Union Village Dam Recreation Area
East Thetford, Vermont · on Ompompanoosuc River · Union Village Dam Recreation Area
Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- river
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $65/night
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About Union Village Dam Recreation Area
Union Village Dam Recreation Area is a US Army Corps of Engineers flood-control site on the Ompompanoosuc River in East Thetford, Vermont, with a developed day-use area that includes a designated sandy swimming beach, a managed swimming hole on a stretch of river to swim in. The site also offers picnicking, trout fishing, and over a mile of trails alongside the swim area.
The recreation area sits along the Ompompanoosuc River below/near the Union Village flood-control dam in East Thetford, VT, reached via a covered bridge near Academy Road in Thetford. The developed grounds include shaded and open lawn along the river for picnicking and relaxing, adjacent to the sandy beach.
Swimming at Union Village Dam Recreation Area
The Corps of Engineers describes a designated sandy swimming beach on the Ompompanoosuc River, marked 'swim at your own risk' with no lifeguard implied. Pets are barred from the beach specifically, distinguishing it as the primary swim zone within the larger picnic/recreation grounds.
How to get to this swimming hole
From White River Junction, VT, head north on US-5 then turn left (west) onto VT-132; the recreation area (2 Main St., East Thetford, VT 05043) is reached via a covered bridge near Academy Road in Thetford.
The hike in
The recreation area has its own network of 'over a mile of trails' per Recreation.gov, but these are within the picnic/day-use grounds and separate from beach access; the sandy swim beach is reached directly from the day-use area, not via a hike.
No trail name or map could be located this session (USACE's own site blocked the fetch); trail details beyond 'over a mile' remain unconfirmed.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Sandy beach entry on the Ompompanoosuc River within a developed day-use area (playground, picnic pavilion nearby), but Recreation.gov explicitly marks it 'swim at your own risk' with no stated lifeguard, so young swimmers need active adult supervision.
Restrooms
Yes
Flush toilets are located next to the picnic pavilion; portable toilets are provided directly at the beach area (per Recreation.gov).
On the water
No official source found this session addressing kayak/canoe/paddleboard use at the beach or on this stretch of the Ompompanoosuc River; Recreation.gov's facility pages describe swimming and fishing but are silent on boating.
Union Village Dam Recreation Area: FAQ
Does Union Village Dam Recreation Area charge a fee?
Recreation.gov notes 'fees apply for some facilities'; the picnic pavilion can be reserved for $65/night. No specific day-use swim beach entrance fee is documented.
Is Union Village Dam Recreation Area kid friendly?
Sandy beach entry on the Ompompanoosuc River within a developed day-use area (playground, picnic pavilion nearby), but Recreation.gov explicitly marks it 'swim at your own risk' with no stated lifeguard, so young swimmers need active adult supervision.
Do I need to hike to reach Union Village Dam Recreation Area?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Union Village Dam Recreation Area?
No source found this session describing lot size, surface, or cost specifically; general day-use access has no documented swim-beach entrance fee, though the picnic pavilion can be reserved for $65/night.
What are the rules at Union Village Dam Recreation Area?
Swim at your own risk (no stated lifeguard). Pets must be kept on a 6 ft. leash in the park generally, but are not allowed on the swim beach itself.
What water body is Union Village Dam Recreation Area on?
Union Village Dam Recreation Area is on Ompompanoosuc River, a natural river verified in USGS hydrography data.
