Picture taking from one of the sites at Little River State Park
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Little River State Park Waterbury Vermont

4.6
·394 reviews·Waterbury, United States

Discover Vermont's natural beauty and history at Little River State Park, featuring Waterbury Reservoir, ghost village ruins, and scenic trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer weekdays

Peaceful reservoir, easy parking

CrowdLow
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Picture taking from one of the sites at Little River State Park

Little River State Park Waterbury Vermont

Best Time

Summer weekdays

Peaceful reservoir, easy parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Vermont's natural beauty and history at Little River State Park, featuring Waterbury Reservoir, ghost village ruins, and scenic trails.

4.6
(394 reviews)

"Vermont State parks are top notch, and Little River is no exception! Stunning views of the lake and mountains."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Secure Paddle-Up Campsites

Arrive early, especially Fridays, for first-come, first-served paddle-up sites on Waterbury Reservoir. ⛺

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Ghost Village

Wander through the historic Ricker Basin ruins, a unique glimpse into the past. 👻

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waterbury Reservoir

Waterbury Reservoir

Central feature of the park

A stunning lake offering boating, fishing, swimming, and breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for a peaceful escape.

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Ricker Basin Ghost Village

Ricker Basin Ghost Village

Various locations within the park

Discover the hauntingly beautiful ruins of a 1927 flood-ravaged community. A unique historical exploration.

Instagram
Universally Accessible Trail

Universally Accessible Trail

Designated paths

Enjoy nature on this flat, easy-to-navigate trail, ensuring everyone can experience the park's beauty.

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Mountain Biking Trails

Mountain Biking Trails

Various trail networks

Explore a network of trails suitable for various skill levels, offering scenic rides through the Vermont landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Reservoir Access & Paddle-Up Sites

Waterbury Reservoir offers unique paddle-up campsites. These are first-come, first-served, so arriving early, especially on a Friday, is crucial for securing a spot. Plan your put-in point and be prepared for potential crowds during peak times. Reddit

Ghost Village History & Trails

Explore the remnants of Ricker Basin, a former farming community devastated by the 1927 flood. The park features accessible trails, including a Universally Accessible Trail, perfect for enjoying the natural beauty and historical significance. Instagram+2

Best Times

When
Summer weekdays
Why
Peaceful reservoir, easy parking
Crowd
Low
When
Friday mornings
Why
Secure paddle-up sites
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Fall foliage beauty
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#floridasprings #littleriversprings rating this florida spring to see if you should visit it. the clarity of the water was clear and blue. the spring itself is beautiful.
@beautifulflorida
2.3K likes • 59.8K views

🎯 Secure Paddle-Up Campsites

Arrive early, especially Fridays, for first-come, first-served paddle-up sites on Waterbury Reservoir. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Ghost Village

Wander through the historic Ricker Basin ruins, a unique glimpse into the past. Instagram 👻

The @bike_mamba - @onionriveroutdoors Tuesday Night Ride heads to Little River State Park in Waterbury tonight! We’ll split into Mild-Medium-Spicy smaller groups per usual and enjoy the flow of this awesome @watavt network! Give yourself a little extra commute time as Little River Rd is always a bit longer than you think, speeds should be kept slow out of respect for the homes along the road, and ...
bike_mamba
18 likes • 1.5K views
Come along with us for a day spent in a Vermont State Park! We started the day exploring campsites at Little River State Parks and ended with a boat ride on Waterbury Reservoir over to Waterbury Center State Park. Thank you @vtstateparks for an unforgettable day. 🌲 🌼 🛶 🎣 #skidavida #vermontparks
skidagram
854 likes • 13.9K views

🚲 Bike the Trails

Enjoy the flow of the @watavt network for a great biking experience. Instagram :mountain_bicyclist:

🛶 Kayak/SUP Rentals

Rent newer, well-maintained kayaks and SUPs for a fun day on the reservoir. Instagram 🛶

Nature is for everyone, especially flat trails through ghost villages ✨ One of the most underrated trail networks is hiding at Little River State Park. This massive park is tucked in the mountains along Waterbury Reservoir. This region was a thriving farm community until the 1927 Flood. Thanks to the Waterbury Dam, now it’s an accessible rec center with miles of trails through the ghost village. ...
vermontforreal
1.1K likes • 34K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Secure Paddle-Up Campsites

Arrive early, especially Fridays, for first-come, first-served paddle-up sites on Waterbury Reservoir. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Ghost Village

Wander through the historic Ricker Basin ruins, a unique glimpse into the past. Instagram 👻

🚲 Bike the Trails

Enjoy the flow of the @watavt network for a great biking experience. Instagram :mountain_bicyclist:

🛶 Kayak/SUP Rentals

Rent newer, well-maintained kayaks and SUPs for a fun day on the reservoir. Instagram 🛶

♿ Accessible Nature Walks

The Universally Accessible Trail is perfect for everyone to enjoy the park's scenery. Instagram

🧼 Clean Campsites & Facilities

Expect clean sites and updated bathrooms with warm showers, though some older facilities exist. Reddit+1 🚿

What Travellers Say

4.6
(394 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Little River State Park for its clean, well-maintained facilities, including updated bathrooms and comfortable cabins. The beautiful Waterbury Reservoir and the unique historical ghost village are major highlights, offering a peaceful and engaging experience. While some older park facilities exist, the overall atmosphere is serene and enjoyable, making it a top-rated Vermont State Park.

"Little River State Park, our campsite was located above Waterbury Reservoir with a broken view through the trees, a big man-made lake in the area. It has very nice campsites we had number 5. The showers were OK a little old, but the water was warm. The staff was nice and helpful. We went on a wonderful 6 mile hike from our campsite up along the creek then cutting across a spur trail due to a trail closure and then down a trail/ the road. On the way up there were 15 different poems posted along the trail. They were all beautiful poems about the area by local poets and even some famous pieces. The road trail had history markers along it. Had dinner, built a fire, and just enjoyed the out of doors."

The Dawleys

"Friendly, helpful staff and excellent accommodations ! The entire place was clean and beautiful. We stayed in a cabin which was comfortable and quiet. Very nice !
Went for a six mile hike and I didn't see a single piece of trash anywhere in the campground or on the Stevenson trail ! So nice to have that where there has been no trace of man. Rented kayaks for the afternoon and the equipment was newer and in great condition. Cost of the getaway was very reasonable !
You will love it here ! Everyone was quiet and pleasant in the campground. No radio noise, and only one barking dog for an hour or so. Relaxed around the fire to the sound of bullfrogs and woke up to the sound of a loon on the water. Even had a chipmunk visit and snag a piece of cheese popcorn 😁 Exquisite !"

Aaron Gauthier

"Nice mostly level sites. Beautiful Reservoir! Bathrooms are like all Maine State Parks - Old Antiquated, but full blast warm water. Could knock off 1 Star, but so what is a perfect shower worth? The MTB in Stowe is the best, and here also decent to good"

Edward Bloom

What People Like

Clean and updated facilities
Beautiful reservoir views
Unique historical sites

What People Dislike

Some older park facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Little River State Park is located in Waterbury, Vermont, accessible via Little River Road. Be aware that Little River Road can sometimes take longer than expected, so allow extra travel time. Instagram

Yes, parking is generally available, and even on summer weekdays, it's often easy to find a spot at the Waterbury Reservoir. Reddit

Public transport options to Little River State Park are limited. It's best to travel by car. Instagram

Roads leading to the park are generally well-maintained, but Little River Road can be winding and may take longer than anticipated. Instagram

While specific entrance fees can vary, Vermont State Parks generally have day-use fees. Camping fees apply for overnight stays. Check the official Vermont State Parks website for current pricing. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

For regular campsites, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. However, the popular paddle-up sites on Waterbury Reservoir are first-come, first-served. Reddit

State parks typically have dawn-to-dusk hours for day use, while campgrounds operate 24/7 for registered campers. It's best to check the official Vermont State Parks website for specific hours of operation for facilities like the boat launch. Instagram

Vermont State Parks may offer discounts for certain groups or through multi-day passes. Inquire directly with the park or check their official website for details. Reddit

Absolutely! Little River State Park is a great destination for day trips, offering hiking, swimming, and reservoir access. InstagramReddit

Generally, pets are allowed in Vermont State Parks but must be leashed and are often restricted from swimming areas or specific facilities. Always check the park's specific pet policy before your visit. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy hiking, biking on dedicated trails, swimming, fishing, and boating on Waterbury Reservoir. Kayak and SUP rentals are available. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, the park offers various hiking trails, including the accessible Universally Accessible Trail and trails around the reservoir and through historical areas. Instagram+1

Swimming is permitted in designated areas of Waterbury Reservoir. The water is generally clear and refreshing during the summer months. TikTok

Campsites are generally clean and mostly level. The park offers updated bathrooms with single-stall showers, though some older facilities may still be present. Reddit+1

Yes, fishing is a popular activity on Waterbury Reservoir. Ensure you have the appropriate Vermont fishing license. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Little River State Park does not have on-site restaurants. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for picnics or to prepare at your campsite. The nearby town of Waterbury offers dining options. Reddit

Campfires are typically allowed in designated fire rings at campsites, provided there are no fire bans in effect. Always check current regulations. Reddit

Yes, the park usually has designated picnic areas with tables, perfect for a day trip. Instagram

Waterbury, VT, offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to breweries and restaurants, catering to different tastes. Reddit

There are grocery stores in the town of Waterbury, making it convenient to stock up on supplies before heading into the park. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Waterbury Reservoir offers stunning lake and mountain vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Ricker Basin ruins also provide unique photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

The park's natural setting makes it a potential spot for wildlife photography. Keep an eye out for birds, chipmunks, and other local fauna. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow on the reservoir and mountains. Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted in state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check the specific park regulations regarding drone operation. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive reservoir views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Instagram

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Little River State Park Waterbury Vermont (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide