Bald Mountain Campground

For those of us in the Green Mountain State, there is nothing quite like the arrival of camping season. When you are looking for a place that captures the quintessential charm of Southern Vermont, Bald Mountain Campground in Townshend stands out as a beloved local gem. Established in 1968 on the lush meadows of a former family farm, this campground has spent over 55 years perfecting the art of the Vermont outdoor experience. Spanning 160 acres of pristine meadows and dense forests, it offers a secluded river valley setting that feels worlds away from the daily grind, yet remains incredibly welcoming and accessible for families across the region.

The atmosphere at Bald Mountain is defined by its "part of the family" feel. As a long-standing, family-owned and operated business, the owners are a constant, friendly presence on the grounds, ensuring everything is well-maintained and that every guest feels at home. Whether you are part of a local motorcycle sidecar club or a family looking for a quiet riverside spot to watch the kids play, the blend of natural beauty and genuine hospitality makes this more than just a place to pitch a tent. It is a community hub where the gurgle of the West River and the panoramic views of the peaked hills provide a constant, relaxing soundtrack to your stay.

Location and Accessibility

Bald Mountain Campground is situated at 1760 State Forest Rd, Townshend, VT 05353, USA. For Vermont residents, this location is ideal as it sits right in the heart of the Windham County recreation corridor. Accessible via Route 30, the drive itself is a scenic journey through some of the state's most picturesque valley landscapes. The campground is located just a stone's throw from the Townshend Dam and the adjacent recreational park, which are major draws for local swimmers and picnickers. The entrance is manageable for various vehicle types, though it retains the rustic, gravel-road feel that many Vermont campers have come to love and expect.

Accessibility is a strong suit for this facility, featuring on-site parking and layouts that accommodate both traditional tent campers and those with larger RV rigs. Because the campground is nestled at the foot of its namesake mountain and along the banks of the West River, it offers a unique "valley floor" accessibility that makes walking between sites, the riverbank, and the on-site store easy for guests of all ages. Its proximity to the Townshend State Forest and the West River Trail means that while you are technically "in the woods," you are never far from well-marked paths and local conveniences in the nearby village of Townshend.

Services Offered

• Full-service RV sites featuring electric, water, and sewer hookups to accommodate modern motorhomes and trailers.
• Dedicated wooded and meadow tent sites for a more traditional, "back-to-basics" camping experience.
• A well-stocked on-site convenience store providing essentials like firewood, ice, and camping supplies.
• Clean and regularly maintained restroom facilities equipped with flush toilets and running water.
• On-site hot shower facilities available to all registered guests.
• Convenient laundry services located on the property for those enjoying extended seasonal stays.
• Professional onsite management always available to assist with site selection, local directions, or maintenance needs.
• Sanitary dump station for RV travelers to ensure easy departures.

Features and Highlights

• Direct frontage on the West River, offering prime riverside campsites where you can fall asleep to the sound of flowing water.
• Private access to river activities including swimming, fishing, and tubing right from the campground property.
• Individual site amenities including a private picnic table and a dedicated fire pit for every camper.
• Extensive recreational facilities such as a playground for children, a volleyball court, and a basketball hoop.
• Indoor entertainment options including ping pong tables and horseshoe pits for friendly competitive play.
• A dog-friendly policy that welcomes well-behaved pets, making it a true whole-family vacation spot.
• Close proximity to the Townshend Dam swimming area and the challenging hiking trails of Bald Mountain.
• Stunning fall foliage views, as the surrounding 160 acres of mixed forest provide a vibrant display of colors every autumn.

Contact Information

Reaching out to secure your spot at Bald Mountain Campground is simple, whether you are planning a weekend trip or looking for a seasonal site. You can contact the main office by phone at (802) 365-7510. For those using GPS to navigate the winding roads of Southern Vermont, the physical address is 1760 State Forest Rd, Townshend, VT 05353, USA. The campground typically operates from mid-April through mid-October, and given its popularity with local clubs and returning families, calling ahead for reservations—especially for the highly coveted riverfront sites—is always a smart move for any Vermont camper.

What is Worth Choosing

If you are debating where to spend your next Vermont summer weekend, Bald Mountain Campground is worth choosing for its unbeatable combination of river access and local hospitality. Unlike larger, more corporate parks, the "meadow-to-forest" layout here offers a sense of space that is increasingly rare. For those who enjoy water sports, the ability to tube from the Townshend Dam directly down to your campsite is a unique highlight that provides hours of free entertainment for kids and adults alike. It is also one of the few places where you can find a perfect mix of sunny meadow sites for stargazing and deep wooded sites for maximum privacy and shade.

Furthermore, the campground's proximity to Townshend State Park and the Bald Mountain hiking trail means you have an 1,100-foot vertical climb and spectacular vistas of the West River Valley right in your backyard. For motorcycle enthusiasts, the park has a long-standing reputation for being "biker-friendly," offering level sites that are easy to navigate with sidecars or heavy touring bikes. Ultimately, you are choosing more than just a plot of land; you are choosing a slice of Vermont history where the nature is impeccable and the owners treat you like a long-lost neighbor. It is the kind of place where traditions are born and where the simple joys of a campfire and a river breeze remind you why we love living in the 802.