Hapgood Pond
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Hapgood Pond's designated swimming beach near Peru, Vermont, with day-use fees, seasonal access, camping options and reviewed pond photos. No lifeguard.
Swimming restriction
Use the designated beach when open and follow posted boundaries and closures. No lifeguard on duty; supervise children and swim within your abilities. A managed beach does not establish today's water quality or safe depth everywhere in the pond.
Official sources checked:
Location
Map & Directions
A closer look
Photos of Hapgood Pond
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Hapgood Pond: a designated beach with camping nearby
Hapgood Pond combines a sandy swimming beach, picnic grounds and a wooded campground near Peru. The Forest Service profile confirms managed beach recreation but no lifeguard. Treat a swim as your responsibility, not as a guarantee of clear water or safe depth.
What a day visit costs
Day use is $5 per vehicle, or $2.50 per motorcycle, bicycle or walk-in visitor. The standard season pass is $35, and the operator lists federal pass-holder waivers. A campsite costs $20 per night separately. Cash/check fee-tube and card-machine payments are listed without an extra service charge; reservation and Scan & Pay channels can add service fees. Check the current payment instructions before choosing a method.
Seasonal access and practical facilities
The published season runs from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Confirm annual dates and posted hours rather than treating an open forest road as year-round beach access. A bathhouse, potable water and picnic facilities are listed. Campground vault toilets are described separately on Recreation.gov. No all-abilities water-entry route has been established here.
Make it a swim-and-walk day
Use the designated beach and follow current signs and boundaries. The optional nature trail adds about a mile of pond-side exploration. Canoe and kayak access and fishing facilities are separate recreation options, not reasons to swim beside a launch or dam. The gallery shows historical pond, shore and picnic scenes, not current water-quality results.
Camping needs its own plan
There are 28 campsites; Recreation.gov lists sites 9-28 reservable, with first-come options also available. Confirm availability before arriving, display reservation confirmation when required, and follow the eight-person site limit, noon checkout and quiet hours. Obtain firewood locally.
Find the recreation area, not the historical pin
Use Route 11 toward Peru and the Hapgood Pond Road approach in official directions. The older listing coordinates are retained but unverified as an entry. Check current forest conditions and recreation-area notices before travel.
Getting There
Recreation.gov directions from Manchester follow Route 11 east about six miles, turn left into Peru, then continue north about two miles on Hapgood Pond Road. Follow current recreation-area signs and use the day-use parking, not an occupied campsite. The retained historical listing pin differs from the operator's published recreation-area coordinates and is not a verified parking or beach entry.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The Forest Service lists campground and day-use availability from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Confirm exact annual opening/closing dates and posted hours. Its conditions table lists Hapgood Pond road and parking loop open at this review, not proof of year-round beach or facility access.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Use the designated beach when open and follow posted boundaries and closures. No lifeguard on duty; supervise children and swim within your abilities. A managed beach does not establish today's water quality or safe depth everywhere in the pond. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Hapgood Pond
Is swimming permitted at Hapgood Pond?
The official profiles identify a designated, managed swimming beach. Use it when open, follow posted restrictions and check current conditions; there is no lifeguard.
How much does day use cost?
The Forest Service lists $5 per vehicle per day, or $2.50 for a motorcycle, bicycle or walk-in visitor. Camping and payment-channel service fees are separate.
When is the recreation area open?
The published campground and day-use season is Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Confirm exact annual dates and posted hours before travel.
Are toilets and drinking water available?
The operator lists a bathhouse with hot water, flush toilets and potable water; Recreation.gov also describes campground vault toilets. Confirm seasonal availability.
Can I reserve a campsite?
Recreation.gov lists sites 9-28 reservable, with first-come sites also available. Check current availability and bring reservation confirmation when applicable.
Is the beach accessible to everyone?
We have not verified a wheelchair-accessible beach approach or water entry. Ask the ranger station about your specific access needs; a general facility listing is not enough to establish that route.
Highlights
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Use the designated swimming area, supervise children and check posted water-quality or closure notices
- Do not dive or infer depth from photographs
- Carry water for the trail and stay away from dam structures and boat-launch activity
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Hapgood Pond is a managed recreation destination in the Green Mountain National Forest near Peru, Vermont.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Reviewed historical views show the sandy shore and buoy line, autumn pond reflections and picnic tables beneath colorful trees. Photos do not establish current swim boundaries, water quality or operating status.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Keep dogs leashed, pack out litter and obtain firewood locally rather than bringing wood from outside the area. Camping quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; observe posted beach pet rules separately.
Explore More Nearby Swimming Guides
More Vermont swimming holes
Browse every listed natural swimming spot in Vermont.
Swimming holes near Rutland
Compare nearby options around Rutland before you choose a route.
Pond with designated swimming beach swimming holes
Find similar pond with designated swimming beach destinations across the directory.
Hidden gems in Vermont
See under-the-radar places and local favorites in the same state.
Family-friendly spots in Vermont
Compare easier-access destinations and safer planning options.
Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
You Might Also Like
At a Glance
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
28-site campground, $20 per single site per night. Recreation.gov lists sites 9-28 reservable and first-come sites available. Up to eight people per site; checkout noon; maximum stay 14 days in a 30-day period. Senior or Access federal pass holders may receive the operator-listed camping discount. Bring and display reservation confirmation when applicable.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
Explore More Swimming Holes
Discover other amazing natural swimming destinations across America