Winhall Brook Camping Area

Winhall Brook Camping Area

Part of Ball Mountain Lake

Overview

NOTICE: Due to continuing rehabilitation from damages sustained during the 2023 flood, reservations for the 2026 recreation season are currently unavailable. We are committed to a return to full operational capacity, and will provide more information on re-opening when we are able. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding.

Winhall Brook Camping Area is nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont along Winhall Brook and the West River, seven miles north of Ball Mountain Lake. The campground has strong appeal to the outdoorsman at heart, offering hiking, biking and fishing opportunities in a beautiful natural setting.

Facilities

Winhall Brook offers 111 campsites within the North and South camping areas, located on either side of the Winhall River. Available campsites include:

  • 74 standard non-electric sites.

  • 14 standard non-electric sites with lean-to shelters.

  • 23 standard sites with water and 50-amp electric hookups (Sites S6 - S28).

During their stay, campers can enjoy various day-use opportunities within the park, such as playgrounds, picnic sites, a basketball court, volleyball court, and hiking trails, including several miles of the scenic West River Trail.

Three restroom facilities within the campground provide flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and dish washing stations for all campers. Dump stations are available on either side of the campground.

Natural Features

Winhall Brook consists of broad grassy meadows amidst a beautiful northern hardwood forest, providing outstanding fall colors and wildlife habitat. Visitors may catch glimpses of the region's native fauna, which include moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, bald eagles, owls, osprey, woodpeckers and a wide variety of songbirds.

Recreation

The Winhall Brook Camping Area rests among the Winhall River, and its confluence with the West River, providing substantial opportunities for fishing and river access. Hiking and biking are popular summer activities during stays within the campground, and the snowy winter months allow opportunities outside the recreation season, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A picnic shelter located on the North Side provides space for larger gatherings during the recreation season.

The West River Trail stretches 16 miles along sections of the long-since-abandoned West River Railroad, connecting the villages of South Londonderry, Jamaica and Townshend, each with conveniences for those passing through. Hikers going south along the trail from the Winhall Brook Camping Area will pass notable waterfalls, including Angel Falls just north of Ball Mountain Lake, and Hamilton Falls, south of Ball Mountain Dam.

The West River is the main tributary for Ball Mountain Lake, a flood control reservoir with hiking and scenic overlooks available year-round. Lake access is available at Ball Mountain Lake's car-top boat launch, with the shores providing additional opportunities for fishing and swimming during one's stay. Twice a year, controlled releases from Ball Mountain Dam provide ideal whitewater conditions along the West River, attracting rafting and kayaking enthusiasts from all across New England. Releases are typically scheduled for the first weekend in May and the last weekend in September.

Nearby Attractions

  • Angel Falls flows just south of the Winhall Brook Camping Area, accessible via the West River Trail traveling downriver towards Ball Mountain Lake. A custom stone bridge continues the West River Trail across the falls' pool for an up close view during your hike.

  • The Green Mountain National Forest begins just 12 miles west of the Winhall Brook Camping Area, offering multiple opportunities for hiking, backpacking, biking, and scenic views. Head south on Vermont Route 100 towards Rawsonville, before turning west onto Vermont Route 30 towards Manchester, Vermont.

Contact Info

For local information, please call (802) 824-4570 or call (978) 318-8914 for general information.

Important Notices

  • Ball Mountain Lake is a flood control project. Occasional retention of floodwaters may inundate portions of Winhall Brook Camping Area. Any cancellations due to flood-related closures will be fully refunded.

  • Cash/Checks are not accepted for any transaction, including use fees, firewood, and America the Beautiful passes.

  • Any special event, gathering, or activity that may affect the atmosphere of the park must receive prior approval from park staff.

  • A narrow, one-lane bridge must be crossed to access the south side of the camping area; vehicles must be 42 feet in length or less to cross (see pictures in gallery. The bridge weight limit is 16 tons.

  • Firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. 

  • Maximum of 6 adults and 2 tents/1 mobile unit per campsite. Six adults and children under 18 are covered by the site fee.

  • Maximum of 10 people on a single campsite at any given time.

  • Generator use is permitted only from 9:00am to 11:00am, and from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

  • Some sites are in close proximity to each other, offering reduced space and/or privacy. Please be aware and plan accordingly.

    • N15 - N16

    • L53 - L54

    • S56 - S57

Available Activities

  • Swimming - Swimming
  • Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Fishing - Fishing
  • Camping - Camping
  • Biking - Biking
  • Birding - Birding
  • Cross Country Skiing - Cross Country Skiing
  • Evening Programs - Evening Programs
  • Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
  • Star Gazing - Star Gazing
  • Water Activities - Water Activities
  • Snowshoeing - Snowshoeing
  • Water Access - Water Access

Directions

<p>Physical address: 919 Winhall Station Rd, South Londonderry, VT 05155. </p><p>Contact Station Phone Number: (802) 824-4570</p><p>From Brattleboro, Vermont, travel north on Vermont Route 30 for 30 miles towards Rawsonville. Turn right onto Vermont Route 100 and continue for an additional 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Winhall Station Road and follow for 1 mile to the campground entrance station.</p><p>From Manchester, Vermont, travel east on Vermont Route 11 for 5 miles. Turn right onto Vermont Route 30 continue for 9 miles towards Rawsonville. Turn left onto Route 100 and continue for an additional 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Winhall Station Road and follow for 1 mile to the campground entrance station.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>Please see Recreation.gov changes and cancellation policy at the link below:</p> <p><a href="https://recreationonestopprod.servicenowservices.com/external?id=kb_category&kb_category=c9b40f22dbe97740bbe83a8c7c9619e2&kb_id=403413cedbf5db009bf57d0e0f961935" rel="nofollow">Changes and cancellations</a> </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 802-824-4570

919 Winhall Station Rd.
South Londonderry, VT 05155

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery