Camping near Townshend Lake offers sites at elevations ranging from 900 to over 2,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the region. Summer temperatures at higher elevation campgrounds like Woodford State Park can be 10-15°F cooler than surrounding valleys, making them popular retreats during July and August heat waves. Most campgrounds in the area maintain primitive to moderate facilities with composting or vault toilets being common at remote sites.
What to do
Paddle the Ashuelot River: Rent kayaks directly from Ashuelot River Campground where staff provides shuttle service for water activities. "They have canoes and kayaks on site, plus a shuttle service for water sports or biking," notes Carry M. The river offers calm waters suitable for beginners with some areas deep enough for swimming.
Hike to waterfalls: A 20-minute drive from Savoy Mountain State Forest brings you to Tannery Falls, which features multiple cascades. "Went to Tannery Falls, beautiful waterfall. About a 20 minute drive away, worth a visit," shares Lauren in their review. The waterfall trail is moderately difficult with some steep sections but rewards hikers with cooling mist on hot days.
Bike the rail trail: Access the Ashuelot Rail Trail directly from the campground for an easy, flat ride suitable for all ages. The trail follows an old railway bed with compact gravel surfaces and minimal elevation change. "You can pick up the Ashuelot Rail Trail at the campground," confirms a reviewer who appreciated the direct trail access without needing to drive elsewhere.
What campers like
Quiet natural settings: Woodford State Park Campground creates a peaceful atmosphere away from urban noise. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," writes Melissa S. The campground sits at higher elevation, creating cooler temperatures and less humidity than lower valley locations.
Clean modern bathrooms: Multiple campgrounds maintain exceptional bathroom facilities that exceed typical campground standards. At Molly Stark State Park, Beck P. reports, "THE BATHROOM was the best I've seen camping very clean and updated and honestly gorgeous." This level of cleanliness makes longer stays more comfortable for tent campers without shower facilities.
Private sites: Many campgrounds offer wooded sites with natural barriers between camping areas. "The sites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice," says Jenny A. about her stay at Woodford. Site separation allows campers to enjoy campfires without feeling too close to neighbors, with perimeter sites typically offering the most privacy.
What you should know
Bears are present: Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground provides bear boxes at each site for food storage. "Bear boxes are provided at each site as this is black Bear country," notes Bill K. Store all scented items, including toiletries, in these containers and never leave food in your tent.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have minimal or no cellular coverage. At Savoy Mountain State Forest, one camper reports: "I had a flicking bar of coverage at the high point of the campground on Verizon, but all you MIGHT be able to do is text." Download maps and reservation details before arriving as navigation apps may not function reliably.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for premium sites and holiday weekends. State park campgrounds typically accept reservations up to 11 months in advance, while private campgrounds like Caton Place often fill quickly for summer weekends. Non-residents may pay higher fees at state parks, particularly during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Emerald Lake State Park Campground offers family-oriented amenities including a small beach with swimming area. "It's an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in. There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby," describes Tara S. The swimming area features gradually sloping entry points suitable for young children.
Bike-friendly loops: Several campgrounds feature paved or packed gravel roads perfect for children learning to ride. "Campground has a nice loop for the kids to bike," mentions Lauren about Savoy Mountain State Forest. These loops allow parents to keep an eye on children while they practice riding in a traffic-free environment.
Ranger programs: Many Vermont state parks run educational activities designed for children. At Quechee State Park, one parent noted: "Rangers also run fun programs for children - my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee.)" These programs typically run on weekends and require no pre-registration.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility challenges: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs despite website claims. At Caton Place Campground, one RVer warns: "The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into. The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig. Driving out of the site was just as bad. You have to go down a small hill and bottom out the front and then drag the backend out of the dirt." Call ahead to verify access for rigs over 30 feet.
Direction-specific routes: Some campgrounds have specific approach routes that avoid low bridges or steep grades. For Ashuelot River Campground, several reviewers mention: "Highly suggest reading the directions on the campgrounds website about the covered bridge you're not allowed to cross - we discovered this the hard way." Always check campground websites for recommended approach routes rather than relying solely on GPS.
Dump station availability: While many campgrounds offer dump stations, they may have limited operating hours or seasonal availability. At Quechee State Park Campground, there's "a spacious dump site if needed" but no hookups at individual sites. Plan your waste management accordingly, especially for stays longer than a weekend.
