Hapgood Pond Campground

- Peru, VT 05152

For Vermonters who appreciate exceptional cleanliness, affordability, and a truly tranquil natural setting, Hapgood Pond Campground in Peru, Vermont, is a cherished local secret. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the vast 400,000+ acres of the Green Mountain National Forest, this small, developed campground offers a classic New England camping experience centered around the scenic 12-acre Hapgood Pond. It is a place where rugged forest meets meticulously maintained grounds, providing a perfect balance for the modern outdoors enthusiast.

Hapgood Pond is frequently hailed by local campers as one of the cleanest campgrounds they have ever visited. This reputation is well-earned, with staff—including dedicated camp hosts—going above and beyond to ensure spotless bathrooms and tidy campsites. The commitment to maintaining a clean, worry-free environment is a significant draw, allowing guests to focus entirely on relaxation and recreation.

The campground offers approximately 30 sites designed for both tent campers and RVs (up to around 35 feet), though it should be noted that all sites are standard non-electric. This focus on a traditional camping style ensures a quieter, more nature-immersed atmosphere. With affordable rates, beautiful surroundings, and essential modern amenities, Hapgood Pond has become the default "go-to" spot for many local residents looking to escape the crowds often found at larger, more commercial camping areas. It's an opportunity to reserve your peace of mind in the heart of the Green Mountains.

Hapgood Pond Campground is situated in the charming town of Peru, Vermont, specifically at the address of Peru, VT 05152, USA. Its location is strategically deep enough into the Green Mountain National Forest to feel remote, yet it remains relatively accessible from Southern Vermont’s main thoroughfares.

The campground is located 13 miles east of Manchester, an area well-known for its shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the American Museum of Fly Fishing. This proximity allows campers to easily venture out for a day of local dining or boutique shopping before returning to the peaceful solitude of the forest. To reach the campground, visitors typically travel along Route 11, turning onto Main Street in Peru, and then following Hapgood Pond Road for a short, scenic distance. The drive is part of the experience, winding through some of the region's classic forested landscapes.

Being a National Forest site, Hapgood Pond serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the wider region. It is near major trail systems, including the famed Long Trail and sections of the Appalachian Trail, which traverse the Green Mountain range. Additionally, for winter sports enthusiasts, the campground is close to major ski areas like Bromley Mountain, providing a beautiful area to visit in all seasons, although the campground itself typically operates from late May to mid-October. The elevation of the campground, around 1,541 feet, ensures crisp mountain air and cool nights, even during the peak of summer.

As a developed but non-hookup campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Hapgood Pond focuses on providing clean, reliable, and essential services that support a rustic camping experience. The consistent theme from visitors is the superlative cleanliness of all facilities.

• Campsite Facilities: Each of the approximately 30 family campsites comes equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill grate, along with a cleared area for a tent.
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground features modern bathhouses with flush toilets and complimentary hot showers. Additionally, clean vault toilets are available in the camping loop for convenience, catering to the non-hookup style of the park.
• Water and Waste: Potable drinking water spigots are available in the campground loop. Please note, there is no dump station on site, which is a consideration for RV campers.
• Reservation Options: While some sites (typically 1–8) are held on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis, the majority (sites 9–28, including walk-in sites 18 and 19) are reservable, allowing campers to plan their trip up to six months in advance.
• Picnic and Day Use: The adjacent Day Use area offers group picnic shelters (reservable for groups up to 35 people), picnic tables, and grills, separate from the camping area.
• Camp Hosts: A dedicated, friendly camp host is typically on site to assist campers, ensuring the grounds and facilities remain in top condition.

The availability of free hot showers and the renowned cleanliness of the facilities make this a high-value option for the budget-conscious Vermont camper.

Hapgood Pond Campground’s most celebrated features revolve around the picturesque pond and its surrounding recreation area, offering low-impact water and land activities perfect for families.

• Designated Swim Beach: The campground boasts the Green Mountain National Forest’s only designated and managed swim beach, complete with actual sand and easy access to clean restrooms.
• Pond Activities: The 12-acre pond is perfect for non-motorized watercraft, including canoeing and kayaking, with a carry-down launch area available. The calm water is also ideal for fishing.
• Hapgood Pond Nature Trail: A scenic, easy, approximately one-mile hiking trail loops around the pond, providing a perfect short walk for all ages and direct access to view the historic dam that created the pond in the Works Project era.
• Fishing Pier: A designated fishing pier on the south shore provides easy access for anglers looking to catch local fish species.
• Large Play Field: A big, manicured grassy field near the day-use area offers ample space for family games, Frisbee, or simply relaxing in the sun.
• Proximity to Long-Distance Trails: The campground is in a region rich with major hiking routes, including direct access points to trails that intersect with the Appalachian and Long Trails.

The atmosphere at Hapgood is praised as peaceful, with the wooded sites providing a good sense of privacy, yet close enough to the main pond area to enjoy all the water-based features.

Hapgood Pond Campground is managed by the Green Mountain National Forest. For information, seasonal updates, or to manage reservations, please use the following contact details.

Address: Peru, VT 05152, USA

Information Phone: (802) 362-2307 (Manchester Ranger District)

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend stays, and can be made through the Recreation.gov system. For FCFS sites (usually 1-8), it is advisable to arrive early, particularly during the peak summer months.

For local Vermonters, Hapgood Pond Campground represents an exceptional blend of value, quality, and traditional outdoor culture. It is an ideal setting for those who seek to truly unplug from the noise of modern life without sacrificing comfort and hygiene.

The primary appeal for residents is the unbeatable combination of low cost and impeccable cleanliness. The staff’s dedication to maintaining a spotless environment, from the campsites to the complimentary hot showers, elevates the entire experience, transforming a simple Forest Service campground into a truly reliable and enjoyable retreat. Locals who frequently camp understand the value of a clean, well-managed site, and Hapgood Pond consistently delivers on this promise.

Furthermore, the area’s focus on non-motorized, low-key recreation—swimming at the designated beach, paddling on the calm pond, and hiking the mile-long nature trail—perfectly aligns with the Green Mountain State’s conservationist ethos. It’s a place for quiet reflection, family fun, and easy access to the trails of the vast National Forest, making it a perfect, affordable, and beloved home-state camping destination. The opportunity to secure a beautiful, clean site for a weekend of natural enjoyment is why Hapgood Pond remains a top-tier choice for Vermonters.

Hapgood Pond Campground

Peru, VT 05152, USA