Waterbury Center State Park

Available Activities

Hiking
Swimming
Fishing
Boating

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

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

Last updated: May 3, 2026