Waterbury Reservoir
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.
Park Information
This park offers remote camping only. The campsites are only accessible by boat.
3444 Little River Road
Waterbury, VT 05676
Friday, May 16 - Sunday, October 19
Sunrise - official sunset
27 remote tent sites, accessible only by boat
Pets are permitted throughout. Please clean up after your pets.
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.