Winhall Brook Campground

- 919 Winhall Station Rd, South Londonderry, VT 05155

For Vermonters seeking an authentic, nature-immersed camping experience, the Winhall Brook Campground in South Londonderry stands out as a beloved local destination. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground offers a beautifully maintained, peaceful retreat nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains. It is the quintessential Vermont escape, perfectly blending rugged natural beauty with essential, well-kept amenities.

Winhall Brook is situated uniquely at the confluence of Winhall Brook and the West River, providing a constant, soothing soundtrack of running water and exceptional opportunities for riverside recreation. The campground is divided into two loops—North and South—offering a total of 111 campsites, including a number of highly sought-after lean-to shelters. While a majority of the sites are "dry," catering to the true outdoorsman who appreciates a primitive setting without electric or water hookups, a section in the South Loop does provide convenient water and electric services for RVers who prefer a few more comforts.

What consistently earns Winhall Brook high praise from local campers is the dedication to maintenance. Reviews frequently highlight that the grounds are kept impeccably mowed and trimmed, and the bathhouses are cleaned multiple times daily, ensuring a high standard of cleanliness rare in many rustic settings. The serene, natural setting and the friendly atmosphere make it a yearly tradition for many Vermont families looking to unplug, enjoy campfires, and create lasting memories in one of the state's most scenic valleys. For those who prioritize cleanliness and natural beauty over high-tech connectivity, Winhall Brook is truly a gem.

Winhall Brook Campground is ideally located at 919 Winhall Station Rd, South Londonderry, VT 05155, placing it perfectly for easy access from major southern Vermont towns, yet far enough off the main roads to ensure a genuinely peaceful escape. Its location along the Winhall River where it meets the West River offers unparalleled scenic beauty and serves as a natural entry point to the wider regional highlights.

The campground is situated in Windham County, a rich area for both recreation and culture. It is conveniently positioned near the intersection of Vermont Routes 100 and 30, making it a manageable drive for Vermonters coming from the Brattleboro or Rutland areas. The accessibility is a key draw, providing a weekend escape that doesn't require a full day of travel.

The location offers immediate access to the West River Trail, a 16-mile scenic path built along an abandoned railroad bed. This trail is a major highlight for campers, allowing safe and enjoyable hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing directly from the campsite. Additionally, the campground is a short drive from major attractions in the region, including:

• Ball Mountain Lake, a large flood control reservoir offering a car-top boat launch and excellent shore fishing access.
• Iconic Vermont ski areas such as Bromley Mountain and Stratton Mountain Resort, providing year-round activities from winter sports to summer adventure parks and scenic gondola rides.
• Charming nearby villages like Weston, home to the original Vermont Country Store, and Jamaica, providing local conveniences and unique shopping experiences.
• Hiking opportunities to stunning natural features like Angel Falls and Hamilton Falls, accessible via the West River Trail.

While cell service is noted as spotty, adding to the "disconnected" nature of the stay, a short drive or hike can usually secure a signal, and Wi-Fi access is often available near the office area for necessary check-ins.

Winhall Brook Campground, with its dedicated management by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensures that essential services are provided to keep your stay comfortable and hassle-free. The focus is on clean, reliable facilities that complement the rustic camping experience.

• Campsite Utilities: While most sites are dry (no water/electric), a designated section in the South Loop offers electric and water hookups for RVs and trailers.
• Clean Bathhouses: Flush toilets and free hot showers are available in modern, well-maintained bathhouses, which are reportedly cleaned twice daily by staff.
• Water and Waste Facilities: Drinking water is available throughout the park, and an easy-to-access dump station is provided for RV waste disposal.
• Dishwashing Station: Large outside sinks are available near the bathhouses for washing pots, pans, and cooking gear.
• Firewood: Campfire wood is available for purchase at the check-in site, with a local "free wood cuttings" tip often shared by seasoned visitors.
• Accessibility: The park features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, demonstrating a commitment to welcoming all visitors.

The combination of clean water, hot showers, and a convenient dump station ensures that even those embracing the primitive sites have access to high-quality amenities.

The most compelling features of Winhall Brook are deeply rooted in its pristine natural environment and the excellent recreational infrastructure surrounding it. These highlights make it a standout choice for the active Vermonter.

• Riverfront Access: Many sites are directly on or just off the Winhall Brook and West River, offering excellent fishing (brook, rainbow, and brown trout), river swimming, and tubing in the cool, clear water.
• West River Trail: Direct access to the 16-mile-long West River Trail for safe, scenic hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, connecting campers to nearby villages.
• Variety of Sites: A total of 111 sites, including primitive tent sites, RV sites, and fourteen rustic lean-to shelters, provide options for every style of camper.
• Family Recreation Areas: The campground boasts several playgrounds, four horseshoe pits, a basketball court, and a volleyball court, ensuring plenty of on-site activities for families.
• Whitewater Opportunities: Twice a year, controlled water releases from the nearby Ball Mountain Dam create excellent whitewater conditions on the West River, drawing in rafting and kayaking enthusiasts.
• Fall Foliage: The campground is set amidst a northern hardwood forest, guaranteeing outstanding fall colors, making the autumn season a particularly spectacular time to visit.

The spacious, well-maintained sites and the focus on outdoor play—from the river to the courts—contribute to Winhall Brook being frequently cited as a favorite annual destination.

To inquire about reservations, seasonal operation dates, or any special notices regarding the Winhall Brook Campground, Vermont locals can use the following contact information.

Address: 919 Winhall Station Rd, South Londonderry, VT 05155, USA

Phone: (802) 824-4570

For booking, it is generally recommended to visit the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or Recreation.gov site, as reservations can often be made up to six months in advance.

Winhall Brook Campground is exceptionally suitable for Vermont locals because it perfectly encapsulates the state's love for natural beauty and unpretentious, high-quality outdoor recreation. For those who live in a state where getting outside is a way of life, this campground offers an ideal weekend escape or extended vacation without the need for excessive travel.

The park's primitive charm with modern cleanliness is its biggest selling point. Vermonters appreciate the 3/4 "dry" camping sites that encourage true disconnection and rustic cooking over a campfire, yet are reassured by the presence of immaculately clean bathhouses with hot showers. This balance ensures an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing basic comfort.

Most importantly, Winhall Brook is an activity hub. Direct access to the West River Trail and the recreational opportunities of the West River and nearby Ball Mountain Lake means that locals can easily engage in their favorite activities—be it hiking, biking, fishing, or cooling off in the river—all within a single, familiar location in the beautiful Green Mountain National Forest region. It is, quite simply, a well-run, peaceful, and traditionally Vermont spot where families return year after year to enjoy the state’s unmatched natural splendor.

Winhall Brook Campground

919 Winhall Station Rd, South Londonderry, VT 05155, USA