Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina

Are you dreaming of a quintessential Vermont getaway, whether it's a family camping adventure, a tranquil lakeside retreat, or an exciting boating excursion? Look no further than Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina in Salisbury, Vermont. This multifaceted destination offers a unique blend of accommodation options, recreational activities, and convenient access to the stunning Lake Dunmore, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. It's a place where the charm of Vermont's natural beauty meets the comfort and amenities needed for a memorable stay.

Waterhouses is much more than just a campground; it’s a comprehensive lakeside experience. While it’s recognized as a large campground for Vermont, particularly catering to RVs, families, and seasonal renters, its offerings extend far beyond traditional camping. With dedicated lodging options, a full-service marina, and even an on-site pub, Waterhouses provides a diverse range of opportunities for relaxation and adventure. This makes it an ideal choice for various types of travelers, from those pitching a tent to those seeking the comforts of a suite or bringing their own RV.

The spirit of Waterhouses is deeply rooted in its picturesque location on Lake Dunmore, at the foot of Sunset Hill. The property has a rich history, with the marina established way back in 1876, reflecting a long-standing tradition of welcoming guests to this beautiful part of Vermont. While it's certainly a lively spot, with the background noises of families and dogs, which contributes to a vibrant "little neighborhood feel," it's also a place where you can create lasting memories, explore the outdoors, and enjoy the unique charm of a Vermont lakeside community. We understand that choosing the right spot for your next adventure or relaxing stay is important, and we're here to give you a comprehensive overview of what makes Waterhouses a standout destination in Vermont.

This article will delve into the specifics of Waterhouses, covering its prime location and accessibility, the wide array of services offered, its unique features and highlights, any promotions you might find, and how to get in touch. We aim to provide clear, factual information to help you plan your perfect Vermont escape, whether it's for a weekend or a whole season.

Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina is perfectly situated at 937 W Shore Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA. This prime location places it directly across the road from the pristine Lake Dunmore, offering incredibly convenient access to its waters and a short walk to the private beach. Salisbury, Vermont, is a charming town nestled in Addison County, providing a beautiful natural backdrop for your stay while still being accessible to nearby towns and attractions.

The campground's location is highly accessible, making it a convenient destination for Vermont residents and those traveling from out of state. It's just a short drive from major routes, approximately 7 miles south of Middlebury and 27 miles north of Rutland. This positioning allows for easy travel to and from the campground. The road to Waterhouses leads directly to Lake Dunmore, ensuring that your arrival is as scenic as your stay.

Beyond the immediate lakeside access, Waterhouses' location is ideal for exploring the wider Vermont landscape. It's incredibly close to Branbury State Park and the Silver Lake trail(s), offering immediate opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and enjoying Vermont’s renowned outdoor beauty. The large tract of land behind the camping area, including Sunset Hill, is available for hiking, exploring, and mountain biking, providing panoramic views of the Lake Champlain Valley and the Green Mountains. For those needing supplies or seeking dining experiences outside the campground, the charming town of Middlebury is just a short drive away, offering groceries, local shops, and a variety of restaurants. This combination of lakeside recreation, outdoor adventure, and nearby town amenities makes Waterhouses an exceptionally accessible and desirable location for a Vermont getaway.

Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to enhance your stay, whether you're camping, staying in lodging, or utilizing the marina. Here's a detailed look at what's available:

• Campsite Rentals: Offering 71 to 86 grassy, wooded, and riverfront sites for RVs, trailers, pop-ups, and tents. All campsites include water and electric hookups, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Seasonal rentals are also available for those wishing to stay longer.

• Lodging Options: Beyond camping, Waterhouses provides diverse lodging options available year-round. These include 5 full-service suites (Dunmore, Moosalamoo, Keewaydin, The Cabana, The Cottage) located in the historic farmhouse or beach house, offering amenities like full kitchens, private decks, and lake views. There's also "The Hideaway," a private cabin up Sunset Hill for a more secluded experience.

• Marina Services & Boat Rentals: The historic marina offers boat rentals including pontoon boats, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and paddle boats. Hourly and full-day rentals are available, and life jackets are included. There's also a gas pump on the dock for personal boats and jetskis, and boat slip rentals by the day, week, month, or seasonally.

• Private Beach Access: All guests have access to Waterhouses' private beach on Lake Dunmore, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the water. There's also a private island and picnic area for guests.

• Paddler's Pub: An on-site pub offering great food and drinks, with take-out options available. It's a convenient spot for a meal or a refreshing beverage after a day of activities.

• Camp Store: A well-stocked Summer Camp Store provides essentials like beer, wine, snacks, milk, ice cream, eggs, cheese, basic dry goods, beach toys, and fishing supplies, ensuring you have what you need without leaving the property.

• Bathroom and Shower Facilities: Fairly nice bathrooms with showers are scattered throughout the campground, well-maintained and easily accessible from most sites.

• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on premises for RV and trailer campers, often with a free dump included for stays of two nights to one week.

• Pet-Friendly Environment: Pets are welcome in the campground and lodging, though they must be leashed at all times. Dogs are allowed through the beach area only if riding on a boat.

• Hiking & Biking Trails: A large tract of land behind the camping area is available for hiking, exploring, and mountain biking, including trails up Sunset Hill with panoramic views.

• Wi-Fi Access: Available in lodging suites, enhancing connectivity for guests.

Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina boasts a multitude of features that make it a standout destination in Vermont. These highlights contribute to the overall positive experience and explain why it garners recommendations from its visitors:

• Premier Lake Dunmore Access: Directly across from the road, the campground offers immediate and private access to Lake Dunmore, including a dedicated beach area. This proximity to the lake is a major draw, allowing for easy swimming, boating, and enjoying the water right at your doorstep. The beautiful lake is frequently mentioned by returning campers.

• Diverse Accommodation Options: Unlike many campgrounds, Waterhouses offers a wide array of choices beyond just RV and tent sites. The availability of fully equipped suites and a secluded cabin ("The Hideaway") means that various preferences and group sizes can be accommodated, from rustic campers to those desiring more luxurious lodging. This versatility makes it appealing for different types of vacations or long-term stays.

• Full-Service Marina: The on-site marina provides a significant convenience, offering boat rentals (pontoon, fishing, kayaks, canoes, SUPs, paddle boats) and a gas pump. This eliminates the need to transport or rent watercraft elsewhere, maximizing time spent on the water.

• On-Site Amenities (Paddler's Pub & Camp Store): Having a pub and a well-stocked camp store directly on the property is a major convenience. Paddler's Pub offers delicious food and drinks, while the store ensures campers have access to essentials, snacks, and even fishing supplies without leaving the grounds. This enhances the self-contained nature of the resort.

• Family and RV-Friendly Atmosphere: The campground is large for Vermont and appears to cater well to RVs, families, and seasonal renters. The "little neighborhood feel" with kids riding bikes and natural divisions between sites in wooded areas contributes to a comfortable and engaging family environment. Despite being lively, the positive reviews suggest a generally harmonious atmosphere.

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Multiple reviews commend the cleanliness of the bathrooms and shower buildings, noting they are "very clean and well taken care of." This attention to hygiene and maintenance significantly enhances the comfort level for campers.

• Proximity to Outdoor Adventures: Its location near Branbury State Park and the Silver Lake trail(s), combined with a large tract of land behind the campground for hiking and mountain biking, provides abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore Vermont's natural beauty. The panoramic views from Sunset Hill are a particular highlight.

• Helpful and Kind Staff: The staff at the desk, noted for check-ins, rentals, and camp store runs, are described as "kind and helpful." Positive interactions with staff can greatly improve a visitor's experience and contribute to a welcoming environment.

Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina offers several structured rate incentives and seasonal options that function as ongoing promotions or special offers for their guests. While not always termed "promotions," these provide consistent value for various lengths of stay:

• Weekly Site Discount: For campers, if you pay for six nights, your seventh night is free. This provides a direct discount for those planning a week-long camping trip.

  • Tents: $264 for a week (vs. $44/night)

  • Pop-ups: $294 for a week (vs. $49/night)

  • RV (under 30′): $334 for a week (vs. $54/night)

  • RV (over 30′): $354 for a week (vs. $59/night)

• Monthly Site Rates: Significant discounts are offered for longer monthly stays, with varying rates depending on the season (pre/post-peak vs. peak summer months). These rates offer considerable savings compared to daily or weekly bookings for extended visits.

• Seasonal Site Rentals: Waterhouses caters to seasonal campers, offering dedicated rates for stays from Memorial Day Weekend to Columbus Day. This is ideal for those who want a consistent base throughout the warmer months in Vermont.

• Free Dump Station Access: Campers who stay 2 nights to one week receive one free dump at the on-premises dump station, providing a practical amenity at no additional cost.

• Suite & Lodge Long-Term Rates: For their lodging options (suites and The Hideaway cabin), Waterhouses offers discounted rates for longer off-season stays (e.g., 3-month minimums), making them attractive for extended getaways or temporary relocation.

• Family Beach Pass: While there's a day entry fee for beach access ($4/person), families can opt for a Family Pass ($150 for 2 parents & 2 kids under 18, with additional family members at $25 each, up to 6 total), offering savings for frequent beachgoers throughout the season.

• Overnight Slip Inclusion: Overnight boat slip rentals ($25/night) include a 1-day beach pass, adding value for boaters.

• Monthly/Seasonal Slip Inclusions: Monthly slip rentals include 2-day beach passes, and seasonal slips include 2 adult & 2 children (under 18) passes, further integrating marina and beach benefits.

It's important to note that specific holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day) often require a minimum 2 or 3-night stay and may have non-refundable policies. Always check their official website or contact them directly for the most current rates and any specific terms and conditions.

For those interested in learning more about Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina, or to make a reservation for camping, lodging, or boat rentals, please use the following contact information:

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

• Phone: (802) 352-4433

• Mobile Phone: +1 802-352-4433

• Email: info@waterhouses.com

• Website: waterhouses.com (Highly recommended for detailed rates, photos, and online inquiries)

The office hours are typically: Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm, Friday-Saturday: 8:00am - 7:00pm, and Sunday: 8:00am - 5:00pm. It's advisable to check their website or call ahead for the most current operating hours, especially during off-peak seasons. We encourage prospective guests to connect directly to discuss specific needs and to ensure the best possible experience at Waterhouses.

For individuals and families across Vermont, and particularly those in the Addison County region, Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination. Its unique combination of features caters directly to the desires of local users seeking outdoor recreation, family-friendly environments, and convenient access to Vermont's natural treasures.

Firstly, its prime location on Lake Dunmore is a significant draw. Vermonters cherish their access to lakes and mountains, and Waterhouses delivers this perfectly. With a private beach, marina, and proximity to Branbury State Park and hiking trails, it provides immediate opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and exploring the Green Mountains. This direct access to beloved natural assets makes it a go-to spot for weekend getaways or even extended seasonal stays without extensive travel.

Secondly, Waterhouses truly embodies a family-friendly atmosphere with diverse options. While it can be lively with the sounds of children and dogs, this is often seen as a sign of a vibrant, welcoming community – a "little neighborhood feel" that many Vermont families appreciate. The variety of accommodations, from RV sites with electric and water hookups to comfortable suites and a secluded cabin, means that families of all sizes and preferences can find their ideal setup. Parents can relax knowing their kids are enjoying the outdoors, often riding bikes safely around the park.

Lastly, the convenience of on-site amenities significantly enhances the local experience. The presence of Paddler's Pub for meals, a well-stocked camp store for essentials, and readily available boat rentals simplifies a vacation. This means less planning and more time enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The helpful and kind staff further contributes to a stress-free and enjoyable stay, making it easy for locals to return year after year and feel truly welcomed.

In conclusion, Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina is more than just a place to stay; it's a comprehensive recreational hub perfectly suited for the Vermont lifestyle. With its unparalleled lake access, flexible accommodation, numerous on-site conveniences, and a vibrant community atmosphere, it stands out as an ideal choice for any Vermonter seeking a memorable and convenient escape into the heart of the state’s natural beauty. Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a tent camper, or just looking for a cozy lakeside lodging, Waterhouses offers a slice of Vermont paradise ready to be explored.

Waterhouses: Lodging, Campground & Marina

937 W Shore Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA