Townshend Lake Recreation Area
Townshend Lake, Vermont
Sold out? We check Townshend Lake Recreation Area for cancellations and email you the moment a site opens.
Cancellation alerts
Sold out for your dates?
Free to start. Email alerts included.
As of September 2026, Townshend Lake Recreation Area is a campground in Vermont with 3 campsites. Townshend Lake Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Townshend Lake Recreation Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Townshend Lake Recreation Area is located at 43.0589° N, 72.7065° W.
- people allowed on 2 of 3 sites
- 60
- people allowed on the largest site
- 100
Townshend Lake Recreation Area reservations and next available dates
September 2026
Stay and booking rules
- Maximum stay: 14 nights
- Military discount available
- Reservations close: 1 day(s) prior to arrival
Published by Recreation.gov for Townshend Lake Recreation Area, read on September 30, 2026.
Campsites at Townshend Lake Recreation Area
- Group 3
- Accessible 3
- Hookups 3
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Mountain.
Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, photography, horse riding.
All sites at Townshend Lake Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the TOWNSHEND LAKE DAY USE AREA loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Hookups | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burrington | Group | 60 | Electric | Accessible |
| Davis | Group | 60 | Electric | Accessible |
| Stratton | Group | 100 | Electric | Accessible |
About Townshend Lake Recreation Area
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.
Rules and notices at Townshend Lake Recreation Area
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Townshend Lake Recreation Area on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
Townshend Lake will be open Thursday to Monday for the 2026 recreation season to drive-in visitors. Visitors may walk in at any time.
Townshend Lake is a flood control project. Occasional retention of floodwaters may inundate portions of the recreation area and access road. Any shelter reservations impacted by flood-related closures will be fully refunded.
Any special event, gathering, or activity that may affect the atmosphere of the park must receive prior approval from park staff.
No dumpsters are available at Townshend Lake. Pack it in, pack it out.
Pets must remain on a leash no longer than 6 ft.
Pets are not allowed on the swimming beach.
Campfires are not permitted.
Townshend Lake Recreation Area FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Townshend Lake Recreation Area?
Townshend Lake Recreation Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Townshend Lake Recreation Area?
Cancellations happen frequently at Townshend Lake Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Townshend Lake Recreation Area have?
Townshend Lake Recreation Area has 3 campsites.
Campgrounds
Browse Campsites
Monitor campsite availability across federal and state parks. Get alerts when sites open up at sold-out campgrounds.
Vermont
8 popular campgrounds
- Silver Lake Campground
- Chittenden Brook Campground
- Greendale Campground
- Grout Pond Campground
- Kettle Pond State Park Campground
- Mount Philo State Park Campground
- Silver Lake State Park Campground
- Underhill State Park Campground
California
8 popular campgrounds
- Atwell Mill Campground
- Buckeye Flat Campground
- Canyon View Group Sites
- Cold Springs Campground (Ca)
- Crystal Springs Campground (Ca)
- Crystal Springs Campground Mid-Sized Group Sites
- Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping
- Indian Cove Group Campground
Oregon
8 popular campgrounds
- Little Crater Lake Campground
- Cave Creek Campground
- Acorn Woman Lakes Campground
- Big Lake West Campground
- Bolan Lake Campground
- Cavitt Creek Falls Recreation Site
- Clearwater Falls Campground
- Cultus Lake Boat In - West Campground
Utah
8 popular campgrounds
- Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
- Devils Garden Campground
- Natural Bridges Campground
- North Campground (Ut)
- South Campground (Ut)
- Sunset Campground (Ut)
- Watchman Campground
- Anderson Meadow Campground (Fishlake NF, Ut)
Ohio
8 popular campgrounds
- Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Grand Lake West Bank Marina
- Kiser Lake State Park Kiser Lake Grandview Area Tie Ups Campground
- Lake Logan State Park Lake Logan Marina Beach 1-18 Campground
- Lake Loramie State Park Earls Island Dock Back Campground
- Pike Lake State Park Pike Lake Cabins and Day Use Shelters
- Scioto Trail State Park Stewart Lake Campground
- Buck Creek State Park G Dock Campground
- Buckeye Lake State Park Fairfield Beach a Docks Campground
Minnesota
8 popular campgrounds
- Cass Lake Loop Campground
- Fenske Lake Campground
- Glacial Lakes State Park Lower Campground
- Jeanette Lake Campground
- Lake Bronson State Park Lakeside Extension Campground
- Lake Maria State Park Backpack Campsites
- Lake Shetek State Park Prairie Campground
- Maplewood State Park Grass Lake Campground: Hollow Loop
One tick helps us more than you’d think
Google lets you pick the sites it highlights for you. Add PermitSnag and our campground pages get marked as one of yours in AI Overviews and AI Mode.
Takes less than a minute.