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Townshend Lake Recreation Area
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Townshend · Vermont · Townshend Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Townshend Lake |
| Location | Townshend · Vermont · Townshend Lake · 43.05889, -72.70651 · Map |
| Sites | 3 public sites counted from the federal listing — 3 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 3 of 3 sites (up to 15 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 3 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 3 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 3 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 8:00 AM · Out 08:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 3 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 3 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Playground |
| Phone | 802-365-7703 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-05-12.
From the official listing
Overview Townshend Lake is a flood control project operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving communities within the West River Valley, and those downstream. In addition to protection from floods, the lake provides many recreational opportunities, including picnicking, hiking, and fishing.
Recreation Townshend Lake offers ample recreation opportunities. A boat ramp provides access for canoeing, kayaking and small motor boats (10hp or less). The lake is stocked once a year with Rainbow Trout for the enjoyment of anglers. The three group shelters are surrounded by many individual picnic tables with charcoal grills for smaller groups to enjoy. The Ledges Overlook Trail offers stunning views of the Green Mountains along the 1.7 mile loop, with Townshend Lake Nature Area a short drive north up Route 30 offering access to the West River Trail.
Facilities Within the Townshend Lake Recreation Area, three large picnic shelters are available for reservation, each equipped with electrical hookups to better accommodate your events. Individual picnic sites can be found throughout the park, providing a resting place for those who wish to enjoy all that the park has to offer, including playgrounds, volleyball courts, horse shoe pits, scenic views, and hiking trails. Restrooms within the Day Use area provide flush toilets and potable water during the recreation season.
Natural Features The recreation area sits in the West River Valley behind the Townshend Dam on the shores of Townshend Lake. The picnic area offers many large trees for shade along with other sun-basked open areas. Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (978) 318-8915 for general information. Nearby Attractions The Townshend Lake Nature Area is located 2 miles north of Townshend Dam on Vermont Route 30, near West Townshend, VT.
The Historic Scott Covered Bridge is located 1/2 mile south of Townshend Dam, on Vermont Route 30.
Directions, from the listing
Townshend Lake is located 19 miles north of Brattleboro, Vermont, on Vermont Route 30.
Nearest federal campgrounds
9 mi straight-line · South Londonderry VermontFSU.S. Forest ServiceGrout Pond Campground
13 mi straight-line · Manchester Center VermontFSU.S. Forest ServiceHapgood Pond
16 mi straight-line · VermontUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersStoughton Pond Rec Area
25 mi straight-line · Springfield VermontUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersNorth Hartland Lake Beach (Vt)
41 mi straight-line · North Hartland Vermont
Trip Card — Townshend Lake Recreation Area
Townshend · Vermont · Townshend Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | Townshend · Vermont · Townshend Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 3 |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 3 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250011 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.