4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Camping near Waitsfield, Vermont ranges from free dispersed sites to developed campgrounds with showers, toilets, and drinking water, covering options for tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin seekers alike. The area features a mix of primitive sites and established campgrounds, 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 dispersed camping areas surrounding Waitsfield 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.
"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."
from $19 - $28 / night
"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."
"It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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"
from $20 / 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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $10 / night
ScoutFirst trip with our new RV and we were a little nervous about getting everything set up. Having full hookups made it way less complicated than we expected. Once we were settled, we just enjoyed the area and took a few day trips. Would definatly come back for another Adirondack trip.
ScoutWe came up for a quick Adirondack getaway and ended up spending most of our time outside. A little disc golf, some time by the pool, dinner at the site and plenty of walks with the dog. Pretty much everything we wanted out of the trip.
ScoutOne of the best parts for us was not having to pack up the RV every time we wanted to go somewhere. We stayed put and explored the Adirondacks from here. Lake Champlain, Ausable Chasm and a bunch of other spots were all easy to get to.
ScoutHaving the river and Adirondacks nearby made for a really nice change of scenery. We spent our days exploring and came back to the campground for dinner and a fire.
GuideThere was a few sites 5-6 we didn’t get to the eastern loop. But the sites we saw were very secluded. All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained. We had a small off road camper it was easy In and out some sites could be hard with larger pull behinds. Some sites might need 4wd to get in and out we had lots of mud after a lot of rain.
GuideMost sites are secluded. There is a creepy old cemetery in walking distance. Nice showers on site !!
ScoutCampground was clean and quiet. We arrived late but information was taped to the window at the office. Will was very helpful also and checked to make sure we arrived.
ScoutWe were looking for somewhere to stay while checking out Ausable Chasm and this worked out really well. Easy drive over, then back to the camper in the afternoon. Made the whole trip alot easier.
ScoutWe only planned on staying a few nights but ended up adding another week. Once we got settled in, it was hard to leave.
Dispersed camping spots near Waitsfield, Vermont include options in the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 700 to 2,600 feet. The camping season typically extends from mid-May through October, with road access limited during spring thaw when many forest service roads become impassable due to mud conditions. Most dispersed sites require visitors to pack out all trash and supply their own water.
Hiking to summit views: From Camel's Hump State Park, access trails leading to one of Vermont's highest peaks. "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," notes one visitor. The designated camping area is approximately 1.5 miles into the hike with 10-12 sites.
Water activities on Waterbury Reservoir: Camp near Little River State Park Campground for lake access. "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," reports Hannah H. The park also offers multiple beaches for swimming after hiking.
Winter camping options: Unlike many Vermont campgrounds that close during winter, Smugglers Notch offers off-season opportunities. "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March of 2019. Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area," writes a winter camper. Winter visitors must carry out all waste and be prepared for unplowed access.
Remote stream sites: Multiple campers highlight the sound of flowing water at Green Mountain National Forest FR207. "We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain. From there we decided on a site at the top of the mountain at the end of the long road," one camper reports. These dispersed sites offer more seclusion than established campgrounds.
Mountain views from meadow sites: The higher elevation dispersed sites provide panoramic vistas. "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," notes a visitor about FR207. Many of these meadow sites require higher clearance vehicles to access.
Privacy between established sites: Moosalamoo Campground features well-spaced campsites. "The campsites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy," one reviewer writes. Another notes, "Each site is spaced from each other with good tree/brush coverage and beautiful forest surroundings. It was secluded and dark at night, one of the best campsites to date!"
Vehicle requirements: Many forest service roads demand appropriate vehicles. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance," warns a visitor about FR207. Another notes about White River & Gulf Brook, "The site we found is visible from the road but is best accessible with a 4x4 as it has a rocky entrance and can be muddy during heavy rains or spring thaw."
Camping designation confusion: Several areas marked as camping on maps may actually prohibit overnight stays. A visitor to Route 100 Dispersed Camping reports, "This site was lovely, but signs say No Camping. There were a few spots with fire rings and picnic tables and would be a great place to camp though!" Another directly states, "Posted NO CAMPING as of 2021."
Wildlife considerations: While bear activity varies by location, proper precautions remain important. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, one visitor noted, "Saw no bear sign, but kept all food in car as a precaution." Camel's Hump State Park maintains dedicated food storage areas as bears are reported to be a concern in that location.
Child-friendly water features: Sites with safe water access rate highly among families. At Little River State Park, one parent shares, "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."
Established campgrounds for amenities: For camping with children, consider sites with more facilities. "Family friendly camping... Staff was friendly and helpful. Bathrooms in 'B' were just redone," reports a visitor to Little River State Park, highlighting the value of maintained facilities when traveling with young campers.
Accessible exploration options: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers family-appropriate hiking. "Amazing... Great facility but a little pricey," notes one visitor. The park's proximity to both hiking trails and area attractions provides options for families wanting both outdoor activities and nearby conveniences.
Limited dispersed options: Most Green Mountain National Forest dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At White River & Gulf Brook, a visitor cautions, "Easy to get into for an xterra but if you have an rv I don't think there is room for you."
Reservoir access considerations: Little River State Park accommodates RVs but site selection matters for water access. "Very nice campground, great location! The reservoir was beautiful. Took the kayak, only issue I had was getting to the lake. Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site," a visitor advises.
Seasonal timing: For RVs, early or late season visits improve site availability. "We were here on a Tuesday with no reservations. We had our pick of sites and no issues staying for 2 days. There were several sites reserved starting Thursday and Friday so the weekend looked to be busier," reports a Moosalamoo Campground visitor, highlighting the advantage of mid-week camping.
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.
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