Camping
Day use
THINGS TO DO
Camping
Hiking
Swimming
Boating
Fishing
Biking
Park Events & Programs
Venture Vermont
Winter Activities
Other Activities
Family Fun
Enjoying Nature
Waterbury, VT 05676
Camping: 27 remote tent sites, accessible only by boat
Pets are permitted throughout. Please clean up after your pets.
Park Updates & Alerts
- Firewood is not to be brought to parks UNLESS the wood is packaged, labeled as having been heat treated, and certified by USDA or the appropriate state department of agriculture. For more info, click here.
Moscow Paddlers’ Access - From exit 10 of VT I-89: North on VT Route 100 for 7.5 miles to Moscow Rd. Left on Moscow Rd. for 2 miles to Cotton Brook Rd. Left on Cotton Brook Rd. for 1 mile to Paddlers’ Access. This 24-hour access point is a car-top launch only for paddle craft.
Waterbury Dam Access - 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. This 24-hour access point has a paved boat launch for both paddle craft and motorboats. Camping and overflow parking is located south of the dam and is a short walk to launch area.
Blush Hill Boat Launch - From exit 10 of VT I-89: North on VT Route 100 for 1 mile to Blush Hill Road. Left on Blush Hill Road 2.5 miles to boat launch. This 24-hour access point has a paved boat launch for both paddle craft and motorboats.
Waterbury Center State Park - (Day Use access only) from exit 10 of VT I-89, north on VT Route 100 for 3 miles. Turn left onto Reservoir Road and continue for .04 miles. Day use fees apply.
Remote Camping: 27 remote tent sites, accessible only by private boat.
Swimming: Several natural beaches and rocky day use areas offer many swimming opportunities.
Boating: All types of boating are allowed: motorboats, personal watercraft, paddle craft, sail craft and even sea planes.
Fishing: Rainbow and brown trout, rainbow smelt, small and large mouth bass, yellow perch, bullhead.
Hiking and Mt. Biking: Hiking and mt. biking are allowed at Little River State Park (day use fees apply if not camping). The trail head near Moscow Paddlers’ Access provides access to miles of hiking trails on the north side of Little River State Park (day use fees apply) in Mt. Mansfield State Forest.
Welcome
With deep water and mountain views in every direction, the Waterbury Reservoir is a premier destination for water sports, backcountry camping, swimming and wildlife viewing. Boats can be launched from several locations, allowing easy access to one of the state’s largest bodies of water. The remote campsites are spread over 5 miles around the reservoir, providing a very unique, peaceful and primitive experience.
The Waterbury Reservoir was created in 1938 by damming the Little River as a measure to prevent future flooding in the Winooski River valley below. A thickly settled area, including general stores, schools, cemeteries, and churches now sleep beneath the 80-100ft average depth of water. Almost entirely surrounded by vast state forests, with some 18 miles of shoreline, the Waterbury Reservoir provides an opportunity for fun and relaxation.
Remote Camping
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
The remote campsites can only be reserved online or through our call center. Sites not reserved are first come/first served. Information about open campsites may be found at each access area. Campsites may be used by any single party for up to 7 days. Every remote campsite has a maximum occupancy of 6 people, unless otherwise posted. Boats are not provided, with campers required to bring their own vessels.
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.