Looking for the best options for camping with dogs near Townshend Lake? Find the best information on pet-friendly campgrounds near Townshend Lake, including sites, reviews, and tips. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a place near local attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect spot for you and your pup.
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Camping On The Battenkill is a quiet nature orientated campground on 35acres of land that offers large spacious private sites in 30 Acres of forest, 2 rivers and a large open field area for group bookings. The beauty of The Battenkill and Roaring Branch rivers can be experienced throughout the varied terrain of the campground. We have RV Sites and Raw Camping sites that are situated on the Battenkill River the other sites are located in the forest or open field. Life does not get better than this! A natural swimming hole with a sandy beach lies in the midst of the campground with all campers having access to it for long cool summer’s day experiences. Campers also enjoy tubing and canoeing on the river as well as basking in the sun, or taking their pets for long cool walks through the forest. The Battenkill is noted as an exceptional trout stream for fishing and we even offer guided fishing tours right from the campground. On rainy days campers can enjoy the games room or take a covered bridge tour nearby the campground. We offer a mobile honey wagon service for campers who require longer stays. The campground is well known for creating memories and experiences that last a lifetime so book your stay now and start making memories.
Nearby Attractions: Lake Shaftsbury State Park, Battenkill River, Mount Equinox, Covered Bridges, Lye Brook Wilderness, Merck Forest, Lincoln House, Robert Frost Stone House Museum, Norman Rockwell Art Museum and Sugar Shack, Christmas Day Shop, Shaftsbury Alpaca Farm, Manchester VT for world class shopping, and many other local attractions.
Nearby Cities/Town: Arlington, Shaftsbury, Bennington, Manchester.
$45 - $57 / night
NOTICE: Due to damages sustained during the 2023 floods, in addition to planned infrastructure upgrades, the Winhall Brook Camping Area will be closed for the entirety of the 2024 Recreation Season. We are unsure at this time how long we will be closed and will update as soon as possible. (Updated October 23, 2024) Winhall Brook Camping Area is nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont along Winhall Brook and the West River, seven miles from Ball Mountain Lake. The campground has strong appeal to the outdoorsman at heart, offering hiking, biking and fishing opportunities in a beautiful natural setting.
The campground offers several waterways in which to fish and play. The West River and Winhall Brook are home to brook, rainbow and brown trout. Hiking and biking are popular summer activities with cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The West River Trail stretches 16 miles along parts of the long-since-abandoned West River Railroad, providing a safe and scenic route for hiking, biking and cross country skiing in the winter months. The trail connects the villages of South Londonderry, Jamaica and Townshend. Ball Mountain Lake is nearby with fishing, boating, hiking and scenic overlooks. You can access the lake at our car-top boat launch which also provides shore fishing access. Hiking trails offer great views of Angel Falls to the north and Hamilton Falls to the south along the West River Trail. Water is released from the dam to create whitewater opportunities for rafting and kayaking the first weekend in May and the last weekend in September.
Winhall Brook consists of broad grassy meadows surrounded by heavily wooded areas. The campground lies among a beautiful northern hardwood forest, which provides outstanding fall color and wildlife habitat. Visitors enjoy catching glimpses of the region's wildlife which may include moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, bald eagles, owls, osprey, woodpeckers and a wide variety of songbirds.
For local information, please call (802) 824-4570 or call (978) 318-8914 for general information.
Please see Recreation.gov changes and cancellation policy at the link below: Changes and cancellations
$24 / night
$47 - $70 / night
Fort Dummer State Park, located in the Connecticut River Valley just outside of Brattleboro, has 217 acres of forest land.
The park was named after Fort Dummer, the first permanent European settlement in Vermont. Built on the frontier in 1724, it was initially the gateway to the early settlements along the banks of the Connecticut River. Forty-three English soldiers and twelve Mohawk Indians manned the fort in 1724 and 1725. Later, the fort protected what was then a Massachusetts colony from an invasion by the French and Indians. Made of sturdy white pine timber, stacked like a log cabin, Fort Dummer served its purpose well.
The park overlooks the site of Fort Dummer which was flooded when the Vernon Dam was built on the Connecticut River in 1908. This site can be seen from the northernmost scenic vista on the Sunrise Trail. It is now underwater near the lumber company located on the western bank of the river.
Located in the southern foothills of the Green Mountains, the forest is more like those of southern New England than like a typical Vermont forest. Southern tree species such as white, red, and chestnut oaks, dominate the hardwood forest, which also contains beech, maple, yellow birch, and white birch.
An abundance of oak trees provides food and shelter for gray squirrels, turkeys, and deer. Ruffed grouse also inhabit these woods, attracted by its dense woody cover and open understory.
Facilities / Amenities The campground has 50 tent/trailer sites and 10 lean-to sites. These are located in two adjacent areas and are served by two toilet buildings, both with coin-operated hot showers. There is a sanitary dump station, but there are no hookups. Also located within the park is a small picnic area, hiking trails (one of which leads to a swimming hole) and a large open field.
$30 - $50 / night
Grout Pond is a popular destination for camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing. Located in a beautiful mixed conifer and hardwood forest, the campground has 12 reservable sites and offers easy access to over 10 miles of mulituse trails. The Green Mountain National Forest in partnership with the Vermont Huts Association has a cabin located at the Grout Pond Campground available for reservations. The Grout Pond Hut (pictured above) is open for year-round use and is located within the semi-remote campground on the Green Mountain National Forest. To make reservations and learn more please visit the Grout Pond Hut website: Grout Pond Hut__
Grout Pond offers a variety of recreation opportunities year-round. In the warmer months, fishing and non-motorized boating is popular on the pond. A 200-foot carry-in boat launch is accessible from an unloading pull-out just before the parking lot.__ Please help prevent the spread of non-native invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, by cleaning and drying your boat between each use. Hiking is another popular activity at Grout Pond. Over 10 miles of relatively flat trails are accessible from the campground. These trails connect with a more extensive system off National Forest lands around Somerset Reservoir to the south. Trails that are marked with blue diamond blazes are designed for cross-country skiing and can be very wet and muddy in the spring, summer, and even fall.
Grout Pond offers a variety of recreation opportunities year-round. In the warmer months, fishing and non-motorized boating is popular on the pond. A 200-foot carry-in boat launch is accessible from an unloading pull-out just before the parking lot.__ Please help prevent the spread of non-native invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, by cleaning and drying your boat between each use. Hiking is another popular activity at Grout Pond. Over 10 miles of relatively flat trails are accessible from the campground. These trails connect with a more extensive system off National Forest lands around Somerset Reservoir to the south. Trails that are marked with blue diamond blazes are designed for cross-country skiing and can be very wet and muddy in the spring, summer, and even fall.
Grout Pond is 84 acres and 28 feet deep. The water can be chilly but refreshing on a hot summer day. The campground is located along the pond and is shaded by red maple, yellow birch and red spruce. Fall foliage viewing in the autumn months is excellent.
Nearby attractions include hiking trails accessible from the site and paddling on the pond. The campground is also in close proximity to Appalachian/Long Trail trailheads off Kelly Stand Road and Stratton Mountain Resort and Village.
$16 / night
Guide
Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.
Legend
What a beautiful and well maintained CG! Great owners, facilities, and amenities. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. There are W/E sites, dry sites, and many secluded tent sites. There are two lakes and another nearby. It is close to many hiking trails. We arrived an hour after the water was turned off due to freezing temps. We were allowed to fill the fresh tank from the lodge. We woke the next day to heavy fog. We would definitely stay here again - for longer than an overnight stay!
TravelerThe entrance to the road had a sign that said “road closed ahead”. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure. Was a great spot!
Scout
It was a very quiet location. There was plenty of room between sites. The roads going in and leaving were well maintained. I accidently booked a tent site, and my popup camper and truck almost didn't fit. We will have to go back and get a shelter site. This way we can get the beautiful views of the mountains. We both enjoyed the Coolidge State Park
Scout
There are a lot of camping sites for tents at this location. Quite a few lean-tos to rest . Restrooms with coin operated showers. Every site has a picnic table.
Scout
Site 47 pull thru. Nice clean campground ! No neighbors left and right. Staff very nice. Very noisy tho in sites by the river due to Rte 10. We enjoyed the campground. Small and cozy. Nice size sites
Scout
I just got here. Road was quite good. I believe I have the last of 4 sites. Nice camp fire area.
Scout
No camping signs. Private property
Scout
I strongly urge anyone considering Getaway Mountain Campground to stay far away. Our experience here was nothing short of appalling. From the moment we checked in, the owners were extremely rude and unwelcoming. After staying for the weekend, we extended our stay due to the campground’s cleanliness, thinking it would be perfect for our family, including our three children with special needs and our service animals.
Unfortunately, the owner’s behavior quickly escalated. One day, the man running the office drove by on his golf cart and began yelling and swearing at me, accusing us of not picking up after our dogs. I explained that we always clean up after them, but he refused to listen. We decided to leave for the weekend to avoid further conflict, but when we returned, we found piles of dog poop deliberately placed near our motorhome. Things worsened when one of our children, who is nonverbal, picked up a pile of the mess.
When we addressed the issue with the office, the owner’s wife not only refused to acknowledge their behavior but also accused us of lying. The man’s hostile behavior escalated again, yelling and swearing at us in front of our children. He threatened to have us thrown out by the police, which he followed through on. The officers who responded could see that this was a personal issue and were baffled as to why they had been called. We were told to leave, but not before being denied a refund for the remaining days we had already paid for.
To make matters worse, we’ve since learned that the owners of Getaway Mountain Campground have been actively calling around to other campgrounds, slandering our name. They falsely claim we don’t pick up after our dogs and that my husband chased the owner with a 2x4—an outright lie. The current campground we’re staying at informed us of this and has stated that they’ve seen no issues with us or our pets. In fact, the surrounding campers have no complaints, and the campground owner is willing to write a statement about the situation, including notifying the authorities of this baseless harassment.
The entire experience left us feeling targeted and mistreated. We have traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and have never encountered anything like this. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this campground at all costs.
Verdict: AVOID Getaway Mountain Campground.
Ranger
I don’t mind paying a little extra some places because of being out of state, but paying $54 a night for not even any hookups when MA residents pay $17 is insane.
Scout
Paid in full for a week in July, we stay here every year. Learned in May that I had cancer and would need surgery and weekly chemo until the end of September. Contacted Forest Lake Campground in May to cancel reservation, discussed options and was told we could carry our week over for later. Just received the all clear from my Dr today. Called to make reservations and was told they would not honor our already paid week. They said we would not get our money back either. Won’t stay here again as they are not people of their word.
Guide
This campground has a lot of amenities for what you pay. You can get a site with just water, or electric and water. Can do RV or tent. Warm showers and playground for kids with communal areas. Quiet and dark both nights and the staff is very friendly, the campground is in the family. Will definitely stay here again!
Scout
In addition to the descriptions of this campground in other reviews, I add charm and utility of site design, and the friendliness and intelligence of the staff. Enjoy the serenity of the forest surrounding you, while you glimpse stars, and warm your innards beside a fire.
ScoutGreat spot for quiet desolate camping. Several spots to choose from.
Traveler
Nicely spaced sites, level and welcoming hosts. There are a few trails around the campground and it is close to Mt Ascutney which if you are feeling a bit lazy there is an auto rd that goes about 3/4 of the way up. 3 mi. Away Springfield as all the services you might need.
Ranger
Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.
Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.
There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.
Scout
Very peaceful! Little hidden gem! We loved our weekend away
Scout
Had a pleasant stay at Woodford State Park. Sites near T38 have a great elevated view of the reservoir. Also a nice loop trail for those looking to do a little bit of hiking.
GuideLarge, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit. It was a little muddy from rain.
Scout
The owners are very nice but the sites are super close together. We had neighbors that had a large party 4 ft from our camper for two days. The showers cost .50 and are luke warm, definitely not hot. Only 4 shower stalls (2 men 2 female) for the whole campground. The bathrooms weren't cleaned during the 2 days we were there. The country side is beautiful and Newport is a cute little town. We won't stay at the campground again.
Traveler
This campground was perfect for our group that had 5 small children. The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads, sites were large and well spaced out from each other, great playground and fun playing in the river. Amazing programming options from the ranger staff each day
GuideCampground is small and clean. We only stayed 2 nights and felt like we saw and did all it had to offer. Nice hike up Slack Hill!
GuideWe had a wonderful couple of nights here. I highly recommend the lean-to’s. The bathrooms were clean and the coin-operated showers were great. Each site was neatly maintained. Above all else, the staff here was phenomenal.
Guide
I only stayed a few nights, but enjoyed it thoroughly. I had a view of the beautiful pond, which is really a lake, and wished I had more time to rent a kayak. The bathrooms were clean and easy to access, since I do not have sewer in my small pop-up. I spent most of my time exploring the area since there are a lot of things to do very close to this campground.
Guide
The seven maple trees that greeted guests may be gone, but not the spirit of the campground. Staff were helpful and cheerful along with the chain saw carved bears that greeted me. A very nice shady campground with clean bathhouses - one with a moose guarding the entry - and common areas.
ScoutGreat campground! Awsome staff and fellow campers. Amazing rates! Will be back for sure! Ty getaway campground!
Guide
Family oriented. The kids loved love water attractions. Our site was large and shaded. The draw back is where you need to park the camper is about 7 inches out of level. If we stay in the same site again we would come better prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Townshend Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Townshend Lake is Jamaica State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Townshend Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 115 dog-friendly camping locations near Townshend Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
