Tent camping near Waterbury Center, Vermont provides access to the scenic northern portion of the Green Mountains. The area sits at elevations ranging from 800 feet at the Waterbury Reservoir to over 3,500 feet on nearby mountain peaks. Temperatures can drop into the low 40s even during summer nights, creating significant temperature variations between daytime and nighttime, particularly at higher elevations.
What to do
Swimming at quiet shorelines: At Green River Reservoir State Park Campground, the 653-acre reservoir offers excellent swimming in clear waters. "Wild camping and good wildlife viewing... It's a primitive park, perfect for paddling, wild camping, swimming, and watching wildlife," notes one camper who visits each summer.
Summit hiking with views: Mount Philo State Park provides quick access to panoramic vistas after a short hike. A camper explains, "The best part is every night it's only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains."
Wildlife observation: The Waterbury area offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. At Green River Reservoir, one visitor recommends, "Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow - we have seen moose there several times." Camping at primitive sites increases chances for wildlife encounters throughout the region.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Campers consistently praise the secluded nature of sites at Mount Philo State Park Campground. "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms," advises a frequent visitor.
Quiet wilderness camping: The remote access camping at Green River Reservoir creates a truly immersive experience. "I love this location because you have to paddle out to a site for camping. It's private, quiet, and really gives you that 'forest bathing' escape. There is a lot of beautiful wildlife," notes an enthusiastic camper.
Natural sleeping soundscapes: Sites near running water create soothing background noise for sleeping. At Underhill State Park, one camper appreciated "waking up to the sound of the stream down the embankment" at their campsite.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: The Green Mountain forests can have significant insect activity, especially near water. Bring appropriate repellent and lightweight long sleeves/pants for evenings.
Sudden weather changes: The mountain terrain creates unpredictable conditions. Pack rain gear and layered clothing even for summer camping trips.
Limited facilities at remote sites: At Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites, composting toilets have minimal amenities. One camper notes: "The bathroom is a composting toilet that you'll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!" Remote sites typically lack potable water.
Varying launch points: When paddling to remote sites, choosing the correct access point is crucial. At Waterbury Reservoir, a camper advises: "Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27. We made the mistake of parking at Little River rd the first time and the paddle to r14 from there was way too long."
Tips for camping with families
Short hikes with big rewards: Indian Brook Reservoir offers family-friendly tent sites with moderate access efforts. "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over. Site was gorgeous and private, right on the reservoir," reports one family of four.
Pack-in strategies: For remote sites, plan multiple trips or use watercraft to transport gear. A visitor at Waterbury Reservoir mentioned the paddle to their site "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."
Food storage systems: When camping with children in bear country, proper food storage is essential. At Camel's Hump State Park, tent sites include a shared area for food storage specifically designed to prevent wildlife encounters.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most remote sites around Waterbury Center are tent-only. For RVs, Underhill State Park Campground has some RV-accessible sites but with no hookups and strict generator usage rules. "Little river st park wide flat camp sites no hookups limited gen. Use hours 8am/10am and 4pm/6pm," notes one RVer.
Road conditions: Access roads to many campsites in the area can be challenging. An RVer commented on the "rough road coming to campground" but mentioned they could accommodate their "28ft 5th wheel" with "plenty of room for 35/40" foot rigs at some sites.
Wheelbarrow assistance: Some campgrounds provide wheelbarrows to help transport gear from parking areas to walk-in sites. "They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized," notes a camper at Underhill State Park.
