When you come to Townshend State Park, located in Townshend, Vermont, you will be coming for a rustic camping experience. The park was constructed as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) project during the 1930s, and its layout harkens back to the past. In fact, it is the only campground left in Vermont with CCC tent-style platforms.
You will have opportunities to see scenic vistas when you come camping at Townshend State Park. The park itself is located at the foot of Bald Mountain and is near the West River. As such, some of the camping sites allow you to listen to a babbling brook the feeds the river. When you are hiking, you can also enjoy hiking near waterfalls and pools of water.
The downside to camping at Townshend State Park is that it does not have space for RVs- only tents and camping trailers. The park has 30 tent sites, with an additional four lean-to sites. There are no hookups, but there are restroom facilities that you can use when you are in the park. One of the restrooms also includes coin-operated hot showers that you can use to rinse off after you have spent the day hiking.
Townshend State Park is located in Vermont, within the town limits of Townshend. It is straightforward to get to the park, with it located off of Route 30, past the Townshend Lake Recreation Area. You will cross over a dam, which is an easy landmark to help you find your way. You will want to exercise caution when you travel to the park, as the area is located at the base of Bald Mountain and can be difficult to navigate, with steep banks. In addition, Vermont winters can be rough on travelers, so if you are heading here during the winter months, check weather conditions and drive your rig carefully.
Townshend State Park does not have room for RVs, so you will not be able to bring a large vehicle here. Some sites allow trailers up to 20 feet, while others are tent-only. There is limited parking available in the park, with only one vehicle allowed per camping site. You'll want to plan for this when traveling if you're coming with a group of people, especially if you were not planning to drive together. You can also find historic sites, such as the home of Robert Todd Lincoln, a very short drive away.
Townshend State Park Campground is a great site to enjoy rustic camping. RVs are not allowed at the park, but camping trailers and pop-ups are allowed, up to 20 feet long. There are also sites with Civilian Conservation Corps-designed tent platforms that you can use when camping at the site. There are a total of 30 tent sites and four lean-to sites in the park. There are no hookups for camping in the park, but there are restroom facilities that you can utilize, with hot and cold running water. One of these restrooms also contains coin-operated showers, so while they are limited, bathing facilities are available for your use.
There is limited parking in the campground, whether you are there for camping overnight or day-use facilities, largely due to the older design of the park and campground. Only one vehicle is allowed per campsite, and up to six people are allowed at each campsite. If you are coming with a group, carpooling may be necessary.
When you come to Townshend State Park with your camping trailer or tent equipment, make sure that your family brings their swimsuits and swimming gear. You cannot swim in the adjacent West River or nearby brook (which is too shallow anyway), although you can splash around the banks of the river to cool off. Instead, you can enjoy swimming in the nearby Townshend Reservoir, which is located in the Townshend Dam Recreation Area, which is operated by the Army Corp of Engineers
You can enjoy some great fishing within Townshend State Park. The West River provides ample opportunity for fishermen and women, so make sure to bring your fishing bait and tackle when you come to the park in your camping trailer. You will find excellent options for fishing including rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. When you come to the park, you will want to make sure that you have a valid fishing license for all members of your party over 15 years old to fish here.
You have a few options for boating when you come to Townshend State Park, so you will want to bring the necessary equipment on your camping rig to enjoy your time in the park. On the West River, which runs through the park, you can use your kayak or canoe on the water. You can also go out on the water in the Townshend Reservoir created by the Townshend Dam. You can take out kayaks or canoes, as well as larger boats to enjoy on the water.
You will find a variety of hiking trails around the area that you can enjoy, so make sure to pack a water bottle and your hiking boots on your camping trailer. For starters, there is the Bald Mountain Trail, which runs two miles one way and takes you past a range of natural wonders, including waterfalls and pools of water. For a more historic angle, enjoy the Civilian Conservation Corps' history trail that originates at the park.
When you come to Townshend State Park to camp, you will want to think about where you are going to eat. The park has picnic tables near the ranger's station that you can use. If you come with a group, why not make plans to utilize the picnic shelter that also has a fireplace that you can use. You can also enjoy a scenic view with your picnic, bringing food to enjoy by the banks of the West River or the Townshend Dam.
While you enjoy your time at Townshend State Park, make sure you plan to stop and smell the wildflowers. Bring your binoculars and a field guide with you to scope out the flora and fauna of the area, including the birds. You will find a variety of bird species that call the park home, including bald eagles, golden eagles, and kestrels. This area is a great spot for birding and sightings are monitored by the Southeastern Audubon Society of Vermont.
