188 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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. Waterbury camping offers diverse options from fully-equipped sites to secluded wilderness camping spots throughout the scenic Green Mountains.
"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."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"It is not as remote as some other locations, mainly because you are in Waterbury, VT and Waterbury can be quite busy with visitors. "
"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!"
"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
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $37 - $100 / night
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GuideIt’s a nice relatively small campground in a pretty setting. Sites are fairly close, and there’s definitely some longer tempura residents, but it’s well kept and seems like a nice place to stay.
ScoutWe stayed here because we wanted to spend a few days exploring the Adirondacks without moving the RV every night. It worked perfectly for that. We headed out early each morning, explored somewhere new, and had our camper waiting for us when we got back.
GuideGood size campground with three loops. 2 shower / restroom facilities. Many of the sites are simply grass. There are a few gravel ones. The staff has no problem with driving on the or parking on grass. All sites have a firepit. Wood can be obtained locally. There is no store at the camp. There is only one dump station. There is a boat launch with limited trailer parking although when we stayed (Aug 2026) the water was only 18 in to 2 ft deep at docks. Heavily choked with vegetation. Shower facilities were clean enough but could use more attention, heavy cobwebs at lights, corners and edges of shower pretty dark with mold. Plenty of fresh water spigots throughout the camp. Camp is on the banks of lake Champlain, although only a couple sites have a lake view. Ruins of two pre-revolutionary war forts are within walking distance and offer a great introduction to life in the early 18th century. Fort Ticonderoga is a 30 min drive and will take most of the day to tour. Well worth the trip. Only 3 min drive to Vermont. I would stay again.
ScoutVery nice campground with great modern facilities. Many of the RV lots have nice views of Lake Champlain.
ScoutPeaceful, quiet, relaxing space. Super friendly staff.
ScoutLove it here, great for swimming, kayaking and camping with your family
ScoutSpent a night here. Sites are grass for most part and level. Plenty of room. We did the water and electric site.
ScoutThis is my first year seasonal at Magic Pines and my fiance and I love it. It's quiet, everyone is friendly, it's pet friendly and has a beautiful nature vibe to it.
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
Waterbury, Vermont sits at 427 feet of elevation within the Green Mountain region, with typical summer temperatures ranging from 50-80°F. The camping season generally runs from mid-May through mid-October, though some remote sites offer winter accessibility. Many campgrounds near Waterbury require advance planning due to limited availability during peak foliage season in late September and early October.
Explore historical ruins: Little River State Park Campground offers unique hiking opportunities to abandoned settlements. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016. 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," shares Rita M.
Paddle the reservoir: Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites provides boat-in camping experiences for paddlers. "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 and was much more doable for all the trips we took bringing our gear in," advises Julia S.
Off-season adventures: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground transforms during winter months. "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. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed," explains Ed M.
Private campsites: Underhill State Park Campground sites offer more seclusion than many camping sites near Waterbury, Vermont. "This is the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized," notes Ali T.
Proximity to attractions: Gold Brook Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring the region. "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," shares Shannon L.
Waterfront access: Many campers value sites with direct lake or river frontage. "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables," remarks Caitlin M. about Little River State Park.
Varied amenities: Toilet facilities range from full restrooms to composting units. "The bathroom is a composting toilet that you'll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!" warns Julia S. about Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites.
Reservation policies: Most campgrounds require advance booking with non-refundable deposits. Gold Brook Campground has a strict cancellation policy that some campers find challenging.
Site access challenges: Austin Brook offers dispersed camping options but requires preparation. "There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area," notes Tim M.
Playground access: Elmore State Park Campground provides kid-friendly amenities beyond hiking. "A beautiful campground just a short walk to the lake. The Elmore Store just down the road has everything you need including AMAZING pizza (Fire Tower) and a great deli. Fun summer activities happen in Elmore and neighboring towns," recommends Shelley T.
Educational opportunities: Smugglers Notch State Park offers ranger-led programs for children. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," says Harry H.
Protected swimming areas: North Beach Campground provides supervised water activities. "The beach is very well maintained, there are life guards on duty at the beach and a playground and grills (claim them early if you want them)," advises Meag F.
Site leveling considerations: Austin Brook dispersed camping requires preparation for uneven terrain. "I didn't get the chance to camp here, it was full when I drove through looking for a place. Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking," shares Miccal M.
Generator restrictions: Little River State Park limits generator usage to specific hours. "Little river st park wide flat camp sites no hookups limited gen. Use hours 8am/10am and 4pm/6pm. Rough road coming to campground. Very quite. Site could hold big rig we have a 28ft 5th wheel plenty of room for 35/40," notes Nicholas G.
Easy-access options: North Beach Campground provides full hookups with convenient location. "We loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups. You can purchase firewood at the office, and there are also propane options," shares Laura L.
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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