Best Cabin Camping near Waterbury Center, VT

Several state parks near Waterbury Center, Vermont provide rustic cabins with basic amenities for visitors seeking a more sheltered camping experience. Little River State Park Campground, located at 3444 Little River Road in Waterbury, offers cabin accommodations with picnic tables and fire rings. The cabins are set within a forested environment with access to drinking water, showers, and toilet facilities. Nearby Smugglers Notch State Park Campground also features cabin rentals in a mountain setting. Most state park cabins include a single electrical outlet but lack running water or bathroom facilities inside the units. "There is an electrical outlet in the basic cabins, quarter-run showers, and an excellent country store/restaurant a few miles away that has anything you may need and might have forgotten," notes one Ricker Pond visitor.

Cabin rentals throughout the region vary from simple one-room structures to more developed accommodations with multiple sleeping areas. Most cabins are pet-friendly, though specific policies vary by location. Reservations are essential, particularly for waterfront or premium locations, with many sites booking up to 11 months in advance. Private cabin options can also be found at places like Mountain View Campground in Morrisville and Singing Wood Farm, which offer more amenities than state park cabins. According to one reviewer at Ricker Pond State Park, "My favorite cabin site is set back from the water, is private, and fills up fast for the season." The operating season for most cabin rentals typically runs from May through mid-October, with some locations closing after Columbus Day weekend.

Most cabin accommodations provide beds with mattresses but require guests to bring their own bedding, pillows, and towels. Cooking facilities vary widely, from simple fire rings with grates to more equipped kitchenettes in private rentals. Firewood is typically available for purchase at campground offices. Visitors should plan to bring their own cooking utensils, food storage containers, and cleaning supplies. While cell service can be limited at many cabin locations, particularly in state parks, some private campgrounds offer Wi-Fi access in common areas. The town of Waterbury offers grocery stores, restaurants, and outdoor supply shops for provisions before heading to more remote cabin sites.

Best Cabin Sites Near Waterbury Center, Vermont (45)

    1. Little River State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 244-7103

    $19 - $28 / night

    "The site was freshly raked when we got there, and the leftover wood was stacked next to the fire pit. Picnic table easily seats 8. Lots of bathrooms around the park, each with showers."

    "Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"

    2. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 253-4014

    $20 / night

    "The Park, located along scenic Rte108, has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to’s well dispersed throughout the grounds."

    "Close to tons of beautiful hikes. As for the campground. It was quiet, comfortable, and kid, as well as pet friendly. Would definitely camp here again."

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

    2 Reviews
    Bolton, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 879-6565

    $10 / night

    "Great tent site, site 1 can have 3 platform and fire pit"

    "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."

    4. Mountain View Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake Elmore, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 888-2178

    "The campground is updated with a new laundry room and shower house. There are 2 pools (one for adults only) and a hot tub."

    "We tended not to sit outside because of the heat which was fine because your patio is really close to your neighbors RV."

    5. North Beach Campground

    28 Reviews
    Burlington, VT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 862-0942

    $37 - $100 / night

    "Spaced out under trees. Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other.

    Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities."

    "The camp office is small, but has information on area attractions, Ice, and fire wood. The bathhouse/restrooms were well kept during our stay even with the volume of campers at the site."

    6. Singing Wood Farm

    2 Reviews
    Morristown, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 760-0579

    $30 - $125 / night

    "If you want a place to nomadic camp that is near Stowe, but away from the hustle and bustle, then this place is for you.  "

    7. Shelburne Camping Area

    16 Reviews
    Shelburne, VT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 985-2540

    "We didn't advance book, so we were in one of the last available spots. Site 2 is a flat, gravel back in, 30 amp, full hookup."

    "Very nice place, easy to book reasonable price because of winter season they close the bathroom, but there is a jiffy John waste, dump station have water and laundry, if needed "

    8. Ricker Pond State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Groton, VT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 584-3821

    $19 - $110 / night

    "I’ve been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years (except for the years that I don’t book enough in advance and aren’t able to secure a spot for my desired length of stay)."

    "A wide array of rustic cabins, lean-to shelters, and traditional tent campsites scattered throughout the park along the shores of Ricker Pond. "

    9. Brewster River Campground

    3 Reviews
    Jeffersonville, VT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 644-6582

    $45 - $70 / night

    "It’s a beautiful and quiet campground with limited spots that you have to reserve before going (they don’t do walk in’s). The woman in the office is so sweet and helpful."

    "Been coming here for a few years now and it’s my favorite place to go in Vermont so far."

    10. Lazy Lions Campground

    6 Reviews
    Graniteville, VT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 479-2823

    $49 - $100 / night

    "Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes."

    "This is a nice, quiet, and secluded CG for an overnight stay. We didn't have time to check out the area. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. The FHUs were in good order."

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Cabin Reviews near Waterbury Center, VT

308 Reviews of 45 Waterbury Center Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2025

    Art and Health Chill Camping

    Great vibe & location!

    Can’t say enough good things about this place.  It is a private landowners land, and she has various camping options including a cabin, hives, or open locations for rv or tent camping.  We stayed for a long weekend with friends in a separate rv, and then a friend who rented a hive.  The land is 8 acres, and you feel a sense of privacy and serenity. You hear roosters in the morning from a local farm.  The views are vast, and it’s relaxing.

    Logistically, there is a good place for rv parking below the garden hoop house.  It is a flat long gravel area, which can access power, but you’ll need an extension chord or two to reach it.  The hives are set back from this area and behind other gardens, near a water source.   There is a cabin in the middle of the property, and then additional rv or tent camping in another area above the main house, which also has an electric hookup.  Each area is far enough away from the others that you feel a sense of privacy and serenity.  

    There is a common area building on the property with Wi-Fi, a bathroom and a kitchen area, which seemed to be used mostly for making tea or accessing the kitchen sink for water.  I am not sure if you could use it for cooking - you would need to ask the landowner.  It has a small sitting area with tourism/hiking/sightseeing guides and maps.  We used it to check email and make phone calls, as cell access is spotty in this general area of Vermont and we didn’t have a cell signal by our rv.  You can shower and use the toilet.  I would recommend bringing your own soap and shampoo.

    There are a few fire pit areas on the property, and the land owner will show you where you can find wood in the surrounding woods.  The gardens are full of flowers and vegetables.    There is also a sauna and a yoga room, neither of which we used. 

    It truly is a magical environment.  You are a few minutes away from Cabot, which is very small.  The area is a hiking and gravel biking hot bed.  The “Ride the Ridges” gravel ride passes the property, so you can do the course from there.  There are numerous hikes of all distances and difficulty in this area of Vermont.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2024

    Lake Carmi State Park Campground

    Quiet lakefront camping post Labor Day

    General: Large state park with two loops, both of which are lakefront. A mix of primitive sites (no w/e/s), lean-tos, and two cabins, one in each section. Sites/lean-tos are designated premium (lakefront) or non. There is also an ADA-accessible lean-to. Upon check-in, you are given a gate code to enter. 

    Site Quality: Our site, like all others, was generous in size and a back-in site. Most sites don’t have clearly defined camper pads, and the surface is grass/dirt (or mud if it has rained recently). A large wooden picnic table and fire ring complete the site. There are plentiful trees, so each site has at least some shade and some are very shaded. Lakefront sites have a filtered view of the lake through the trees. 

    Bath/Shower House: The one closest to us was very clean. Three stalls and one shower. Cold water only at both the sinks and the shower (at least I didn’t get any hot water). The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters, although I can’t imagine taking that long of a shower), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I’ve experienced in quite some time. But, after I finished, I saw my quarter had been returned. The toilet paper was so thin, it was nearly transparent! 

    Activities: Although swimming is allowed, the “beaches” are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming. There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat. There was one very annoying motorboat revving its engine while doing circles in the lake. The day-use area has a small, dated playground, fire pit, horseshoe pit, and volleyball net. There is a short nature trail and one other small walking trail. Nearby is access to the Missisquoi Rail Trail. 

    A surprise was a family of ducks who visited our site when I was outside reading! Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends, especially given the sign in the restroom stating that quiet hours are strictly enforced. We were annoyed by one loud boat so I can’t imagine what it would be like if the lake was filled with boaters. This is why we prefer shoulder-season camping!

  • 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.

  • S
    Mar. 27, 2017

    White Caps Campground

    We were so surprised that this was such a dump!

    We made a single nights reservation, for a tent, based on recommendation from Kingdom Trails website. The campground is located in a beautiful area of Vermont, but....the tenting campground, a bit dismal. We arrived to find a teeny tiny space, right next to other spaces...in fact, had we set up our small tent, we would be less than ten feet from adjacent tents. Within less than 20 feet across the dirt path were side by side tent trailers and rvs. We would not have been able to use the metal fire ring because the fire would have been within 6 feet of our small tent. When we backed our car onto the narrow space, it was within a foot of the picnic table. Basically, it would have been like camping in a WalMart parking lot on a Saturday morning...if the parking lot was a treeless dirt lot. Within 3 minutes, we decided there was no way we could stay here, we were just not that desperate! We stopped at the rest room on the way out...gross! Smelly, wet, dirty, dingy. As we left, we decided that this was the best 25.00 we ever wasted...in fact, you could not have paid us to stay there . We cannot believe Kingdom Trails continues to suggest this disaster. I will add, the girl at the store/office was quite friendly...but she did not seem surprised when we returned for our bathroom key deposit so quickly! We were fortunate in that we could just head home...but if you are planning on a peaceful nights rest after mountain biking or hiking, this is not the place. There are beautiful state parks that we could recommend, and we just don't want folks that end up here to think that this is typical for Vermont camping!

  • 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.

  • Tara S.
    Sep. 27, 2017

    Button Bay State Park Campground

    One of our favorite spots for sunsets and crisp fall days

    We've been camping at Button Bay for years, and while it can be hot and buggy in the summer months, there is no place we'd rather be in September! There are two campground loops to choose from. The first is where you'll find the lean-tos and the dog trail/beach. This area is super quiet, offers a bit of shade, and plenty of privacy. We almost always get the Catalpa or Willow lean-to because we bring dogs and it's easy for them to run to the lake and cool off.

    The second camping loop has a few waterfront camping cabins, which we are dying to check out, but haven't yet. The main camping area is essentially a huge field, so not much shade or privacy. The benefit of this area is that it's closer to everything - the playground, pool, nature center, kayak and canoe rentals, and the trail out to the point. There are also amazing views of the lake and the mountains right from the camping area.

    I think this is one of the best state parks in Vermont for families with kids, and for dogs. There isn't a great place to swim in the lake here, although plenty of people swim off the point. There is a nice pool, but it closes after Labor Day weekend. If you want to swim in Lake Champlain, I highly recommend Kingsland Bay State Park, just a few miles north.

    Definitely hike the short nature trail out to Button Bay Point. It's especially lovely in the evening as the sun is setting. Enjoy!

  • Shawn B.
    Sep. 25, 2018

    Silver Lake Campground

    This is a great place for the whole family

    This is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off. They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground.

  • Rachel P.
    Oct. 16, 2018

    Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    Smugglers Notch State Park

    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! Leaf peepers were in full force and the grounds were absolutely spectacular- I really picked the perfect time of year to go. Nights got pretty brisk, but the foliage was breathtaking.

    The Park, located along scenic Rte108, has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to’s well dispersed throughout the grounds. A couple spots were drive-in sites, accessible to those with disabilities; most had small pathways and/or stairwells leading to their platforms. There was not a bad site within the entire vicinity. All were fully shaded and extremely private. Although, I’d be curious about checking out Sites 1 or 16 next time around!

    Bathrooms were clean and the main office sold firewood at the entrance. Facilities are also pet friendly. Plus, there are so many hiking trails and recreational opportunities in and around the Park-from Stowe Mountain Resort to the quaint shops in town and local craft breweries. And even with the Park seeming “full”, the grounds were perfectly quiet, without the incessant sound of generators you find at larger state parks.

    Without a doubt, Smugglers Notch State Park is a favorite of mine!

  • T
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Little River State Park Campground

    One super state park campground for the entire family

    This is the only campground in the area I will stay at. It has so many benefits, I may not be able to do it justice in this review. The sites are huge. We fit two camper vans, two tents and put up a 20x20 rain tarp on Site 5. The site was freshly raked when we got there, and the leftover wood was stacked next to the fire pit. Picnic table easily seats 8. Lots of bathrooms around the park, each with showers. Firewood and Ice, along with some necessities are available at the office. Cell phone service is touchy depending on where you are in the park. There is fresh water available. Lots of activities to do here, from the Nature Center and hiking trails to seriously wicked mountain biking trails designed by Mr. Knight overlooking the reservoir where boating of all kinds is allowed. And the fishing in the river below is quite stellar. There's even an abandoned town up on top of the mountain for younto check out.


Guide to Waterbury Center

Cabin camping near Waterbury Center, Vermont offers lodging options within Vermont's diverse landscapes at elevations ranging from 500 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences distinctive seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping months of May through October. Winter cabin options remain limited with most facilities closing after fall foliage season ends, though some private rentals operate year-round.

What to do

Hiking trails access: Little River State Park Campground provides direct access to mountain trails with varying difficulty levels. "I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to visit the Stowe/Waterbury area. We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road," notes Alison O.

Water activities: Camel's Hump State Park offers tent platforms near the water for paddling enthusiasts. "Great tent site, site 1 can have 3 platform and fire pit," says Raj T., making it ideal for small groups planning water activities.

Mountain biking: For cyclists seeking trails near cabin accommodations, several options exist within 30-minute drives. "If you want a place to nomadic camp that is near Stowe, but away from the hustle and bustle, then this place is for you... you can gravel bike right from the field. We built a number or rides with Ride with GPS, leaving from there site," explains Heather C. about Singing Wood Farm.

What campers like

Quiet environment: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground receives high ratings for its tranquil setting. "Pristine facilities, private camp sites and a beautiful area. Smuggler's Notch is close enough to Stowe to not be a hassle to drive to, but far enough away that it's quiet and remote," explains Ben C.

Natural features: Campers appreciate the combination of forest and water access. "Very peaceful with ample hammock spots. They sell wood stacked in cribs, wish I'd planned for that as I ended up using my only towel to haul it," notes one visitor about the natural surroundings at Little River.

Site privacy: Many cabin campers value separation between accommodations. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping," writes Jess O. about Smugglers Notch.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Advance planning is essential, especially for waterfront cabins. At Ricker Pond State Park Campground, "My favorite lean to site is directly on the water, private, and fills up fast. My favorite cabin site, is set back from the water, is private, and also fills fast for the season," explains Neena B.

Utility limitations: Most basic cabins have minimal amenities. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," advises Michele S. about Ricker Pond State Park.

Temperature variations: Even summer nights can be cool at higher elevations. "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," reports Ed M. about winter cabin options at Smugglers Notch.

Tips for camping with families

Beach access: North Beach Campground offers cabin camping with child-friendly swimming areas. "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! You get the best of both worlds at this location," writes Brittany R.

Playground facilities: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "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," shares Rita M. about Little River State Park.

Educational trails: Family-friendly hiking options include historic elements. "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," notes another Little River visitor.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Prepare for terrain challenges at some locations. "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer. While we were there, there were car campers, tent campers, and a class C rv, in addition to us in our travel trailer," explains Heather C. about camping at Mountain View Campground.

Amenities comparison: Private campgrounds near Waterbury often provide more services than state parks. "The campground is updated with a new laundry room and shower house. There are 2 pools (one for adults only) and a hot tub. There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground," Michelle C. shares about Mountain View Campground.

Winter accessibility: Most RV sites with cabins close seasonally. "If you want a campground with a view this isn't a favorite. It is well kept, but we prefer staying in and north of burlington when we come back to the area," notes Mackenzie B. about Shelburne Camping Area, one of the few year-round options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Waterbury Center, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Waterbury Center, VT is Little River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Waterbury Center, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 45 cabin camping locations near Waterbury Center, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.