Little River State Park Campground provides cabin camping and glamping options in Waterbury, Vermont, from May through October. The campground features two distinct areas (A and B sides), with most sites positioned on slight hills overlooking Waterbury Reservoir. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and glamping cabins, with specific amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to newly renovated restroom facilities. Campground elevation ranges between 700-900 feet, creating varied terrain throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Explore historical trails: Little River State Park contains numerous hiking paths leading to remnants of an abandoned farming community. "There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes Rita M., who visited with her family.
Kayak remote areas: Ricker Pond State Park Campground offers water access for paddle craft with minimal motorized traffic. "Ricker pond is especially good if you're looking for a little bit of a less busy state park. Unlike Stillwater this is on its own pond so not as much traffic," explains Tessa H.
Winter camping options: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides off-season opportunities for experienced winter campers. "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," shares Ed M.
Access Rail Trail system: Several campgrounds connect to the Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail. "We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail), accessible directly from the campground," reports Emma B. about her stay at Ricker Pond.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Big Deer State Park Campground offers well-spaced campsites with natural barriers. "Very nice sites, most have good privacy and are rather large - many of them also have large boulders around them," explains Tim R.
Clean facilities: North Beach Campground maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "Bathrooms were more than acceptable," notes Michael G., while another camper adds that the campground has "full hookups" available.
Stargazing opportunities: The area provides excellent night sky viewing at several locations. "Dog friendly and quiet campground with gorgeous views of the milky way galaxy," shares Kelli M. about Big Deer State Park.
Lean-to shelter options: Multiple campgrounds in the Waterbury region offer lean-to shelters as alternatives to traditional tent sites. "Sites are relatively close to one another but have a decent amount of vegetation between them to create a little more separation," Sarah C. explains about the lean-to sites at Big Deer.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds near Waterbury have minimal connectivity. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," reports Michele S. from Ricker Pond.
Distance to supplies: The more remote campgrounds require advance planning. "This area of VT is 25-30 minutes from any type of grocery store. There is the camp store, but their stock is limited," advises Rita M.
Reservation timing: Stillwater State Park Campground fills quickly during peak season. "If you have a certain week you want to camp, make sure you book early in the spring, otherwise you might have to wait for a cancellation," recommends a camper.
Site selection matters: At most glamping locations near Waterbury, Vermont, waterfront sites cost more but provide direct water access. "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," notes Drew H. about Stillwater.
Tips for camping with families
Look for ranger programs: Mount Philo State Park Campground and other state parks offer educational activities. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," shares Harry H.
Choose campgrounds with recreation areas: Several sites feature built-in entertainment options. "This is a good campground for families that are not too rowdy. There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails," explains Lacy C.
Consider small parks for quieter experience: Mount Philo provides a more intimate setting. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service. Nice hikes and cool views of the area!" states Kaelin P.
Plan water activities: Most glamping in Waterbury involves access to swimming areas. "The lake water was beautiful and clear. There was enough sand at the camper beach for sand castles and other beach games," describes Rita M. about Stillwater State Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Button Bay State Park Campground and other state parks offer limited RV services. "No hookups but have a dump station," notes Barbara Y.
Site positioning: The lakefront sites at Button Bay allow for strategic parking. "The waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake," suggests IAN P.
Consider site topography: Many glamping areas near Waterbury have uneven terrain. "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer," shares Heather C. about her experience at a local farm.
Electrical testing: Private campgrounds may have variable power output. One reviewer recommends testing electrical connections before setting up: "My husband is a licensed electrician and of course had his own testing equipment. It showed 25 amp coming out of it."
