🌤 Weather at Waterbury Center State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19–65 °F | 53–77 °F | 28–68 °F | 8–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Worcester 2 W, 7 mi away, elevation 1,360 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Vermont’s Peninsula Reservoir Beach — 850-Acre Waterbury Reservoir, Swimming Beach, Boat Ramp & Rentals, Accessible Fishing Platforms, 27 Remote Paddle-To Campsites & Concessions on Mount Mansfield State Forest
Waterbury Center State Park is a 90-acre day-use park on a peninsula extending into the 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir within Mount Mansfield State Forest in Waterbury Center, Vermont. The park features a swimming beach (with beach wheelchair), a trailer boat ramp, boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, SUPs), two universally accessible fishing platforms, a packed stone-dust accessible shoreline trail, picnic sites with charcoal grills, concessions, restrooms, and access to 27 remote paddle-to-only campsites along the reservoir shoreline.
Waterbury Center State Park occupies a scenic peninsula jutting into the 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir, surrounded by the forested slopes of Mount Mansfield State Forest. The park uniquely combines full day-use amenities (beach, boat ramp, concessions) with access to 27 remote, paddle-to-only campsites scattered along the reservoir’s undeveloped shoreline — creating both a family beach destination and a backcountry paddling adventure. The universally accessible shoreline trail and two accessible fishing platforms make this one of Vermont’s most inclusive state parks. The reservoir supports rainbow trout, perch, and bullhead fishing. Nearby Little River State Park offers traditional drive-in camping.
Things to Do
Swimming
- Designated swimming beach
- Beach wheelchair available
- No lifeguards
Boating
- Trailer boat ramp: Full-size boats welcome
- Boat rentals: Canoes, kayaks, SUPs (until Labor Day)
- 850-acre reservoir
Fishing
- Rainbow trout, perch, bullhead
- Two universally accessible fishing platforms
- Vermont fishing license required
Remote Camping
- 27 remote, paddle-to-only campsites: Along the reservoir shoreline
- Reservable online
- Privies at sites — no potable water
Hiking & Trails
- Accessible shoreline trail: Packed stone dust, universally accessible
- Nature trail
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Day-Use Area | 90-acre peninsula |
| Reservoir | Waterbury Reservoir — 850 acres |
| Swimming | Beach with beach wheelchair |
| Boat Ramp | Trailer ramp |
| Boat Rentals | Canoes, kayaks, SUPs (seasonal) |
| Fishing Platforms | 2 universally accessible |
| Remote Campsites | 27 paddle-to-only (reservable) |
| Concessions | Available seasonally |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Accessibility | Beach wheelchair, accessible trail, fishing platforms |
| Nearby Camping | Little River State Park (drive-in) |
| Address | 177 Reservoir Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677 |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Warm swimming; all rentals; concessions open; longest days; paddle camping | Busy weekends; arrive early; day-use fees |
| Early Summer (Jun) | Opening; uncrowded; water warming; fishing; green mountains | Cool water early; services opening |
| Fall (Sep) | Fall foliage; quiet reservoir; cool paddling; photography | Services closing; water cooling; shorter days |
| Spring (May) | Opening weekend; trout fishing; birding; spring flowers | Cold water; limited services; variable weather |
Visitor Tips
- Paddle-to campsites: The 27 remote campsites are accessible only by canoe, kayak, or SUP — reserve online in advance.
- Remote sites: Privies but no potable water at paddle-to sites — bring all water.
- Accessibility: This is one of Vermont’s most ADA-accessible parks — beach wheelchair, accessible fishing platforms, and stone-dust shoreline trail.
- Boat rentals: Canoes, kayaks, and SUPs available — no need to bring your own.
- Little River SP: For drive-in camping, head to nearby Little River State Park on the same reservoir.
- Concessions: Food and drinks available seasonally — rare for a Vermont state park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Waterbury Center SP — on Waterbury Reservoir. Loons nest on the lake. Views of Mount Mansfield and Camel’s Hump are stunning.
Nearby Attractions
Waterbury — nearby. Ben & Jerry’s — 5 miles south.
Can you camp at Waterbury Center State Park?
Waterbury Center State Park itself is a day-use area, but it provides access to 27 remote, paddle-to-only campsites along the 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir shoreline. These sites can be reserved online and include privies but no potable water — bring all water. For drive-in camping, nearby Little River State Park on the same reservoir offers traditional campgrounds. Waterbury Center SP features a swimming beach, trailer boat ramp, boat rentals, accessible fishing platforms, and concessions.
Is Waterbury Center State Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Waterbury Center State Park is one of Vermont’s most accessible state parks. It features a beach wheelchair for water access, two universally accessible fishing platforms, and a packed stone-dust shoreline trail suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices. The park is located on a 90-acre peninsula on the 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir within Mount Mansfield State Forest. Day-use facilities include a swimming beach, boat ramp, rentals, concessions, and restrooms.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Little River State Park is a short drive away, while Mt. Mansfield State Forest lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Waterbury Center State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash shorter than 10 ft required (or pet safely confined) at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches; limited exceptions let pets use the far side of the beach away from swim areas at Branbury, Lake Shaftsbury and Silver Lake
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins only (full list on the Vermont State Parks cabins page); cottages do not allow pets
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets allowed in picnic areas at Allis, Camp Plymouth, Elmore, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Mt. Philo, Osmore Pond and Owl's Head; at Camp Plymouth pets may swim only at the cartop boat launch; current rabies vaccination expected
Are dogs allowed at Waterbury Center State Park?
Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via vtstateparks.com. More: Vermont state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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