Union Village Dam
RV Guide
Introduction
Featuring classic Vermont countryside and offering visitors both peak and off-season recreational activities, Union Village Dam is a top choice for an RV day trip. Located within Orange County, Union Village Dam was one of many projects that were built for flood control purposes in the area during the 1940s by the U.S Corps of Engineers. With the completion of the dam, the area became a very popular recreational area that is ready for you to explore.
One of the best ways to enjoy your time at the 5,000-acre designated Union Village Dam is to check out the recreational area. This grassy area is perfect for entertaining (thanks to the 65 person capacity picnic pavilion), as well as giving you easy access to the swimming beach, hiking trails, playground, and volleyball court. Fishing is another excellent way to kick back at Union Village Dam as there are over six miles of river that is waiting for you to explore. If you are visiting the area, you may also get to experience one of the great interpretive programs that park rangers hold all year round.
While there aren't any campgrounds available at Union Village Dam, there are plenty of camping options if you want to stay in the area. Two of the best include the Storrs Pond Recreation Area just over the border in New Hampshire and the Quechee / Pine Valley KOA. Peak season at Union Village Dam runs from the end of May until the first week of September.
RV Rentals in Union Village Dam
Transportation
Driving
Finding your way to Union Village Dam is fairly straightforward since it is located within the small area known as Union Village. There are four entrances, and Main Street is the best way to get to the recreation area, and this road can be accessed from both the east and the south. If you need to get any picnic supplies before your day out, there are a few spots that you can stop into, including Hanover (around seven and a half miles away), Fairlee (around 11 miles away), and Lebanon (about 18.5 miles away). The closest major city to Union Village Dam is Concord, which is around 77 miles to the southeast.
All of the roads in and around the dam are paved and well maintained. You should have no problems driving your RV around this area, and there is a traffic circle for you to easily turn around at when you are ready to leave.
Parking
Since the Union Village Dam is on the smaller side there is only one parking lot at the recreational area. There will be enough room for you to park your RV; however, if it is busy you may not be able to get a spot and have to look for parking elsewhere.
Public Transportation
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will take you to and from Union Village Dam.
Campgrounds and parking in Union Village Dam
Campsites in Union Village Dam
Reservations camping
Storrs Pond Recreation Area Camping
Storrs Pond Recreation Area is around 10 miles from Union Village Dam and is an excellent choice for RV lovers who want to camp within close proximity to the dam. This campground will suit rigs that are 50 feet in length or under, and there are a total of 17 RV sites available, all of which come with electric and water hookups.
The sites are scattered throughout the northeast side of Storrs Pond, so you will have plenty of privacy and the choice between lakefront or forested sites. Other amenities within the camping area include a bathhouse, water collection points, picnic tables, grills, and a dump station. You will also be a short walk from the pool, tennis courts, and swimming beach. Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed at all times.
Since sites are limited at Storrs Pond Recreation Area, we recommend that you book a site in advance, which can be done online. The campground is open from mid-May until Columbus Day.
Quechee/Pine Valley KOA
Located around 16 miles from Union Village Dam is the well equipped Quechee/Pine Valley KOA. This campground is excellent for RV travelers looking for a little bit more luxury, or if you have an RV over 50 feet in length.
The campsites are spacious, level, and there are multiple options for you to choose from. These include 50 amp full hookup site with patio, 50 amp full hookup site, 30 amp full hookup site, and water/electric only. 90 RV-friendly sites within the campground are all suitable for leashed dogs. No other pets are allowed. Additional amenities at the campground include a fishing pond, a bathhouse, pool, recreational hall, playground, dog park, and walking trails.
Quechee/Pine Valley KOA is open from the first weekend of May until the middle of October. Reservations are recommended as the campground is quite popular and will mean that you won't miss out on a site.
Seasonal activities in Union Village Dam
In-Season
Picnicking
One of the most popular things to do when visiting Union Village Dam is to make the most of the great recreational area. The picnic area at Union Village Dam is an ideal way to enjoy the natural surroundings with family or friends. There is a 65 capacity picnic pavilion perfect for large groups, plus many picnic tables and grills that are scattered in the recreation area. If you want to use the large picnic pavilion, you can reserve it in advance online.
Swimming
If you fwant to go for a swim when visiting Union Village Dam, you're in luck. There are many water holes for you to check out. The swimming beach near the recreational area is the most used swimming spot since it is very easy to access and has a sandy area for you to chill out and relax on. There are no lifeguards on duty anywhere within the Union Village Dam area, so swim to your abilities.
Interpretive Programs
Interested in learning more about the area? During the summertime, the staff at Union Village Dam provide free interpretive talks and programs from June until the Labor Day weekend. The programs detail the history of the dam, the environment that surrounds it, and what animals call Union Village Dam home.
If you are visiting the park with a non-profit group or a school, interpretive programs are available all year round via appointment. For more information on interpretive programs, contact the site office.
Off-Season
Fishing
Remember to pack your rod and reel if you are a keen angler because there are over six miles of river fishing available near the dam on the Ompompanoosuc River. The two most popular fish to target are brown and rainbow trout.
You can fish all year round for trout in the river, but if you are fishing from the period of November to the second Saturday of April, all fish must be released, and you can only use lures or artificial flies as bait.
Hiking
Your hiking options at Union Village Dam will excite hikers of all skill levels since there are multiple trails for you to choose from. The most well-known trail at Union Village Dam is the Mystery Trail.
Located on the right side of the dam area, the Mystery Trail is a loop trail that will take you through some gorgeous forested areas that are teeming with wildlife. The trail is usually very quiet, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you are looking for more hiking, you can also check out the Forest Management Trail.
Birding
Birdwatchers from all over are attracted to Union Village Dam to observe the birds that make the park their home throughout the year. Birds are routinely seen on the trails or on the dam, with some of the species including song sparrows, gray catbirds, various waterfowl, and many birds of prey.
There are also some nesting boxes within the dam area to provide a home for the next generation of birds that will inhabit the park. The friendly dam staff will assist you with any questions you may have regarding the best spots to birdwatch at during your visit.
