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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

HAPGOOD POND

Peru, New York · Bennington County · Campground

Overview Hapgood Pond Recreation Area and Campground is situated next to its scenic namesake pond, 13 miles east of Manchester, Vermont. Visitors enjoy camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and hiking.Recreation The Hapgood Pond is a popular place for non-motorized boating, including canoeing and kayaking. A …

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About HAPGOOD POND

Overview Hapgood Pond Recreation Area and Campground is situated next to its scenic namesake pond, 13 miles east of Manchester, Vermont. Visitors enjoy camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and hiking.Recreation The Hapgood Pond is a popular place for non-motorized boating, including canoeing and kayaking. A carry-down launch area is located on the south end of the pond. Fishing and swimming are also favorite activities. Hapgood boasts the Forest's only designated and managed swim beach. A fishing pier is located on the south shore. Hapgood Pond Trail begins in the day-use area and continues almost a mile around the north edge of the pond to the dam. A short spur trail follows a stream and winds through the woods around the pond. Younger visitors love the big play field area within Hapgood, a perfect spot for Frisbee or ball games.Facilities Hapgood Pond Recreation Area offers family campsites and day-use picnic shelters for groups. First come, first served sites are available. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Each family campsite is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring with grill, parking spur, and a cleared area for a tent. Campsites 9-28 are reservable. Each group picnic shelter can accommodate up to 35 people, and is equipped with a pavilion, picnic tables, and a grill. The two shelters are available for reservations.Natural Features Hapgood Pond Recreation Area is eight acres and is set in a wooded area in the northeastern portion of the Green Mountain National Forest, which encompasses over 400,000 acres in southwestern and central Vermont. Hapgood Pond covers another 12 acres which is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Green Mountain National Forests includes three nationally designated trails: the Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail, and the Robert Frost National Recreation Trail. The Forest also contains three alpine ski areas, seven Nordic ski areas, and approximately 900 miles of multiple-use trails. Nearby Attrac

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to HAPGOOD POND

Heading to HAPGOOD POND? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for HAPGOOD POND?

No central reservation system listed for HAPGOOD POND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232393) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to HAPGOOD POND?

From Manchester, take Route 11 6 miles east and go left into Peru. Continue 2 miles north on Hapgood Pond Road.