Best Campgrounds near Waterbury Center, VT
State parks and forests surrounding Waterbury Center, Vermont feature diverse camping experiences ranging from developed sites to remote wilderness options. Little River State Park, located just outside of Waterbury, serves as a popular base for exploring the region with sites along the Waterbury Reservoir offering boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Nearby, Camel's Hump State Park provides more primitive hike-in tent sites for those seeking backcountry experiences. The Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites are accessible only by boat, offering secluded tent camping on the reservoir's shoreline. Within a 30-minute drive, Smugglers Notch State Park provides well-spaced sites with exceptional privacy in a mountain setting.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with some extending slightly later into fall foliage season. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and during peak autumn color periods. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with better coverage in developed areas and limited or no service in more remote locations. As one camper noted, "Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it's an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures! The park is on the shoreline of Waterbury reservoir so there is boating (rentals available) and plenty of fishing." Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Green Mountains, with cool nights common even during summer months.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with the Waterbury Reservoir sites being particularly sought after. Many campgrounds feature a mix of tent sites, RV spaces, and rustic cabins or lean-tos, accommodating various camping preferences. State park facilities typically include basic amenities like drinking water, pit toilets or restrooms, and designated fire rings. Smugglers Notch State Park campers frequently mention the exceptional privacy of sites, with one reviewer noting that "there was not a bad site within the entire vicinity. All were fully shaded and extremely private." Fall camping is especially popular for viewing foliage, though temperatures can drop significantly at night. Most campgrounds are pet-friendly, though leash requirements and other pet policies vary by location.