Wooded sites, a reservoir shoreline, and ranger-led programming make Little River State Park Campground one of the more activity-rich state park campgrounds in Vermont. Set within Little River State Park outside Waterbury, the campground runs two loops with roughly 70 tent and RV sites, 20 lean-tos, and five cabins, spread across forested and open terrain above Waterbury Reservoir. Sites vary considerably: some sit close enough to the water to catch open sightlines across the reservoir, while others are set well back in the trees with only partial views through the canopy.
Cell service is unreliable throughout the park, and campers should plan accordingly. The access road has a rough stretch that reviewers note is manageable for most vehicles. Sites book up quickly on summer weekends and holidays, so reservations well in advance are strongly recommended, particularly for waterfront lean-tos, which reviewers consistently single out as having the best views. "Sites were cleaned immediately after they were left by the previous campers," notes Andy B., and multiple reviews confirm that facilities, including renovated bathhouses with token-operated showers, stay reliably clean through the season.
Water access is a central draw. Miccal M. points out that "canoeing or kayaking on the lake is great and there are paddle only sites available," reachable by boat-in access. A boat launch, dock, two beaches, and fishing in the river below the reservoir round out the water options. The park also has a nature center, hiking trails that pass old foundations and a historic abandoned settlement, and mountain biking trails. Ranger programs, offered on weekends through summer, have included guided paddles, mushroom hunts, and fishing clinics.
The campground runs from mid-May through late October, with the $19-28 per night fee covering access to firewood sales, drinking water, dump station, and pet-friendly sites. Campers exploring places to camp near Waterbury Center will find a range of options in the area. Those wanting a more remote experience on the same reservoir can consider Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites — Waterbury Center State Park, about half a mile east, or Mt. Mansfield State Forest Dispersed near Cottonbrook Road to the north for dispersed camping in the state forest.
Description
Little River State Park, which is part of Mt. Mansfield State Forest, is home to central Vermont's largest and most popular campground. The campground has 81 tent/RV sites, 20 lean-tos, and five cabins. Restrooms have flush toilets and hot and cold running water, and three of the four restrooms have coin-operated hot showers. A sanitary dump station is available, but there are no hookups. Within the campground, there are swimming beaches, play areas, a boat launch, ball fields, and boat rentals for campers (for day use boat rentals and swimming, see Waterbury Center, State Park). Adjacent to the park are miles of hiking trails for campers and day use visitors that take in the rich cultural and natural history of the area.
Remote camping: The remote campsites can be reserved online or through the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 starting May 19. Those not reserved are first come/first served. Information about open campsites may be found at each access area. Simply find a vacant designated campsite, pitch in and the park ranger will come by to get you registered. Campsites may be used by any single party for up to 7 days with no fees. Every remote campsite has a maximum occupancy of 6 people, unless otherwise posted. There are privies at these sites, but there is no potable water. View remote camping page here.
Today, Little River State Park is one of the most popular parks in central Vermont. Waterbury Reservoir is particularly favored for boating with a portion of the reservoir devoted to quieter uses. Angling for bass and trout is as popular here as water-skiing.>
Enjoy swimming beaches, play areas, boat rentals and a launch, and miles of hiking and mountain bike trails in the adjacent Mt. Mansfield State Forest. Self-guided history and nature trails are located close to the camping area.
Reservation Info
Remote camping: The remote campsites can be reserved online or through the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLittle River State Park Campground is located in Vermont near Waterbury Center
Directions
From the junction of VT Route 100 and US Route 2: West on U.S. 2, then 3-1/2 mi. north on Little River Rd. Located 30 miles south of Burlington just off I-89.
Address
3444 Little River Rd (some Construction In Progress See Website)
Waterbury, VT 05676
Coordinates
44.39000078 N
72.76800036 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/28/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 38 min from Burlington, VT
- 2 hrs 14 min from Manchester, NH
- 2 hrs 33 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 3 hrs 16 min from Albany, NY










































