You’re driving through Waterbury, likely thinking about Ben & Jerry’s or where to grab a heady topper at The Alchemist, and you see the sign. Little River State Park VT. It looks like any other green-space marker on a Vermont backroad. But honestly? If you just keep driving, you’re missing out on what is arguably the most eerie, beautiful, and historically dense patch of woods in the entire Green Mountain State.
It’s weird.
Most people think of state parks as just a place to pitch a tent or launch a kayak. Little River is different because it’s a graveyard of a town that didn't want to die. Back in the 1800s, this wasn't a "park." It was a bustling community of fifty-odd families carving a life out of rocky, stubborn soil. Then the 1927 flood happened. The state decided to build the Waterbury Dam to keep the town of Waterbury from drowning again, and basically, the mountain people had to go.
Now, the forest is taking it all back.
Why Little River State Park VT Isn't Your Average Campground
If you're looking for a manicured experience, go elsewhere. This place is rugged. The park sits on the shores of the Waterbury Reservoir, which is the "star" of the show for most summer visitors, but the real soul of the place is in the "Ricker Basin" and "Cotton Brook" areas.
Walk deep enough into the woods and you’ll start seeing things.
Stone walls. They’re everywhere. You'll be half a mile from any modern road and stumble across a perfectly laid mossy stone wall that used to mark someone's cow pasture in 1860. It’s quiet. The kind of quiet that makes you wonder if you’re being watched by the ghosts of the Ricker family. They were the big names around here back in the day.
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The Ghost Town Factor
The Stevenson Brook Trail and the Ricker Basin Trail are basically outdoor museums. But without the glass cases. You’ll find old cellar holes—the literal foundations of homes—where families once sat around fires. There’s a cemetery, too. The Ricker Cemetery is tiny, isolated, and incredibly humbling. Seeing the headstones of children who died in the 1800s really puts your "no cell service" complaints into perspective.
Sometimes you'll even find old farm machinery. Just rusting away. An old rake or a piece of a thresher half-swallowed by a maple tree. It’s a literal manifestation of nature winning.
The Waterbury Reservoir: The "Modern" Side
Okay, let’s talk about the water. Because if you aren't a history nerd, this is why you're here. The reservoir is massive. It covers about 850 acres.
It’s one of the few places in Vermont where you can get a true "big water" feel without the chaos of Lake Champlain. Because much of the shoreline is protected state park land, you aren't looking at a wall of mansions. You’re looking at trees. Miles of them.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: There are boat rentals right on site. If you have your own, even better.
- Remote Camping: This is the pro move. There are remote sites accessible only by boat. You load your gear, paddle out, and you’re basically alone.
- Fishing: People pull some decent smallmouth bass out of here. Also trout.
The water level fluctuates. Keep that in mind. Since it’s a man-made reservoir controlled by a dam, sometimes the "beaches" are huge and sandy, and other times the water is right up to the treeline. It depends on the season and how much rain we’ve had.
Survival Tips for the Disorganized Traveler
Don't just show up in July and expect a spot. Little River State Park VT is one of the most popular parks in the system.
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The campsites are spread out, which is nice. You aren't literally sleeping on top of your neighbor like at some of the private RV parks near the interstate. There are lean-tos, which are the classic Vermont camping experience—basically a three-sided wooden shed. They’re great when it rains, and in Vermont, it always rains eventually.
Bring bug spray. No, seriously. More than you think you need. The mosquitoes near the reservoir don't play around, and the ticks in the high grass of the old orchards are legendary. Check yourself. Check your dog. Check your kids.
What People Get Wrong About the Hiking
People see "nature trail" and think it’s a flat walk in the woods.
It’s not.
The terrain here is "Vermont flat," which means it’s constantly up and down over roots and rocks. The Dalley Loop is a solid 5-mile trek that takes you past most of the cool historical sites. It’s a moderate hike, but if you’re carrying a heavy pack or you’re out of shape, it’ll kick your butt. The elevation gain isn't massive, but the footing is tricky.
Also, the trail markings can be a bit... subtle. Pay attention. It’s easy to get distracted by an old cellar hole and wander off-path.
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The Wildlife Situation
You might see a bear. It happens. This is deep woods, despite being relatively close to Waterbury and Stowe. Most of the bears are shy and just want your granola bars, so keep a clean camp. Lock your food in your car. Don't be that person who leaves a cooler out and then acts surprised when a black bear decides to have a midnight snack.
Loons are the soundtrack here. If you’ve never heard a loon call across a misty lake at 5:00 AM, you haven't lived. It’s haunting. It fits the vibe of the ghost town perfectly.
Nuance and Reality: It’s Not All Sunshine
Let's be real for a second. Little River can get crowded. On a holiday weekend, the main beach area feels a bit like a parking lot. If you want the "wilderness" experience, you have to work for it. You have to hike the miles or paddle the miles.
The weather is also fickle. You’re in a valley between mountains. Clouds get trapped here. I’ve seen it be sunny in downtown Waterbury and pouring rain at the Little River boat launch. Pack a raincoat. Always.
And if you’re looking for a party spot? This isn't it. The rangers are pretty on top of the quiet hours. It’s a family-heavy park. People come here to escape the noise, not bring it with them.
How to Actually Experience Little River State Park VT
If you want to do this right, don't just come for a few hours.
- Book a lean-to in the "A" or "B" loop. These give you a bit more of that traditional forest feel.
- Rent a boat early. By 11:00 AM on a Saturday, the rental line is long and the best boats are gone.
- Do the history hike. Even if you hate history. Standing in the middle of a forest where a schoolhouse used to be is a trippy experience that changes how you look at the Vermont landscape.
- Visit in the Fall. Everyone goes to Stowe for the leaves, which means Stowe is a nightmare. Little River has the same maples but half the people. The contrast of the orange leaves against the blue reservoir water is... well, it’s why people move here.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip, your first move is to check the Vermont State Parks reservation website. Sites at Little River State Park VT book up months in advance for peak weekends.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is spotty at best once you get past the park gate. Use AllTrails or Gaia GPS and download the Ricker Basin area maps before you leave home.
- Check the Dam Status: If you're bringing a boat, look at the Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation website for Waterbury Reservoir water levels. Low water can make the boat launches a muddy mess.
- Pack for "The Gap": There is a significant temperature drop at night in this valley. Even if it’s 80 degrees during the day, it can dip into the 50s at night. Bring layers.
Go for the history, stay for the water, and don't forget to look for the stone walls. They tell a better story than any guidebook ever could.