The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Waitsfield, VT

723 Reviews

Several dispersed camping opportunities exist in the Green Mountain National Forest surrounding Waitsfield, Vermont. The area features a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites, with varied accommodation types ranging from tent-only areas to places that welcome RVs and even cabins. Little River State Park Campground near Waterbury offers developed campsites with amenities including showers, toilets, and drinking water, while dispersed sites along Forest Roads 25 and 207 provide more rustic experiences directly adjacent to streams and rivers.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many forest service roads requiring higher clearance vehicles, especially after rain or during early spring. The camping season generally runs from May through mid-October, though specific opening dates depend on snow melt and mud conditions. "We were here on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled," noted one visitor about Forest Road 25, highlighting weekend popularity. Several sites near waterways like the Mad River require visitors to be cautious of seasonal flooding, and campers should be prepared for limited or no amenities at dispersed locations.

The Green Mountain National Forest dispersed camping areas consistently receive high ratings for their riverside locations and natural beauty. Campers particularly value the streamside sites, with multiple reviews mentioning the pleasant sound of running water and swimming opportunities. However, some areas have faced challenges with visitor impacts. According to one visitor, "There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better." Developed campgrounds like Little River State Park and Smugglers Notch State Park offer more amenities but fill quickly during peak season. Areas with designated tent platforms, such as those at Camel's Hump State Park, provide established sites for backpackers accessing the higher elevations and summit trails.

Map showing campgrounds near Waitsfield, VermontExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Waitsfield, Vermont (189)

    1. Little River State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    14 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!"

    "We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."

    2. Austin Brook

    6 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    6 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."

    3. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    14 miles
    Website

    "If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here!

    Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground."

    "Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."

    4. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    9 miles
    Website

    "All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"

    5. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    23 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"

    6. Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    9 miles

    "Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended."

    "This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."

    7. Moosalamoo Campground

    16 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $15 / night

    "there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"

    "Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."

    8. Lincoln Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Lincoln, VT
    8 miles

    "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."

    "Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen. Found one more camp site."

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

    2 Reviews
    Bolton, VT
    9 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."

    10. White River & Gulf Brook

    4 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    14 miles
    Website

    "A great peaceful spot right next to the river."

    "Loved camping next to the water and hearing the river as we slept. There are fire rings. No bugs."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 189 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Waitsfield Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Waitsfield, VT

396 Photos of 189 Waitsfield Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waitsfield, VT

723 Reviews of 189 Waitsfield Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    North Beach Campground

    Ok for the night

    It’s basically a public park with beach access. The views on the beach are absolutely beautiful. No frills sites.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Rogers Rock Campground

    Roger's Rock

    It was a pretty good park. Wooded nicely. Big lots where we were. Down near the water the sites were pretty crammed together Not parked in a row like an RV park.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • W
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Good location

    The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall.  The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good. 

    The issue I had was the camp next to ours had the generator on all night long and I had a hard time getting back to sleep after going to the bathroom. Next time I will get a volunteer or park ranger to get it turned off.

  • K
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Mount Philo State Park Campground

    Hidden gem!

    Great little campground at a beautiful state park. The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet. Very well-maintained! Recommend nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming ($10 for non-residents).

  • Jim S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Happy Hill Maple Farms

    Offseason

    Quiet spot just off the Hwy. you can hear traffic but not many cars out this time of year(August). They had a fire pit and picnic table . No electricity so we used the generator. We the only one here so the noise should not bother anyone. Great pace for fall visits

  • Jessica C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Chittenden Brook Campground

    Great site

    This was a great site that feels secluded but isn’t. There’s quite a bit of space between each site so you can’t really see your neighbors which is excellent. The vault toilets were surprisingly clean besides the expected smell/flies. No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance. There’s a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair.

    Didn’t see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof! The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing. I didn’t have issues with bugs (beginning of August) but I also didn’t stay in the camp during the majority of the day.

    All in all, a great campsite and I’ll definitely be back.

Guide to Waitsfield

Camping near Waitsfield, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. For instance, at Gifford Woods State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history)."
  • Swimming and Boating: Many campgrounds have access to lakes. At Ricker Pond State Park Campground, a visitor shared, "Paddling out on the lake has to be the best way to enjoy this wonderful area."
  • Fishing: The area is known for its fishing spots. One camper at Button Bay State Park Campground noted, "The waterfront sites are fantastic... Easy access to the lake."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A review for Smugglers Notch State Park Campground highlighted, "Gorgeous Mountain View."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Little River State Park Campground said, "This campground is well maintained, comfortable and clean."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the welcoming vibe. One reviewer at North Beach Campground mentioned, "Very safe and super close to town."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get loud. A camper at North Beach Campground warned, "Seemed really popular and a little loud until around 11."
  • Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together. A visitor at Little River State Park Campground noted, "Only downside is a lack of privacy between spots."
  • No Cell Service: Some areas have poor reception. A camper at Ricker Pond State Park Campground mentioned, "No cell service (Verizon) or internet, which is just fine for us!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities. One parent at Button Bay State Park Campground said, "The park has swimming pool with life guard."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of things to do. A visitor at Gifford Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "There has been an increase in Black Bear activity but that won't deter us from ever coming back."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. A camper at Branbury State Park Campground noted, "The concession stand is open during day use hours."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Waitsfield, Vermont, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Waitsfield camping sites?

Camping options around Waitsfield range from primitive to full-service. Mountain View Campground offers family-friendly amenities including two swimming pools, a well-stocked camp store, and tent sites along the Lamoille River. For a more private experience, Art and Health Chill Camping provides various options including cabins, hives, and open locations for RV or tent camping on private land. Primitive sites in nearby forests typically offer just the basics—a fire ring and picnic table. Many state parks in the region provide clean restrooms, picnic areas, and lake access, though specific amenities vary by location.

Where can I find camping areas near Waitsfield, VT?

Waitsfield offers excellent access to Vermont's camping scene. Little River State Park Campground is nearby in Waterbury and makes a perfect base for exploring the Mad River Valley. For a rustic experience, Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping provides free primitive sites. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Silver Lake Campground is a local favorite with nicely spaced sites and lake access. For hikers, backcountry camping at Camel's Hump State Park offers a wilderness experience within driving distance of Waitsfield.

What seasonal considerations should I know about when camping in Waitsfield?

Waitsfield camping follows Vermont's distinct seasonal patterns. Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October, with peak foliage season (late September to mid-October) being extremely popular—book well ahead for this period. Gifford Woods State Park Campground, not far from Waitsfield, is renowned for spectacular fall colors but fills quickly. Summer brings warm days (70s-80s°F) and cool nights, perfect for camping. Spring camping (May-early June) offers quieter campgrounds but can be muddy—the infamous 'mud season.' Moosalamoo Campground is a good option with mountain views and swimming holes, though access roads to more remote sites may be challenging in wet conditions. Winter camping is limited to specialized sites or with proper cold-weather gear.

Keep Exploring