Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina

- 937 W Shore Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769

Introduction / Overview

For Vermonters seeking an accessible and comprehensive lakeside escape, Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina on the shores of Lake Dunmore in Salisbury, VT, is truly a must-visit destination. This property offers a unique blend of rugged outdoor camping, comfortable lodging, and full recreational access to one of the region’s most beautiful bodies of water. More than just a campground, Waterhouses operates as a full-service retreat, catering to every style of visitor, from the tent camper to the family looking for a luxurious suite.

The atmosphere here is a perfect embodiment of the friendly Vermont spirit. Visitors consistently rave about the genuinely friendly staff and the clean, well-maintained facilities. As one satisfied customer noted after a delightful lunch on the patio, the service was "prompt and friendly," highlighting the hospitality that underpins the entire operation. Another reviewer praised the "clean restrooms and good camping spots," along with the "gorgeous" beach on the lake, establishing Waterhouses as a reliable and high-quality destination. Situated at the foot of Sunset Hill and embracing a substantial tract of wooded land, it offers privacy, serenity, and endless recreational possibilities, making it a beloved institution on Lake Dunmore.

Location and Accessibility

Waterhouses is located on the picturesque west shore of Lake Dunmore at 937 W Shore Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of Vermont’s recreational corridor, making it an easy drive for residents across the state. It sits conveniently just south of Middlebury and north of Rutland, two key Vermont towns, offering access to local amenities, historic sites, and cultural attractions without sacrificing the tranquility of a lakeside retreat.

The property is nestled at the foot of Sunset Hill, providing stunning views and access to 160 acres of woods and hills for hiking and exploring. Importantly for Vermonters, this location is a fantastic base camp for accessing the vast Green Mountain National Forest and nearby Branbury State Park. The ease of access, combined with its direct water frontage on Lake Dunmore, means you spend less time driving and more time enjoying the beautiful natural landscape. While the entrance may sneak up on you if approaching from the north, a slight slowdown is a small price to pay for the natural beauty that awaits.

Services Offered

• Diverse Camping Options: The campground features 86 sites, including grassy, wooded, and riverfront locations, accommodating everything from tents and pop-ups to trailers and RVs, including some spacious open sites for larger Class A RVs and fifth wheels.
• Essential Utility Hookups: All campsites are equipped with water and electric hookups (30/20/15 Amp), ensuring comfort and convenience for all campers. It should be noted that sites do not currently include septic hookups, but a free dump station is available on-premises for guest use.
• Year-Round Lodging: Beyond camping, Waterhouses offers five full-service suites, including units in the original 1876 farmhouse and newly added cabins with private decks, all available for rent throughout the year.
• Dining and Refreshments: Paddlers Pub, a full-service bar and restaurant, is located right at the Marina, offering great food, drinks, and a delightful outdoor patio with views of the lake—a feature highly recommended by visitors.
• Marina Services: The on-site marina provides seasonal and transient boat dockage, boat rentals (pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats), and a gas pump for fueling boats or jetskis on the water.
• Clean Comfort Facilities: Multiple strategically located bathroom and shower facilities are distributed throughout the campground, consistently reported by guests as clean and well-maintained.
• Camp Store: A convenient Summer Camp Store is stocked with essentials, including fishing supplies, snacks, ice cream, beer, wine, and basic dry goods.

Features / Highlights

• Private Lake Dunmore Beach and Island: Guests enjoy direct access to a gorgeous beach area on Lake Dunmore, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, along with access to a unique private island and an adjacent picnic area.
• Paddlers Pub Lakeside Dining: Having a popular, highly-reviewed restaurant with outdoor patio seating directly on the property is a major highlight, offering a convenient and scenic spot for lunch, dinner, and cocktails after a day on the lake.
• On-Site Hiking and Panoramic Views: Guests have 160 acres of land, known as Sunset Hill, behind the campground to explore via hiking and mountain biking trails. The secluded "Hideaway" cabin on the hill offers some of the best private, panoramic views in the state.
• Water Activity Hub: The historic marina (operating since 1876) makes Waterhouses a true water sports hub, providing boat rentals and dockage that make it incredibly easy for any guest to get out and enjoy the lake.
• Variety in Stay Experience: The range of lodging, from basic tent sites to modern, full-service apartment suites and a private cabin, means that Waterhouses can accommodate every budget and preference, from rustic camping to resort-style relaxation.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: The campground is an ideal staging area for exploring Addison County, with Middlebury College, the historic town of Middlebury, and Branbury State Park all just a short drive away.

Contact Information

Address: 937 W Shore Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA

Phone: (802) 352-4433

Mobile Phone: +1 802-352-4433

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For those living in Vermont, Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina on Lake Dunmore is the quintessential local retreat. Its comprehensive offering—encompassing camping, lodging, a marina, and dining—means you don’t need to travel far or switch locations to satisfy your entire family’s vacation wishes. It eliminates the need for extensive travel planning; everything you need for a weekend or a week is available right on-site. The dual presence of the rustic campground and the modern, year-round suites also makes it suitable for Vermont residents looking for a comfortable staycation at any time of year.

Furthermore, the campground is a crucial part of the local community, operating with the characteristic friendliness and high standard of maintenance that Vermonters expect. The direct access to Lake Dunmore, coupled with the opportunity to hike the adjacent Sunset Hill, perfectly encapsulates the active, nature-centric lifestyle of the Green Mountain State. It’s an ideal place to spend quality time outdoors, support a local business with deep historical roots, and enjoy the pristine environment of Addison County without leaving your home state, making it a reliable and beloved choice for the local community.

Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina

937 W Shore Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA