Townshend State Park
A CCC-Built Campground at the Base of Bald Mountain — Waterfalls, Swimming & Historic Charm
Townshend State Park sits at the base of Bald Mountain in the town of Townshend, Vermont, along the West River in the southern Green Mountains. The park is a Civilian Conservation Corps masterpiece — built between 1934 and 1938, it retains its original CCC architecture and is the only Vermont state park campground that uses the distinctive CCC-style tent platforms. The rustic, back-to-basics character makes this feel less like a modern campground and more like stepping into 1930s New England.
The primary hiking attraction is the Bald Mountain Trail, a moderate-to-strenuous 3.4-mile round-trip climb to the 1,680-foot summit that passes waterfalls, chutes, and cascading pools along the way. For swimming, the adjacent Townshend Dam Recreation Area (managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) provides access to the West River with a designated swimming area. The park sits within a flood control corridor — the Townshend Dam and upstream Ball Mountain Dam protect downstream communities along the West River and Connecticut River valleys.
Things to Do
Hiking — Bald Mountain Trail
The park’s signature trail is a rewarding half-day hike:
- Distance: ~3.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous — steady ascent with rocky sections
- Summit elevation: 1,680 feet — panoramic views of the surrounding Green Mountains
- Along the way: Waterfalls, cascading chutes, and pools along Negro Brook
Swimming
The Townshend Dam Recreation Area (adjacent to the park, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers) provides the primary swimming access. The West River offers a refreshing spot on summer days, with a beach area and picnic facilities.
CCC Historic Architecture
The park’s infrastructure — the contact station, tent platforms, and overall layout — was built by the CCC and remains largely unchanged. This is a living example of Depression-era conservation work and a quiet landmark of American park-building history.
Picnicking & Nature
Quiet streamside picnic areas along the West River, wildflower walks in spring, and birding in the mixed hardwood forest surrounding the campground.
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bald Mountain Trail | ~3.4 mi RT | Moderate–Strenuous | Summit views; waterfalls; cascading pools; rocky ascent |
Camping
| Type | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Tent/Trailer Sites | 30 | CCC-style tent platforms; fire rings; picnic tables; flush toilets |
| Lean-to Sites | 4 | Classic Vermont lean-tos; fire rings; flush toilets |
Note: No hookups, no showers. This is rustic, historic camping on original CCC platforms — bring everything you need.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Swimming at Townshend Dam; Bald Mountain hiking; waterfall pools at peak flow | Popular weekends; rustic facilities; bring supplies |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Southern Vermont foliage from summit; golden hardwoods; cooler hiking | Swimming ends; campground closing mid-Oct; shorter days |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Waterfalls at peak; wildflowers; spring birding; campground opening | Muddy trail conditions; check trail status before hiking; black flies |
| Winter | Park closed for the season | Campground and facilities closed |
Visitor Tips
- CCC heritage: Townshend is the only Vermont state park with original CCC tent platforms still in use. The historic character is part of the appeal — embrace the rustic simplicity.
- Bald Mountain waterfalls: The cascading pools along Negro Brook are a highlight of the trail. In spring and after rain, the water features are at their most dramatic — but the trail can be slippery.
- Townshend Dam: The recreation area is managed separately by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Swimming access and hours may differ from the state park. Check both before your visit.
- Flood control: The park sits within a flood control corridor. During extreme weather events, the Army Corps may temporarily adjust water levels or close recreation areas — rare, but possible.
- Scott Covered Bridge: The nearby Scott Covered Bridge (the longest single-span covered bridge in Vermont) is worth a short detour — a classic southern Vermont photo opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Townshend State Park?
The primary swimming area is at the adjacent Townshend Dam Recreation Area, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The West River beach area provides designated swimming during summer months. Note that the recreation area and state park are managed by different agencies, so hours and access rules may vary — check both before your visit.
How hard is the Bald Mountain Trail at Townshend State Park?
The Bald Mountain Trail is rated moderate to strenuous. It’s approximately 3.4 miles round trip with a steady ascent to the 1,680-foot summit. The trail passes waterfalls and cascading pools along Negro Brook, with rocky sections near the top. Most reasonably fit hikers can complete it in 2–3 hours. The summit rewards with panoramic views of the southern Green Mountains.
Last updated: April 2026
