Little River State Park wilderness guide
State Park · VT

Little River State Park

Little River State Park is a captivating outdoor destination nestled on the shores of the Waterbury Reservoir, offering diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, and paddling.

State Park1,0664+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area1,066
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Little River State Park

Little River State Park is a captivating outdoor destination nestled on the shores of the Waterbury Reservoir, offering diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, and paddling.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in the Vermont Green Mountains, Little River State Park encompasses a picturesque area with dense forests, clear streams, and abundant wildlife, providing visitors with a scenic backdrop for outdoor adventures. The park was established on the site of the now-submerged town of Waterbury, creating an intriguing blend of natural beauty and historic intrigue. Its extensive trail network includes paths for hiking and mountain biking. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species, while the reservoir itself is ideal for boating and fishing. During the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. With its rich history and varied landscape, Little River State Park is a serene retreat for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Little River State Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Waterbury Reservoir✦ Moose and bear sightings✦ Historic remains of the town of Waterbury✦ Cross-country skiing trails in winter
Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Little River State Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Little River State Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Little River State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Little River State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Little River State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Little River State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Little River State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Little River State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Little River State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Little River 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 Little River State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day use fees apply; camping fees additional.

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 Little River State Park

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

Little River Campground

Located near the reservoir with easy access to trails, offering both tent and RV sites.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Little River State Park

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

Fayston, Vermont
⌖ 8.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fayston, Vermont

Fayston, Vermont offers peaceful mountain adventures from hiking and biking to classic New England skiing. Visitors will enjoy tranquil forests, scenic paddling, and a welcoming small-town feel year-round.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Stowe, Vermont
⌖ 9.02 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
Berlin, Vermont
⌖ 12.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Berlin, Vermont

Berlin, Vermont is a peaceful town offering easy hiking, paddling on the Winooski River, and quiet winter trails. Perfect for travelers seeking a calm, nature-focused getaway with seasonal outdoor activities.

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

Huntington, Vermont

Huntington, VT is a charming village perfect for nature enthusiasts. With fantastic hiking in Camel's Hump State Park and scenic trails for skiing and biking, it's a hidden gem for outdoor adventures.

Fall
Explore Town
Richmond, Vermont
⌖ 13.25 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
Northfield, Vermont
⌖ 13.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Northfield, Vermont

Northfield offers outdoor lovers a mix of hiking, paddling, and winter sports amid Vermont’s rolling hills and rivers. Its quiet trails and scenic waterways provide year-round adventure in a small-town setting.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Little River State Park

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

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
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