Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Waterbury Center? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Waterbury Center. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Waterbury Center's most popular destinations.
Underhill is within Vermont's 39,837-acre Mt. Mansfield State Forest. On the headwaters of the Brown's River, at about 2,000 feet elevation, the park lies on the west slope of 4,300 feet Mt. Mansfield, the state's highest peak. Just over the summit ridge is the Stowe ski area, one of North America's original ski resorts.
The elevation and corresponding exposure to harsh climatic conditions have resulted in some relatively unusual vegetation types along the mountain's summit ridge. The low, stunted-plants found in the alpine tundra near the summit, very rare in New England, are more typical of types found on broad expanses of Arctic tundra a thousand miles farther north. These plants are fragile (if you hike to the summit, please stay on marked trails).
The park is probably best known for its hiking. There are four trails to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield from Underhill State Park. Walking up the gated road from the park headquarters, the trails begin branching off shortly above the group camp area. The Sunset Ridge Trail, 3 miles to the summit, is the most popular. Vermont’s Long Trail traverses the summit ridge and, with several trails from the other side of the mountain, many loops are possible. Hiking information and trail maps are available at the park headquarters.
Facilities / Amenities The CCC-built pavilion has a fireplace and picnic tables The CCC-built pavilion has a fireplace and picnic tables The upper camp area, about 3/4 of a mile above the ranger station, has 7 lean-to sites and 2 tent sites, pit toilets, and is reserved for organized group-use. In the lower camp area, around the contact station, are 11 tent sites and 6 lean-to sites. There is cold water and flush toilets in the restrooms, but there are no showers.
Access to all campsites requires a short walk. Campsites are not accessible by vehicle.
The park also has a CCC-built sheltered tentsite tentsite that can be rented for up to a maximum of 8 people. The site comes with a picnic table and the shelter fireplace is to be used in lieu of a fire ring. Additionally, there are 2 standing grills adjacent to the shelter. The sheltered tentsite is $51 per night plus the $8 reservation fee.
Off-season access: The park gate remains open after park closes until the first snowfall. Once it snows, the gate is closed until there is sufficient snowfall to ski into the park, then it is reopened until spring melt.
$23 / night
$10 / night
Camping at the Waterbury Reservoir’s remote sites is a real backcountry adventure! Although every campsite provides a fire ring and toilet, the rest is a primitive experience. You will be far from other people and resources, surrounded by a beautiful wilderness. Campers are strongly encouraged to use cook stoves or bring their own firewood, also to pack water filters, adequate food/shelter and emergency supplies.
Camping Reservations
Beginning May 2, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., all 27 remote campsites along the reservoir perimeter will become available to reserve for any date in the 2022 operating season. Beginning June 1, 2022, reservations for the 2023 season will become available to be reserved up to 11 months in advance like other Vermont State Parks. Reservations can be made online, or through the park’s reservation call center at 1-888-409-7579, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The maximum stay will be limited to 7 nights. Regular camping fees will be charged like other state park camping areas. Every remote campsite has a maximum occupancy of 6 people, unless otherwise posted. Kayaks at the reservoir Kayaks sit at the waters edge. Facilities/Amenities
Dispersed all around the Reservoir are 27 remote campsites, each with a roofed composting toilet. Several day use areas, some also with toilets, are also provided for recreational use from sunrise to sunset. Day Use areas are locations where fires are permitted until closure at sunset.
Welcome to Green River Reservoir State Park. Green River Reservoir became a state park in March 1999 when 5,503 acres were purchased from the Morrisville Water and Light Department. This is not your typical Vermont State Park – Green River Reservoir provides camping and paddling experiences in a remote setting. All campsites can only be reached by paddling to them - some are a 1 to 2-mile paddle from the launch site. The park will remain in its wild and undeveloped condition, with low-impact, compatible recreational use allowed on and around the Reservoir. Management activities will be only those necessary to maintain the property’s character, protect the environment and critical resources, demonstrate sustainable forest and wildlife management, control excessive recreational use, and ensure high-quality outdoor experiences for visitors. The 653-acre Reservoir includes about 19 miles of shoreline, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped shorelines in Vermont. Access to the park is in the southern part of the Reservoir off of Green River Dam Road. The Reservoir is designated as a “quiet” lake under Vermont “Use of Public Waters Rules.” Boats powered by electric motors up to 5 mph and human-powered watercraft (canoes, kayaks, etc.) are allowed. There are 27 remote campsites at various locations around the Reservoir. Camping is allowed only at designated campsites and can only be reached by boat. Each remote site has a maximum site occupancy based on the characteristics of the site. There are two designated group campsites that can accommodate up to 12 people each. Some campsites are closed each season and rehabilitated due to overuse through the years. There is also an ADA accessible boardwalk that leads from the parking area to an accessible boat launch. The best way to protect all sites is by using a portable stove instead of a campfire for cooking. Please carry out what you carry in and leave no trace of your visit. Day use is allowed on the reservoir in limited numbers. Please do not use campsites for day use activities. There are designated day use sites where fires are permitted. Please build fires only at these sites and in the provided fire rings. Respect the areas of the shoreline that are closed to use for re-vegetation of the sites. Group Use: In order to provide a primitive camping/paddling experience, only two groups of 8 to 12 (maximum) people are allowed for either camping or day use at one time. Group permits are required for day and camping uses during the season. A license or special use permit may be needed for group activities during the off-season. Please contact the park directly to reserve group sites. Parking: Parking is extremely limited and is available on a first come, first serve basis. Once the parking areas are full, visitors will not be allowed to enter the park.
$20 - $50 / night
The park is divided by Route 53. 19 tent/RV sites and 7 lean-to sites are on one side of the highway in a heavily wooded area, and 17 tent/RV sites are located along the perimeter of a grassy open area near the beach. There are restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated hot showers. There is also a concession stand selling snacks, drinks and beach toys.
Nearby hiking trails to scenic vistas, waterfalls, caves, mountain lakes and streams provide outstanding hiking opportunites. Mountain biking trails are also nearby. There is fishing and boating on Lake Dunmore (canoe, kayak, rowboat, and pedal boat rentals are available at the park).
Across acres of rolling fields and maple woods, enjoy the many open tent sites and sleep under the stars! Relax on our family's off grid homestead, containing trails through our woods for hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing and more.
During July and August the wild berries make a wonderful treat. Try your culinary skills over the campfire while the children play and explore nature. As night falls, a campfire with smores hosts a wonderful end to the days fun. After, tuck the children in and listen to the night sounds under the stars!
Looking for more fun, only ten minutes to restaurants, shops, zip line and bike trails. Swim, kayak, or fish in The Lamoille or Brewster Rivers. The ski resorts and resort villages offer loads of summer fun indoors and outdoors! Also, less than thirty minutes from the Canadian border! Your site is only 1/4 mile from "The Rail Trail" used year-round as recreational fun and part of the VAST system for snow mobiles. Or bring your ATV to enjoy off road trails nearby.
Each site is provided a bundle of firewood for cooking and warmth (more available for an up charge). Also, 5 gallons of clean well water (more available for an up charge). There is a compost toilet available for use and an outdoor shower with room temperature water. A hot pancake breakfast can be available for an additional fee.
Get back to basics and enjoy all that nature has to offer at Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven!
$35 - $45 / night
Legend
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!
Scout
I stayed at Art and Health Chill Camping recently, and it was a truly relaxing experience—just nature, art, and fresh air all around. The only thing I’d advise is to come prepared if you're concerned about health safety. When camping in remote areas, it's always wise to have a few essentials, especially if you’re camping with a group. Personally, I’d recommend taking a rapid STD/STI test on https://readyhelp.it/rapid-std-sti-test/ beforehand. It’s quick and easy, giving some extra peace of mind.
Ranger
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. Within walking distance from the campground are accesses to hiking / biking trails. Sites are spacious and shady.
Legend
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. Slightly low water pressure. It was perfect for our needs. We would stay here again.
Scout
This is a picnic area that people insist on camping there and because of this kind of stuff is why we keep loosing free camping sites
Legend
Nice and quiet
Scout
I needed a place to stop, been traveling for 6 hours. Nice enough for me. Everything was wet from last night's rain. Everyone was pleasant.
Traveler
small number of sites and a bit hard to find
Legend
I scouted this area a couple of years ago and stayed in one of the lean-tos, this is a great area in the winter when no-one else is around.
There is a parking lot near the main road where you can park. The hike around the pond is nice, but wet, rocky and you need to be a sure-footed person. Views are great, the pond is amazing, and the campsites are well maintained.
Most sites have a lean-to and a well-built fireplace as well as an outhouse. Keep in mind this is a pack in pack out location. You are not allowed to cut wood, and only fallen dead is available for use.
Legend
This is a great spot to stop for a night with your RV and enjoy the river for a night.
Easy to get to, just off of a one-way paved road.
Legend
There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience. The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic. Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive.
There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.
This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!
This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF
Scout
I just found out that Onion River Camground just willingly hosted a MAP(minor attracted person aka pedofile) meeting at their campground. I am so disgusted the owners of Onion River Campground that hosted this meeting allowed my family with two young girls to BOOK a campsite the SAME WEEKEND as this meeting with no warning of what was going on!!!! By the grace of God, we cancelled two weeks ago(for other reasons) and rerouted to another state. I’m sitting here reading this imagining my beautiful kids walking around a campground innocently with nasty individuals looking at them in a sexual way without my wife or I ever knowing what was going on right under our noses. It’s digusting and appalling that the campground owners support these pedofiles and would let ANY family book a stay there without making us aware. I HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS SOMETHING I NEEDED TO LOOKOUT FOR BUT I THINK OTHERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS. I don’t agree with supporting MAPs at all but if you are then make it an adult only campground for heavens sake.
Traveler
I like the atmosphere at Bridgeview Harbour Marina! The serene views and vibrant community make it a perfect spot to unwind. Speaking of unwinding, if you ever find yourself overwhelmed with writing assignments or projects, I highly recommend trying out domypaper.com writing service. They provide excellent support and can help you tackle any writing task with ease. Whether it’s for school, work, or personal projects, their team of experts ensures top-notch quality and timely delivery. So, after enjoying a day at the marina, consider getting some writing help to keep your stress levels down. Cheers to good times at the marina!
Ranger
Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites.
There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites.
The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not agressive).
The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot.
We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay. This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors.
ScoutYou deserve to be run out of business for even considering hosting such a disgusting function.
Scout
Nothing fancy but great location. The campground is right on the bike path and very close to Burlington.
ScoutPretty pond, good lean-to's, nice toilets, central put-in for canoes and kayaks, friendly people. Big groups in one area, individual remote sites far enough away to be private. Nicely maintained, friendly staff when you do see them. Went September 6 and 7 2024. Only 3 hours from Boston.
Scout
In addition to the descriptions of this campground in other reviews, I add charm and utility of site design, and the friendliness and intelligence of the staff. Enjoy the serenity of the forest surrounding you, while you glimpse stars, and warm your innards beside a fire.
Scout
Owners were very welcoming and helpful. The bathrooms were cleaner than mine at home. Nostalgic feel with playground, pool, and rec hall.
Guide
Great spot, especially for families, it is a bit expensive, at $30 for tent spot and $40 for lean to. the staff was helpful and kept the grounds clean. We ended paying more for the lean to because it was more secluded and quiet, the rest of the park was busy.
Our spot was right on the brook which was peaceful and beautiful. It also had a fire pit with a grill grate and they sold firewood at the front gate.
Guide
We stayed for two nights to visit Burlington and lake Champlain.
It was not our favorite campground. The site are open, so no privacy and the sites are fairly small.
Toilets and showers are ok but nothing fancy. A bit worn.
Scout
Near the larger campground at the entrance is a"private little beach" with plenty of parking. I wish I had been here longer with geometry dash online!
Legend
This easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay.
There are two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between. There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses.
The bathhouse looks typical and clean.
Not much cell service, but some in places.
Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion.
Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at.
Legend
This is a small campground, really it's an extension of Stillwater just up the road. Check-in happens at Stillwater, purchase your firewood and drive the 2 min down to Big Deer.
For Vermont, these sites felt close, but we could still get privacy. We did have to change sites due to our neighbors yelling at their kids and using less-than-appropriate language to do so. We could still hear them on the other side of the campground :(
The site itself was nice, even though it lacked privacy.
Boulder Beach Road is an easy dirt road access to these campgrounds.
We had 1 bar of AT&T service.
The bathrooms were adequate, nothing special
But we made a last-minute decision to camp and this was a decent location for that. I would camp here again, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
ScoutOur first time in Vermont, we were coming from Montreal, Quebec. And while there are many nice campsites to visit in Quebec... we've done them all, within a 2-hour radius. Well, guess what? Lake Carmi in Franklin (Enosburg?) Vermont, is less than 1 1/2 hours from Montreal! I think it must be the closest campsite to Quebec, in Vermont. The drive there was really pleasant too. It wasn't all highway. It took us mostly through very scenic routes in both Quebec, and Vermont.
After booking, I had read some bad reviews about the place - which gave me second thoughts. About the staff being very unpleasant, etc. Well I'm happy to say, that turned out to be absolutely untrue! To say that Kathy, Daniel and really, the entire staff that we met, was very friendly to us, is an understatement. They literally saved our bacon!
It's a long story, but in short... our car broke down at one point, and we had to get it towed. Our phone wouldn't work, and it was by the good graces of the Lake Carmi rangers and staff, and the use of their wireless, that we were eventually able to return back home to Canada. I don't know what we would have done, if they weren't there to help us! So - big thanks to the amazing staffers at Lake Carmi.
We had reserved a site by the lake, and saw that the campground itself was quite nice. Just acres and acres of lush green forestation. Clean grounds and washrooms. A beautiful sunset over the lake. No electrical 'pollution'. No noise pollution - except for crickets, in the field. Other than the car trouble - quite a pleasant stay! We'll be returning next year.
Scout
We were with RV. Mostly permanent places, showers and toilets are full with mould and not clean as is said on the website. Rates are not transparant. The pool was nice for the kids.
ScoutThis 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! Not sure how strict that is. There was someone camping for a least a week given their tent was there the whole week I was in the area. So I guess it's not that strict. Signs indicate this offshoot road where these sites are is also FR-25, then FR-25 picks up again as a spur off of VT 100 a little farther south down 100 where there were permitted (but full) camping sites.
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Vermont, Waterbury Center offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waterbury Center, VT is Underhill State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Waterbury Center, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
