Townshend Lake Recreation Area

Overview

NOTICE: Due to limited seasonal staffing, vehicle access to the Townshend Lake Recreation Area has been reduced to 12:00pm - 8:00pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for the duration of the 2025 recreation season. Reservation windows for picnic shelters have been adjusted to align with this change. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Townshend Lake is nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Families from near and far come to enjoy the outdoor recreational opportunities the lake has to offer.  

Recreation

Townshend Lake offers ample recreation opportunities. A boat ramp provides access for canoeing, kayaking and small motor boats (10hp or less). The lake is stocked once a year with Rainbow Trout for the enjoyment of anglers. The three group shelters are surrounded by many individual picnic tables with charcoal grills for smaller groups to enjoy. The Ledges Overlook Trail offers stunning views of the Green Mountains along the 1.7 mile loop, with Townshend Lake Nature Area a short drive north up Route 30 offering access to the West River Trail.

Facilities

Within the Townshend Lake Recreation Area, three large picnic shelters are available for reservation, each equipped with electrical hookups to better accommodate your events. Individual picnic sites can be found throughout the park, providing a resting place for those who wish to enjoy all that the park has to offer, including playgrounds, volleyball courts, horse shoe pits, scenic views, and hiking trails. Restrooms within the Day Use area provide flush toilets and potable water during the recreation season.

Natural Features

The recreation area sits in the West River Valley behind the Townshend Dam on the shores of Townshend Lake. The picnic area offers many large trees for shade along with other sun-basked open areas.

Nearby Attractions

• The Townshend Lake Nature Area is located 2 miles north of Townshend Dam on Vermont Route 30, near West Townshend, VT.

• The Historic Scott Covered Bridge is located 1/2 mile south of Townshend Dam, on Vermont Route 30.

Contact Info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (978) 318-8915 for general information.