The South Duxbury area sits in the western foothills of Vermont's Green Mountains at approximately 900 feet elevation, experiencing moderate summer temperatures averaging 75°F during camping season. The region's proximity to the Winooski River watershed creates a network of streams and reservoirs that run through many local camping areas, often causing muddy conditions after rainfall.
What to do
Explore remote tent sites: At Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites, boat-accessible camping provides a secluded experience. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27... It was about 30 minutes from the cotton brook launch to the site," notes one camper describing the paddling access requirements.
Mountain biking opportunities: The camping areas around South Duxbury serve as excellent bases for mountain biking excursions. "The trails for hiking and biking are well maintained," reports a visitor to Little River State Park, while another mentions "We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road!"
Winter exploration: Unlike many Vermont campgrounds that close after fall, Green Mountain National Forest FR207 offers winter camping options. "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," shares a winter visitor.
What campers like
Swimming in local waters: The Waterbury Reservoir provides cooling options during summer months. "Great campground for hanging out and a place to bring your boat. The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children," writes a camper from Little River State Park Campground.
Private camping experiences: Sites with natural separation are valued by many visitors to the area. "The sites along the brook are treated to the babbling brook sites and sounds. While most sites are relatively wide open, they are well spaced out with tons of room," explains a review of Gold Brook Campground, highlighting its creek-side accommodations.
Seasonal camping atmosphere: Fall camping offers vibrant foliage while summer provides warmer swimming options. "Clean, quiet campground that feels like wilderness, but is accessible!" notes one Little River State Park visitor, while another mentions "The bathroom facilities were clean and nice; washer and dryer room available."
What you should know
High clearance vehicles needed: Several dispersed camping locations require appropriate vehicles. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs," warns a visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Limited facilities at remote sites: Many dispersed sites lack amenities found at established campgrounds. "The bathroom is a composting toilet that you'll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!" cautions a visitor to Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites.
Seasonal road conditions: Spring mud season and winter snow impact accessibility. "The ground gets soft during mud season," notes a reviewer about FR207, while another warns about FR25: "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "The small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water. The hiking trails are really good--they are actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shares a family visitor with five children.
Historical exploration: Several campgrounds feature historical elements kids can explore. "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," reports a family camping at Little River.
Lean-to options: For camping with kids in unpredictable weather, consider shelters. "True to northeast tradition many of the camp sites are lean-to style," notes a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Gold Brook Campground accommodates larger vehicles with level sites. "Our site was level and extremely spacious, FHUs, and featuring a fire pit. There is a nice playground in the center and a creek that follows the tent sites. Our dog loved swimming in the creek and meeting his first bullfrog," shares an RV camper.
Wi-Fi considerations: Connectivity varies significantly across camping sites near South Duxbury. "Wifi was great over the week (was able to work without a problem), but collapsed when more people showed up on Friday," notes a Gold Brook Campground RVer, providing insight for those needing to stay connected.
Road access challenges: Many camping sites near South Duxbury have difficult access roads. "This is definitely best for RVs/travel trailers where you can escape inside your unit because this place gets busy on the weekend," advises an RV camper at Gold Brook, while another mentions "Rough road coming 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."
