Waterbury Reservoir State Park wilderness guide
State Park · VT

Waterbury Reservoir State Park

Waterbury Reservoir State Park offers a versatile outdoor experience on a 850-acre lake in northern Vermont, ideal for boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation.

State Park8504+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area850
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Waterbury Reservoir State Park

Waterbury Reservoir State Park offers a versatile outdoor experience on a 850-acre lake in northern Vermont, ideal for boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Waterbury Reservoir State Park is located in Washington County, Vermont, spanning approximately 850 acres of water created by the Waterbury Dam on the Little River. The park lies within a forested, hilly landscape that features a mix of northern hardwoods and evergreens, supporting a diverse population of wildlife including migratory birds, deer, and small mammals. The reservoir was formed in the 1930s to help control flooding and provide hydroelectric power, and the surrounding state park was developed to promote outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing for trout and bass, swimming, and hiking along several nearby nature trails. The park's shoreline offers several spots for picnicking and day use, while multiple campgrounds provide facilities for tent and RV camping. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing around the reservoir area. Large sections of undeveloped forest and shoreline provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching during spring and fall migrations. Waterbury Reservoir State Park is favored by families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a scenic, accessible location with clean water and well-maintained amenities. Nearby landmarks include the historic Waterbury Dam and the Green Mountain National Forest to the south, enhancing the park’s appeal as a base for broader exploration of Vermont’s central region.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Waterbury Reservoir State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Expansive Waterbury Reservoir featuring clean, clear water and scenic views✦ The Waterbury Dam, a significant engineering structure with educational signage✦ Multiple campgrounds with lakeside sites offering direct reservoir access✦ Seasonal fire tower trails providing panoramic views of the surrounding forests
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Waterbury Reservoir State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Waterbury Reservoir State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Waterbury Reservoir State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Waterbury Reservoir State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Waterbury Reservoir State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Waterbury Reservoir State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Waterbury Reservoir State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Waterbury Reservoir State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Waterbury Reservoir State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Waterbury Reservoir State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Waterbury Reservoir State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day use fees apply; camping reservations required for overnight stays

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Waterbury Reservoir State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Reservoir Campground

Lakeside sites with water access, picnic areas, and restroom facilities, popular for families and boaters.

Forest Campground

More secluded, wooded sites offering a quieter camping experience near hiking trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Waterbury Reservoir State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Stowe, Vermont
⌖ 5.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont offers a stellar mix of outdoor adventures. With its excellent trails, skiing, and cycling routes, it’s perfect for those seeking to explore the Green Mountains and more.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Jericho, Vermont
⌖ 10.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jericho, Vermont

Jericho, Vermont offers quiet forest trails, mountain biking, paddling on the Browns River, and cross-country skiing in winter. It’s a serene spot for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the Green Mountains’ beauty without the crowds.

Late Spring to Early Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Morrisville, Vermont
⌖ 11.09 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Morrisville, Vermont

Morrisville, Vermont offers outdoor enthusiasts a blend of mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and skiing opportunities year-round. With scenic lakes, forested trails, and proximity to premier ski resorts, it’s an accessible basecamp for exploring Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Richmond, Vermont
⌖ 11.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Richmond, Vermont

Richmond, Vermont offers outdoor lovers peaceful river paddling, forest hiking, and easy winter skiing near Camel’s Hump. This charming town is perfect for enjoying Vermont’s natural beauty with fewer crowds year-round.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Jeffersonville, Vermont
⌖ 11.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jeffersonville, Vermont

Jeffersonville is a vibrant hub for outdoor adventurers seeking hiking, skiing, and biking opportunities in the heart of Vermont's mountainous landscape.

Noyan, Vermont
⌖ 11.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Noyan, Vermont

Noyan is a quiet Vermont border town offering peaceful hiking, paddling, and birdwatching in a rural setting. Perfect for travelers seeking solitude amid gentle countryside and seasonal outdoor activities.

Late spring through early fall for paddling, biking, and hiking; winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Waterbury Reservoir State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump

A roughly two‑hour, four‑mile paddle from Waterbury that threads gentle currents, Vermont farmland vistas and steady birdlife—this guide explains what to expect and how to match the right craft to the river.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street
ADVEXPEDITION
Richmond, Virginia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters rents tubes daily from its Richmond store (and Stowe); this guide explains pickup, timing, and the self‑shuttle vs. operator shuttle options to plan a seamless float.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak
ADVEXPEDITION
Stowe, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak

A compact rental program offering kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and inner tubes from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters in Stowe — this guide explains what’s included, how day and multi-day rentals work, and practical packing tips.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Micro Brewery Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Stowe, Vermont
Guided TourADV Bookable

Micro Brewery Tour

Discover Stowe’s vibrant craft beer scene on a guided brewery tour with expert tastings and door-to-door service. Perfect for beer fans ready to sample Vermont’s finest brews.

Guided TourStowe Tasting Tours • 3 hoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Cider & Spirits Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Stowe, Vermont
Guided TourADV Bookable

Cider & Spirits Tour

Discover Vermont’s finest craft ciders and spirits on a 3-hour guided tour with door-to-door transport from Stowe. Taste award-winning beverages while learning artisan fermentation and distilling techniques.

Guided TourStowe Tasting Tours • 3 hoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Wine Bar Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Stowe, Vermont
Guided TourADV Bookable

Wine Bar Tour

Discover Vermont’s hidden wine gems in Stowe with a seamless, three-hour tasting tour featuring local natural wines and comfy door-to-door transport.

Guided TourStowe Tasting Tours • 3 hoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Summer & Fall Carriage Rides
ADVEXPEDITION
Johnson, Vermont
CarriageADV Bookable

Summer & Fall Carriage Rides

Enjoy serene carriage rides with Champ and Charlotte through Vermont’s summer and fall woodlands. Savor maple syrup tastings and optional sugar house tours on this peaceful outdoor escape.

CarriageGreat for couples! • 30 minutes • Add on a sugar house tour!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip