Falls.
Area Attractions: Hamilton Falls, Hildene - Robert Todd Lincoln's home, Manchester. A theater & shops, Weston; Art Center, Manchester; Alpine Slide, Bromley; Townshend Dam Recreation Area. |
Jamaica State Park Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
43.105599, -72.773311
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Campground: Jamaica State Park in Jamaica Vermont *