Moscow, Vermont offers unique camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The area sits at elevations around 800-1000 feet within the Green Mountains, experiencing cool summer nights often dropping to the 50s even during July and August. Waterbury Reservoir provides 850 acres of water surface and numerous remote camping sites that require boat access through either Cotton Brook or Little River access points.
What to do
Hiking historic trails: Little River State Park Campground provides access to numerous historic hiking trails. "The hiking trails are really good--the actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes Rita M. The park features remnants of an abandoned town with numerous foundations to explore.
Water activities beyond the reservoir: Visitors seeking alternatives to Waterbury Reservoir can find excellent options at Elmore State Park Campground. "Nice quiet space on a beautiful lake. Easy hiking trails with a fire tower on the mountain," shares Desiree V. The park includes a sandy beach on Lake Elmore and trails leading to a fire tower with panoramic views.
Mountain exploration: For those wanting to explore Vermont's highest peak, Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides direct access. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," writes Ben C. The park offers multiple entry points to Mount Mansfield's trail system.
What campers like
Remote water access: The boat-in sites at Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites offer truly secluded camping. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27," advises Julia S., noting the paddle takes about 30 minutes from Cotton Brook launch, making gear transport more manageable than from Little River Road.
Strategic location for regional exploration: Gold Brook Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring both Stowe and broader Vermont attractions. "Super conveniently located to all of the hiking and biking Stowe has to offer. The hosts are super friendly and the primitive camp sites are spacious and located along a quaint brook and sprawling meadow," reports Shannon L.
Seasonal flexibility: Underhill State Park offers specific benefits for those visiting outside peak season. "I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to visit the Stowe/Waterbury area. We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road!" shares Alison O. about Little River State Park.
What you should know
Varying site privacy levels: Site selection significantly impacts privacy across campgrounds. At Elmore State Park, "Our lean-to, Hickory is situated in a lovely meadow, but quite close to other campers... Some of the wooded tent sites are quite private, but most are not," explains Tara S. However, the trade-off can be worthwhile: "Because our lean-to was in a meadow with no tree coverage, we were treated to the most awesome night sky we've ever seen at a Vermont state park."
Bathroom variations: Facilities differ dramatically between campgrounds. Mountain View Campground features "a new bathhouse, laundry" according to Nancy W., while at the remote Waterbury Reservoir sites, Julia S. warns "The bathroom is a composting toilet that you'll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!"
Limited cell connectivity: Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, particularly at remote sites. Pack physical maps and download any essential information before arrival, as even campgrounds near Stowe have limited connectivity in certain areas.
Tips for camping with families
Historic exploration options: Little River State Park offers unique educational opportunities. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016. The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," writes Rita M.
Alternative beach access: When campground beaches get crowded, consider day trips to North Beach Campground in Burlington, about 30 miles from Moscow. "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! You get the best of both worlds at this location. Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach of Lake Champlain," recommends Brittany R.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly in the region. Pack layers for all family members, as nighttime temperatures commonly drop 30-40 degrees below daytime highs, even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites requiring effort to level larger vehicles. At Singing Wood Farm, Heather C. reports, "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer."
Limited hookup availability: Full hookup options are concentrated at private campgrounds. Mountain View Campground provides complete services, with Nancy W. noting, "Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues."
Narrow access roads: Several campgrounds have difficult approach roads. For Little River State Park, Nicholas G. advises, "Rough road coming to campground. Very quite. Site could hold big rig we have a 28ft 5th wheel plenty of room for 35/40."
