Best Campgrounds near Townshend, VT

Campgrounds around Townshend, Vermont offer a mix of state parks and private facilities within the scenic West River Valley region of southern Vermont. Jamaica State Park Campground and Bald Mountain Campground serve as popular options for visitors seeking developed sites. The area accommodates diverse camping preferences with both tent and RV sites available, while several facilities including Kampfires (formerly Hidden Acres) and Brattleboro North KOA provide cabin accommodations for those wanting more amenities. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October when Vermont's foliage season ends.

Most campgrounds in the Townshend area maintain a traditional camping season running from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Visitors should note that weather conditions can vary significantly, with occasional summer thunderstorms and cool overnight temperatures even during peak season. Jamaica State Park provides hiking trails and river access with its West River location making it particularly popular. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Several campgrounds offer electric hookups for RV campers, though not all provide full connections. As one camper noted, "Large clean sites...Our stay was very quiet. Beach area was ok. I thought the river was kind of yucky but it didn't stop my kids from swimming. Good hiking nearby."

Waterfront access represents a distinguishing feature of camping in the Townshend area, with sites along the West River particularly sought-after by visitors. Bald Mountain Campground receives mixed reviews, with some praising its river access while others note the proximity between sites. According to one visitor: "The river was magnificent and I could hear it babble by all night; very relaxing once the place quieted down." Jamaica State Park earns consistent positive feedback for its well-maintained facilities and natural features including river access and hiking trails to Hamilton Falls. Campers frequently mention the family-friendly atmosphere at local campgrounds, with playgrounds and beach areas available at several locations. The region offers relatively accessible camping with moderate amenities rather than remote backcountry experiences, making it suitable for families and casual campers.

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Best Camping Sites Near Townshend, Vermont (167)

    1. Jamaica State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Jamaica, VT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 874-4600

    $20 - $42 / night

    "This tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos."

    "Great spot near the river with a flat trail and a waterfall near by."

    2. Winhall Brook Camping Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    10 Reviews
    South Londonderry, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 824-4570

    $20 - $26 / night

    "The campground is located where Winhall River meets the West River."

    "There is a small group of camp sides with electricity and water but most sites have none. The bathrooms are clean. Where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water."

    3. Molly Stark State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 464-5460

    "This park is close to my house in southern Vermont. We usually visit during the day to hike to the top of the Mt. Olga firetower."

    "There are no hookups at any Vermont state parks (Molly Stark included). We stayed at site T16. It's a pull through RV site with a fire ring & picnic table."

    4. Kampfires

    8 Reviews
    West Chesterfield, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-2098

    $30 - $50 / night

    "They have an ice cream shop attached to their office/store, mini golf just outside of it too. There is an amphitheater for concerts and shows throughout the summer."

    "Even though it is off season, there are several units throughout but dispersed so no one was right next to us. The site was somewhat level with a gravel base. FHU at each site made hook up easy."

    5. Woodford State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 447-7169

    "Woodford State Park is situated between Wilmington and Bennington VT in the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest."

    "The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful. the grounds and facilities are well kept. and you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington. a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!"

    6. Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Brattleboro, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-2610

    "There are 3 nice and short trails, 2 with a great view and the other that is quite steep down to a swimming hole."

    "We had site 30, which looked to be one of the best sites available (and the lean-tos next to site 30 also looked great). Most sites on this side of the loop were private, forested, and spacious."

    7. Bald Mountain Campground

    4 Reviews
    Townshend, VT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (802) 365-7510

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We usually start just below the Townshend Dam by the covered bridge and can float about 20 minutes to the campground or stay floating down river for hours and hours."

    8. Brattleboro North KOA

    4 Reviews
    West Chesterfield, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-5908

    "It was only like 40 mins away from us. Just to get away. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area . They had activities for kids and adults. They had a rec."

    "The pool was sparkling clean and the best part, not a bunch of screaming kids running around. There's a market next door with fresh fruit and veggies for sale. The store is large and well stocked."

    9. Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    7 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    14 miles
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    $16 / night

    "My friend and I were desperately looking for a place to spend the weekend, and with Covid making it a little more difficult to rely on walking in and finding a campsite, we made a blind reservation for"

    "We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road."

    10. Ashuelot River Campground

    16 Reviews
    West Swanzey, NH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 357-5777

    $47 - $70 / night

    "We had easy access to trails that went along the river behind some of the sites with a few paths down to the river.

    Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful."

    "Large, open campground surrounded by the Ashuelot River. Friendly owners who go around delivering wood and ice to guests given the pandemic right now."

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Recent Reviews near Townshend, VT

674 Reviews of 167 Townshend Campgrounds


  • Lorraine H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    2 month stay started July

    It's ok great water views stuff for kids to do every weekend it's the seasonal campers that make it not fun at times u have some very friendly then others that are noisy judging ,parting witch parting really ain't problem until ur not watching ur kids or being loud at times I give it a 7 out of 10

  • Andy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Large Area with Fire Pit in the middle

    This was a great site.  I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially the just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend.  Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend.

    The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either.  Hiking trail to Stratton Pond close by.

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • M
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    kids always have a blast!

    We went for the Halloween event, and the kids had a great day and evening! They really enjoyed trick or treating!!!

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • W
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Good location

    The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall.  The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good. 

    The issue I had was the camp next to ours had the generator on all night long and I had a hard time getting back to sleep after going to the bathroom. Next time I will get a volunteer or park ranger to get it turned off.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    Really pretty and chill

    This campground is pretty and offers many private site options. We didn't use the bathrooms so can't speak on that. But overall it's a clean campground.

    There are two loops. The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet. The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy. All of the sites are good size and the fire pits are placed well.

    The other loop farther away from the entrance has a lot more lakeside sites. But there's very little privacy. The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites, and you can't really decipher where one site ends and the next begins. We would not stay on that loop if we visited again. Unless it was site 101 which seemed more private for that loop.

    Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful. We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious , peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful.

    We will definitely stay here again.


Guide to Townshend

Camping near Townshend, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, including those leading to stunning views and natural wonders. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trails throughout the campground are great for families," highlighting the accessibility of outdoor adventures.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers, perfect for casting a line. A review noted, "Emerald Lake has clear waters and is great for fishing," making it a popular spot for anglers.
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in local lakes. Campers have praised the swimming beach at Emerald Lake State Park, saying, "The lake and beach are lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear."

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites available at many campgrounds. One review stated, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs well," which is a plus for RV travelers.
  • Clean facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a must for many campers. A visitor at Woodford State Park remarked, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the welcoming atmosphere created by campground staff. A review from Quechee State Park Campground noted, "The folx that work there are super helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty or no cell service. A camper at Monadnock State Park shared, "I wish this were clearer on their website as we needed service to do some work."
  • Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds are only open during specific seasons. For example, Moose Hillock Camping Resorts operates from May 13 to October 13.
  • No hookups at some sites: If you're camping in an RV, be aware that not all campgrounds offer electric or water hookups. A review from Jamaica State Park Campground mentioned, "Be prepared for no hookups but there is a dump station for self-contained toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
  • Safety: Keep an eye out for ticks, especially in wooded areas. One camper warned, "Watch for ticks on the trails," emphasizing the importance of checking kids after outdoor activities.
  • Plan meals: Stock up on food before arriving, as nearby stores can be pricey. A review from Moose Hillock Camping Resorts advised, "Make sure you stock up before you get there; stuff is expensive at the corner stores."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Lake George RV Park mentioned, "The sites are gravel roads asphalt, but some road noise can be heard."
  • Bring extra supplies: Stock up on essentials like firewood and ice, as some campgrounds may not have stores. A review from Camping On The Battenkill noted, "Firewood was 3 large bundles for $20."
  • Explore local attractions: Take advantage of nearby attractions and activities. A visitor at Emerald Lake State Park shared, "Close to the adorable town of Manchester!"

Camping near Townshend, Vermont, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful sites and plenty of activities, it's a great spot for your next outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Townshend State Park?

Townshend State Park offers facilities similar to other Vermont state parks in the region. For comparison, Molly Stark State Park Campground features drive-in sites, potable water, and clean toilet facilities. Nearby Fort Dummer State Park Campground provides comparable amenities with drive-in access, water, toilets, and sites that can accommodate larger RVs. Vermont state parks typically maintain well-kept grounds with a mix of tent sites and sometimes lean-tos, though specific Townshend facilities may vary by season.

What do visitors say about their experience at Townshend State Park?

Visitors to the Townshend area generally praise Vermont state parks for their natural beauty and well-maintained facilities. Campers at Woodford State Park Campground highlight the pristine surroundings and recreational opportunities, noting it's situated at the highest elevation of all Vermont state campgrounds. Similarly, Gifford Woods State Park Campground receives positive feedback for its spacious sites and decent bathroom facilities, though some mention occasional slow cell reception. Vermont parks are consistently appreciated for their quiet atmospheres and natural settings.

Is Bald Mountain campground located near Townshend, Vermont?

Yes, Bald Mountain Campground is located near Townshend, Vermont. Campers praise this campground for its clean, grassy, and spacious sites that are fairly level. It features access to the West River via two beaches designated for campers. Many visitors consider it a family favorite destination with riverfront sites (though these often require advance booking beyond a weekend stay). Another nearby option is Jamaica State Park Campground, which offers 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos, some situated right along the West River.