St. Cox Estate River Park

Riverside Camping and Farm-Fresh Food in Rural Portland

Tucked into the hills of Portland, St. Cox Farm Estate is a family-run farm on a clear, cool river. Getting there takes you over hills and valleys. When you arrive, you'll find a riverside setup surrounded by lush greenery, with tubing, water games, chill spots and fruit picked straight from the land.

The owner grows the farm for his family and is rebuilding a property that had fallen into disrepair, with the aim of helping the local community. It's a real back-to-the-roots experience, natural and authentic.

📍 Key Details

• Location: Rural Portland, Jamaica (exact community to be confirmed)
• Type: Farm, river park and campsite
• Camping: J$2,500 per person per night with your own tent, or J$3,500 per night with one of the farm's tents
• Day visits: Check before visiting
• Hours: Check before visiting
• Contact: To be confirmed
• Best for: Campers, couples, groups of friends, river lovers and anyone who wants farm-to-table food

🌿 What You Can Do

💦 Swim and Tube on the River

Steps lead down to the river, and there are other entry points along the bank. The water is clear enough to see the fish swimming. Visitors say it feels like mineral water. Grab a tube and float downstream, or just sit back and listen to the water rushing over the rocks.

🏐 Play Water Volleyball and Basketball

The river has a water volleyball net and a basketball hoop set up for friendly games.

🧖🏾 Try a Natural Clay Scrub

Scoop up the natural clay from the riverbed and use it as a scrub. Guests say it leaves their skin smooth and refreshed.

🥭 Eat Straight from the Farm

When you book, you can eat whatever is in season on the land. That includes bananas, plantains, papayas, June plums, sweet potatoes, dasheen and cocoa. The produce is grown without pesticides or chemicals. The papayas are big and sweet without being too sweet.

🍗 Cook Your Own Meal

Guests can bring their own food and cook on site. A grill is available, and groups can set up their own cooking area by the river.

⛺ Camp by the River

The campsite sits right by the water, with plenty of room to spread out. Bring your own tent or book one of the farm's tents.

🪑 Chill and Relax

There are plenty of places to unwind:

• A rope swing with a bamboo seat
• Seating areas along the river, including a walkway out to a tree you can sit on
• A bar serving drinks, including Red Stripe
• Ludo and draughts (checkers) to play
• A mirror and an antique carriage wheel that make great photo spots

💡 Tips

• Confirm fees, opening times and directions with the farm before setting out.
• Drive carefully. The roads are hilly and winding, so allow extra time and get comfortable with rural Jamaican driving before you go.
• Never swim during or after heavy rain. Portland is one of Jamaica's wettest parishes, and its rivers can rise quickly.
• Watch your footing on the rocks getting in and out of the river.
• Bring water shoes, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent and cash in Jamaican dollars.
• Take your trash with you and respect the farm's crops.

🚗 Getting There

• St. Cox Farm Estate is in rural Portland.
• There is parking space on the property.
• Exact directions to be confirmed.