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Best Campgrounds near Waterbury, VT

632 Reviews

Waterbury, Vermont provides access to a range of camping opportunities within the Green Mountains region. Little River State Park Campground and Camel's Hump State Park feature tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations on the shores of Waterbury Reservoir. The area includes established campgrounds with amenities as well as remote boat-in sites for more secluded experiences. Within a 20-mile radius, campers can also find dispersed camping areas in the Green Mountain National Forest, particularly along Austin Brook.

Most campgrounds in the Waterbury area operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with limited winter access. The road leading to Little River State Park can be challenging in some sections, particularly after rain. "The access road is a bit rough but navigable by all vehicles. The park is beautifully maintained and there are many more trails to explore," noted one visitor. Many sites require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season. Temperatures can vary significantly throughout the camping season, with cooler nights even during summer months. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly in the more remote sections of Camel's Hump State Park.

Waterbury Reservoir serves as a focal point for camping experiences in the region. Remote boat-in sites receive high ratings from campers seeking solitude. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27," advised a camper on The Dyrt. Several campgrounds provide direct water access for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. Hiking trails connecting to camping areas offer opportunities to explore historical sites, including abandoned settlements near Little River State Park. Proximity to popular destinations like Stowe and Burlington makes the Waterbury area particularly attractive for visitors wanting to combine outdoor recreation with nearby attractions. Family-friendly developed campgrounds provide amenities like showers and picnic tables, while more primitive sites appeal to those seeking a wilderness experience.

Map showing campgrounds near Waterbury, VermontExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Waterbury, Vermont (182)

    1. Little River State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 244-7103

    $19 - $28 / night

    "Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"

    "Very nice campground, great location! The reservoir was beautiful. Took the kayak, only issue I had was getting to the lake."

    2. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 253-4014

    $20 / night

    "I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping!"

    "They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont"

    3. Gold Brook Campground

    9 Reviews
    Moscow, VT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 253-7683

    "It’s centrally located to many wonderful sites around Stowe and Waterbury. Check-in was a breeze. We picked up our packet from the office mail box and headed to our site."

    "While we were next to the creek at site 12, it was blocked by brush and trees.
    Check in was easy, and the staff were present enough in case you had questions or needed to buy firewood."

    4. Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park

    2 Reviews
    Bolton, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 879-6565

    $10 / night

    "This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though."

    5. Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites — Waterbury Center State Park

    2 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 585-4855

    "Also the spot where you set up tent at this site was on a slope, others sites might be better.. still 10/10 will return, these sites are all prime locations!"

    6. Underhill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Underhill Center, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 899-3022

    "They ask that you limit your driving on the path to the site- so we were sure to go into town to get all we needed before we settled into camp- which wasnt hard to do."

    "Camp spots were far enough away from one another, trees helped with privacy, and the tent site had a great area to setup the tent.
    Facilities were accessible and clean."

    7. Elmore State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake Elmore, VT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 888-2982

    $19 - $28 / night

    "Our lean-to, Hickory is situated in a lovely meadow, but quite close to other campers and a view that overlooks the campground road. There is very little shade and no privacy."

    "Great hiking trails from easy to difficult. Early and late seasons are quiet. It's quite busy during the summer months as the lake is great for families and swimming."

    8. Austin Brook

    7 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    17 miles
    Website

    "All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"

    "This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25."

    9. Brookside RV Camping (Electric hookup only)

    2 Reviews
    Berlin, VT
    11 miles
    +1 (214) 789-3822

    $24 / night

    10. North Beach Campground

    28 Reviews
    Burlington, VT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 862-0942

    $37 - $100 / night

    "We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."

    "Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.

    Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."

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Recent Camping Photos near Waterbury, VT

336 Photos of 182 Waterbury Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waterbury, VT

632 Reviews of 182 Waterbury Campgrounds

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Woodbury Meadows Campground

    Family-Owned Campground Near Stowe

    With 6 sites, this family-owned campground was the perfect pit stop on our road trip to Stowe. Dig and kid friendly. Has showers, water, and electrical hookup.

  • Jenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Crown Point Campground

    Nice with a view

    Pretty nice campground all things considered, bathrooms are definitely rustic but kept clean. Some of the campsites are very close together, and others have a decent amount of space between them, not necessarily a lot of trees in between campsites for privacy. Beautiful views of the water, and surrounding mountains. Staff was extremely friendly!

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    AuSable Chasm Campground

    Beautiful/Fun Campground

    I wish I had my bike!!! I didn’t know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails. Made the most of them with running, but overall, a fantastic campground. Showers were clean, staff was very friendly. Sites and attractions within walking distance (but busy roads to cross).

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Austin Brook

    Site is mislabeled as FR 25

    There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Kampersville

    Nice

    The campsites are all in the trees with some sites not clearly defined. The sites seem good sized with new bathroom and showers, with individual showers with a toilet. There are a lot of monthly staying here. Overall a nice park

  • nThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites — Waterbury Center State Park

    State park

    Little river st park wide flat camp sites no hookups limited gen. Use hours 8am/10am and 4pm/6pm. Rough road coming5th to campground. Very quite. cell phone t mobile works fine. Site could hold big rig we have a 28ft 5th wheel plenty of room for 35/40

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Storrs Pond Recreation Area

    Okay

    Stayed here on a Sunday night in late September. It was very quiet and peaceful. Tent sites were hilly/uneven and extremely far from the toilets and bathhouse. Bathhouse is old and run down. The shower curtains were covered in mildew so we decided not to shower. We were just here overnight and did not make use of the other recreation facilities.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Brewster River Campground

    A regular

    Been coming here for a few years now and it’s my favorite place to go in Vermont so far.

Guide to Waterbury

Camping near Waterbury, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails nearby, including those around Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground is close to Lincoln, NH so if you need supplies you can easily run into town for food and drink."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Grand Isle State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming in Lake Champlain. A visitor said, "The facilities were clean and the shower was nice and hot."
  • Exploring Nature: Lost River Valley Campground offers beautiful wooded sites and access to trails. One camper noted, "The sites are large, wooded, and private."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Little River State Park Campground stated, "The restroom is a bit dated and dingy, but clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resort mentioned, "Very friendly staff and the pool was amazing for the kiddos."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One review for Quechee State Park Campground highlighted, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at North Beach Campground noted, "Seemed really popular and a little loud until around 11."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Hancock Campground mentioned, "There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Franconia Notch State Park said, "This campground is first come first serve."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with pools and playgrounds. One review for Moose Hillock Camping Resort said, "The Pool is Huge! Nice sites with great fire pits!"
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for potential noise from other campers. A visitor mentioned, "Some of the drawbacks were not some of the campgrounds' fault... we had some very noisy neighbors."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Lost River Valley Campground noted, "They also had a tinker bell walk and other activities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A review for Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday mentioned, "The hookups look new."
  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites to avoid issues. One camper at Moose Hillock Camping Resort said, "Our campsite was very level."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: If you need to stay connected, check for Wi-Fi options. A visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resort mentioned, "Zero Verizon service but Wi-Fi at the pool for getting some work done."

Camping around Waterbury, VT, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping amenities and features are available in Waterbury, Vermont?

Waterbury, Vermont offers excellent camping amenities centered around water activities. At Little River State Park Campground, you'll find clean bathhouses, well-maintained sites with good separation, and access to Waterbury Reservoir for swimming and boating with boat rentals available. The park offers outstanding ranger-led programs including guided paddles, nature walks, and educational activities for children. Many campgrounds in the area provide fire pits, picnic tables, and hiking access. The region is particularly family-friendly, with playgrounds at some locations and natural features like waterfalls and swimming holes nearby. Waterbury's central location makes it an ideal base camp for exploring Vermont's attractions, including easy access to restaurants, shops, and the famous Ben & Jerry's factory.

Is camping available at Waterbury Center State Park?

Traditional drive-in camping isn't available at Waterbury Center State Park itself, but the park offers unique Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites accessible only by boat. These sites provide a more secluded experience with basic amenities including toilets. For conventional camping near Waterbury Center, the closest option is Little River State Park Campground, located on the shoreline of Waterbury Reservoir just outside the center. Little River offers 70 tent/RV sites, 20 lean-to sites, and five cabins divided between two camping areas, with amenities including clean bathrooms, beach access, and boat launch facilities. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring Waterbury Center and surrounding attractions.

What campgrounds are available near Waterbury, VT?

Several campgrounds surround the Waterbury area, offering diverse camping experiences. Silver Lake Campground features private sites set at comfortable distances from each other, with a clean lake for swimming, a concrete dock, boat rentals, and nature tours. Gold Brook Campground provides spacious, level RV sites with full hookups, fire pits, a playground, and a creek. For a more rustic experience, Moosalamoo Campground offers sites with mountain views, waterfalls, and access to a swimming hole and nearby lake. Other options include Maple Hill Campsites on a private farm and remote boat-in sites on Waterbury Reservoir, with Camel's Hump State Park and Smugglers Notch State Park also within reasonable driving distance.

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