Townshend State Park
If you’re looking for a truly rustic, back-to-basics camping experience in the Green Mountains, Townshend State Park delivers. Nestled at the foot of Bald Mountain on a sharp bend of the West River, this heavily forested Vermont state park feels like stepping back in time to the golden age of American conservation.
Constructed almost entirely by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression, Townshend retains its historical charm better than almost any other park in the state. From the intricately laid stone masonry of the ranger’s quarters to the original CCC-style tent platforms scattered through the campground, it’s a paradise for history buffs, tent campers, and hikers looking to conquer Bald Mountain.
Townshend State Park at a Glance
- Location: 2755 State Forest Rd, Townshend, VT 05353
- Size: Surrounded by the 856-acre Townshend State Forest
- Operating Season: Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend
- Park Entry Fee: $5 for adults / $2 for children (day use)
- Main Attractions: Historic CCC architecture, Bald Mountain Trail, West River fishing
- Pet Policy: Leashed pets are welcome throughout the park and campground
What to Do at Townshend State Park
Because the park eschews modern RV hookups and massive paved lots, the recreation here is delightfully old-school, focused entirely on hiking, fishing, and enjoying the quiet woods.
Hiking Bald Mountain
The main recreational draw within the park boundaries is the strenuous hike up Bald Mountain. The traditional Bald Mountain Trail is a steep, 1.7-mile ascent that passes through spectacular ravines, small waterfalls, and deep pools before topping out at stunning vistas looking north, south, and east across the Green Mountains. Note: Trail footbridges frequently wash out during spring floods, so check with the ranger station for current conditions before hiking.
Swimming and Boating (Nearby)
While the state park itself primarily offers access to a shallow, rocky stretch of the West River, phenomenal water recreation is available just a short distance away at the Townshend Dam Recreation Area (managed by the Army Corps of Engineers). There, you’ll find a dedicated swimming beach and a boat launch for Townshend Lake (motors are limited to 10-horsepower).
Fishing the West River
Anglers flock to the deep pools and fast-moving riffles of the West River adjacent to the campground. The river is renowned for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing, as well as seasonal catches of both brown and rainbow trout. Townshend Lake (just upstream) offers even more casting opportunities.
CCC History Tour
You don’t have to be a history major to appreciate the incredible, labor-intensive stonework left behind by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Walk the campground loops to admire the craftsmanship of the original fireplaces, retaining walls, and the beautifully constructed stone ranger’s quarters and attached picnic shelter.
A True Tent Camper’s Paradise
Townshend State Park is famous for being incredibly restrictive to modern RVs. Because of the steep, narrow campground roads and the tight turns built in the 1930s, large motorhomes and fifth-wheels are physically unable to navigate the park. The result? A phenomenally quiet, peaceful campground dominated by tents and small pop-ups.
| Campground Type | Amenities | Important Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Tent Sites (30 Total) | Fire rings, picnic tables. Many feature historic, elevated CCC wooden tent platforms. Access to flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers. | Maximum 20-foot vehicle length. Limit 6 people and 1 vehicle per site. No water or electric hookups. |
| Lean-To Shelters (4 Total) | Classic Vermont three-sided wooden shelters with a roof and overhanging eaves. Perfect for rainy New England weekends. | Must bring your own sleeping pads. No electricity. |
Firewood Note: To protect Vermont’s forests from invasive insects like the Emerald Ash Borer, it is illegal to bring out-of-state firewood into the park unless it is packaged, labeled, and certified heat-treated. Buy it locally or directly from the park office!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my 30-foot RV to Townshend State Park?
No. The park’s historical layout makes it physically impassable for large rigs. Only tents, small pop-up trailers, and campervans under 20 feet in total length are permitted to camp here.
Are there bears in the campground?
Yes, black bears are active in the Green Mountains and frequently pass through state park campgrounds. You must store all food, coolers, and scented items locked inside your vehicle when not in immediate use.
When is the park open?
Townshend State Park operates on a relatively short season, opening on the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend in late May and closing immediately after Labor Day Weekend in early September.
Plan Your Historic Vermont Camping Trip
Skip the crowded RV resorts and pitch your tent on a piece of American history in the lush, green canopy of Townshend State Park.
📍 Primary Location: 2755 State Forest Rd, Townshend, VT 05353
🌐 Official Website: Vermont State Parks – Townshend
📞 Park Office: (802) 365-7500 (In-season only)
