Townshend Lake Recreation Area

Star1.39
7 reviews
Townshend Lake Recreation Area

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Facilities (restroom...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Electric

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

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Townshend Lake Recreation Area
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Three large picnic shelters are available for reservation; no fees or rates are provided in the source material.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(978) 318-8915

What Campers Say

1.39

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

90 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowerslocation

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing beautiful scenery, clean facilities, and a relaxing atmosphere for swimming, picnicking, hiking, and paddling. Visitors appreciate the well-kept grounds, family-friendly day-use amenities, and helpful staff, though one reviewer reported a major issue when the lake was drained without notice. Overall, it’s seen as a great spot for day trips, family gatherings, and enjoying the lake and foliage."

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Best Time to Camp at Townshend Lake Recreation Area

The recreation area welcomes visitors during its seasonal operating period, when restrooms with potable water, picnic facilities, and the boat ramp are fully accessible. Plan your visit during the warmer months to take full advantage of all amenities, though the specific opening and closing dates vary by year.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Facilities (restrooms with flush toilets and potable water) available during the recreation season (specific dates not provided).

About Townshend Lake Recreation Area

Nestled behind Townshend Dam in Vermont's scenic West River Valley, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area offers a peaceful retreat where families gather under towering shade trees for picnics, anglers cast lines into tranquil waters, and small boats glide across the lake. Three reservable shelters with electrical hookups, playgrounds, hiking trails, and well-maintained facilities make this a perfect spot for low-key outdoor adventures during the recreation season.
Primarily a day-use recreation area with individual picnic sites and reservable group picnic shelters; no on-site camping, cabins, or glamping are described in the source material.
Historical SignificanceThis recreation area serves a dual purpose as both a beloved community gathering place and an essential flood control project protecting the West River Valley. Just half a mile south, history enthusiasts can explore the Historic Scott Covered Bridge, one of Vermont's treasured landmarks that connects visitors to the region's rich heritage. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has carefully balanced the site's practical flood management mission with creating accessible recreational opportunities for generations of families.
Weather and SeasonsThe recreation area welcomes visitors during its seasonal operating period, when restrooms with potable water, picnic facilities, and the boat ramp are fully accessible. Plan your visit during the warmer months to take full advantage of all amenities, though the specific opening and closing dates vary by year.
Natural Features and SceneryThe shores of Townshend Lake provide a stunning backdrop for your outdoor experience, where the water mirrors the surrounding forested hillsides and distant Green Mountain peaks. Ancient shade trees dot the picnic areas, creating cool retreats on summer days, while open sunny spots invite sunbathers and nature lovers to spread their blankets. Winding trails lead adventurers through verdant forest and along the peaceful shoreline, offering intimate glimpses of wildlife and ever-changing views of the lake's reflective surface.
Geological RegionSituated in the heart of the West River Valley, the recreation area occupies a dramatic landscape shaped by ancient glaciers and the persistent flow of the West River. Townshend Lake stretches before you with the iconic ridgelines of the Green Mountains rising in the distance, creating a quintessentially Vermont vista that changes with each season and every passing cloud.
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Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesUse the boat ramp for canoeing/kayaking and small motor boats (10 hp limit). Hike the 1.7-mile Ledges Overlook Trail for panoramic views of the Green Mountains.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Groups
  • Three large reservable group picnic shelters, each equipped with electrical hookups
  • surrounded by individual picnic tables and charcoal grills.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutDay-use area with three large reservable picnic shelters (each with electrical hookups), individual picnic sites, playgrounds, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and hiking trails.
Open and Closed SeasonFacilities (restrooms with flush toilets and potable water) available during the recreation season (specific dates not provided).
Reservation PlatformsThree large picnic shelters are available for reservation; contact (978) 318-8915 for information.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Opportunities for picnicking, hiking, paddling/boating, and fishing, plus day-use recreation features such as playgrounds and courts. Scenic overlooks and nearby trails provide viewing and hiking access.
Hiking
Ledges Overlook Trail is a 1.7-mile loop with views of the Green Mountains; Townshend Lake Nature Area provides access to the West River Trail.
Fishing
The lake is stocked once a year with Rainbow Trout for anglers.
Boating
A boat ramp provides access for canoeing, kayaking, and small motor boats (10 hp or less).
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Townshend Lake Recreation Area

30
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 82%
Wind: 4.7 mph
Overcast

Weather History
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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresOn the shores of Townshend Lake and behind Townshend Dam; boat ramp provides lake access.
HostThis location has limited staffing. Call (978) 318-8915 for general information.

Campground Map

Townshend Lake Recreation Area
Driving directionsTownshend Lake is located 19 miles north of Brattleboro, Vermont, on Vermont Route 30.
Located on Vermont Route 30.
Nearby places
West Townshend (Townshend Lake Nature Area) ~2 miles north
Scott Covered Bridge ~0.5 mile south
Brattleboro ~19 miles south.

Reviews from booking and map sources

1.4
7 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Townshend Lake Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing beautiful scenery, clean facilities, and a relaxing atmosphere for swimming, picnicking, hiking, and paddling. Visitors appreciate the well-kept grounds, family-friendly day-use amenities, and helpful staff, though one reviewer reported a major issue when the lake was drained without notice. Overall, it’s seen as a great spot for day trips, family gatherings, and enjoying the lake and foliage.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the “beautiful” lake, scenic views, and relaxing environment near the water. The area is praised for being very clean and well-kept, with nice hiking trails, kayaking...
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Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

The main complaint comes from one reviewer who arrived to find the lake completely drained without prior notice, no staff present, unguarded heavy machinery, unanswered phones, and a delayed refund....
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Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One camper suggests choosing sites carefully if traffic noise bothers you, as some spots are quieter than others. Tent campers are advised to avoid platform sites if they have a very large tent that...
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Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Several reviews highlight seasonal appeal: fall visitors praise the foliage and walking over the dam, while summer visitors mention swimming in the lake, family reunions, and Fourth of July stays as...
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Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Really enjoyed our time at Townshend this summer. We stayed 2 nights for the fourth of July and it was awesome." "Very clean and well-kept. Hiking trails through the woods." "The lake had been...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One Rec.gov reviewer mentions using the Burrington site in the Townshend Lake Day Use Area and notes it was pleasant to bring their leashed dog, but provides no further site-specific details. Another...
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Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

A Rec.gov visitor specifically mentions it "was so nice to bring my leased dog," indicating that leashed pets are allowed in at least part of the day-use area and that pet owners can enjoy the site...
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Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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