Townshend Lake Day Use Area

Townshend Lake

Townshend Lake is nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Families from near and far come to enjoy the outdoor recreational opportunities the lake has to offer.

2024 Park Hours: 8am - 8pm Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Recreation Area and the Fish Trap Area will be closed to Vehicular Access Tuesday and Wednesday for the 2024 recreational season.

NOTE: The Davis Shelter restroom has been removed due to damage sustained from floods. Users of Davis shelter will need to use the bathroom adjacent to the Stratton/Burrington Shelters. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Within the recreation area, there are three large picnic shelters with electricity surrounded by individual picnic tables and grills available for use. There are also flush toilets, drinking water, playgrounds, volleyball courts, horse shoe pits, a swim beach and hiking trails available throughout the park.

Need to Know

2024 Park Hours: 8am to 8pm Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Recreation Area and the Fish Trap Area will be closed to Vehicular Access Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the 2024 recreational season.
Townshend Lake is a flood control project. Occasional retention of floodwaters may inundate portions of the recreation area and access road. Any cancellations due to flood-related closures will be refunded.
Anything that might change the atmosphere of the park requires approval from park staff before a reservation is made. Examples include but are not limited to: music, weddings/receptions, etc.
No dumpsters available. Pack it in, pack it out.
Pets are not allowed on the swimming beach.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6ft.
Campfires are not permitted.
For more information call the Townshend Lake Project office at (978) 318-8915.

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.

Nearby Attractions

Townshend Lake Nature Area is located 2 miles north on Route 30. Scott Covered Bridge is located 1/4 mile south on Route 30.

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 BBQ grills for smaller groups to enjoy. The Ledges Overlook Trial offers stunning views of the Green Mountains along the 1.7 mile loop with Townshend Lake Nature Area a short drive up Route 30 offering access to the West River Trail.

Contact Information

Mailing

3845 VT RTE 30 Townshend VT 05353

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 802-365-7703

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Townshend Lake is located 19 miles north of Brattleboro, Vermont, on Vermont Route 30.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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