"Fishing"
One of the most productive trout water available in the lower section of the Otter Creek is right here on the banks of Rivers Bend Campground. The mouth of the New Haven River where it joins the Otter Creek is between two dams. You will find rainbow and brown trout in the aerated waters and excellent small mouth bass fishing just past the campground as the water warms.

Vermont's rivers are open to trout fishing from the second Sat. in April through the last Sunday in Oct. Resident and non-resident fishing licenses are available locally in Middlebury at Vermont Field Sports, Rte 7 South (phone-802-388-3572).back to top

"Hiking Trails abound!"
Hike to the top of Moosalamoo, Rattlesnake Cliff, the Falls of Lana and Silver Lake, which are the best-known highlights. But anyone looking for a nice yet isolated walk in the woods or a challenging hike can find it, whether along the rugged Long Trail or the well-groomed wide ski trails of Blueberry Hill or the new trail around Middlebury that can be accessed at the foot bridge crossing Otter Creek just south of the campground at Belden Falls. When you arrive for your stay, we will advise you on the best location to help you get just the right kind of hiking outing you are up for. back to top

"Horseback rides"
with Deb Mazza (802-758-9240). Deb combines the rural beauty of Vermont with her gentle esteem-building style of teaching to provide a truly memorable riding experience. Beginner to advanced riders, English or Western are encouraged to join in for a quality horse adventure. Individual attention, comfortable saddles, safe horses, and approved helmets for riders of all ages are Deb's trademarks. Plan a fun day and enjoy! back to top

"Mt. Bike"

Beautiful country riding

If your sport is to hit the trail, than you will enjoy the local trails and maybe even find yourself meeting up with some of the local Mt. bike enthusiasts. Trails in Snake Mt., Chipman Hill and the now well-known Silver Lake trails (mentioned in an issue of Outside Magazine as some of Vermont's best-kept biking secrets) will give you all the challenge even seasoned bikers will thrill to. Come camp at Rivers Bend Campground and make it your base to be relaxed after your daily adventure in the close-by mountains surrounding the Champlain Valley.

Two local bike shops are right here in Middlebury. Both have a friendly, enthusiastic staff and you will want to chat with them about trails best suited to your experience level. They are open and welcome giving out info that will make other bikers enjoy and where a smile while riding. Alpine Shop (802-388-7547) and Bike & Ski Touring Center (1-800-388-6666). back to top

"Bike touring"
Our whole area is full of wonderful road rides through rolling farmland and mountain roads. Whether you're looking for a challenging 50-mile ride through the Green Mountains or a leisurely loop through local towns, you will be in the right place. The famous Vermont Bicycle Touring Company got its start in Bristol, our neighboring town just north of our campground. We have maps available at our campground office that will be a good source of information for you when you hit the recommended loops for touring the area. You may want to guess where to go, but we will be happy to advise you on rides that will fit your ability. back to top

"Water sports"
The 4800' of river frontage at Rivers Bend gives you the opportunity to swim, canoe, kayak, and tube right from your riverbank campsite. The high water after heavy rains or during the spring season gives white water condition from the Belden Dam on the Otter Creek through a narrow gorge that opens to the confluence of the two rivers right at the campground frontage. Here you will find a good current, but during most of the camp season the water is canoeable. Swimming is great in our swimming hole that is right under the railroad trestle crossing the New Haven River. Kids and their adult (sometimes not so adult-looking) companions really get into tubing and splashing in the clear, crystal clean river. Moms, Dads, Uncles, Aunts and even Grandpas and Grandmas are seen relaxing with the children floating down the river. What fun!

If you stay long enough, you may want to enjoy a side trip to Lake Champlain and try scuba diving for ship wrecks, sailing a sailboat or maybe some wind surfing or water skiing. We will try to help you with connections to local guides or services to suit your needs. Just ask at the campground office. We will do our best to help you fill your vacation time doing what you want to most in the area. back to top

"Historical Sites"
Heritage and culture are part of the daily fabric of life here in Addison County. Historic architecture, wonderful museums and historic sites, musical and theatrical performances in area towns, and artistic exhibitions enrich both residents and visitors alike. More information available-just ask at the office-Chimney Point State Historic Site, DAR John Strong Mansion, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Middlebury College Center for the Arts and Museum of Art, Mount Independence State Historic Site, New England Maple Museum, Rokeby Museum, Sheldon Museum, Vermont Folklife Center, Shelburne Museum, Fort Ticonderoga, University of Vermont's Morgan Horse Farm

Along with some of these major historic sites in Addison County, we are also well known for our "covered bridges". The Pulp Mill Bridge, which spans the Otter Creek between Middlebury and Weybridge, is a favorite for visitors. The bridge is a two-lane wood-sided structure, the only two-lane covered bridge in the country that is still used daily.A second covered bridge in Middlebury can be found on Halpin Road, and Shoreham is the location of another historic bridge. Cornwall and Ferrisburgh (other neighboring towns) are also graced by the structures, which were painstakingly built.

Middlebury, just four miles south of the campground has the most historic sites in the county, and in many respects the town itself is a historic site. In the Downtown Historic District, The Middlebury Inn, the Charter House, the Congregational Church, Middlebury Community House, Beckwith Block, St. Stephen's Church, Battell Block, Painter House and Court Square offer examples of architectural integrity rarely seen today.

Middlebury College, an impressive liberal arts and language facility, make a tremendous contribution to the cultural and educational experiences here through their educational offerings to the general public. The college was founded in 1800 and is at the cutting edge of the arts world internationally, with vital programs in dance, theater, music, creative writing, and the visual arts. back to top

"Musical events"
in the county include the annual Vermont Symphony Orchestra's Pops Concert, sponsored by the Sheldon Museum.

Another annual tradition is the Festival on the Green in Middlebury, a weeklong series of concerts ("brown bag specials" at noon and evening performances) featuring music for every taste, from folk to country blues, jazz to rhythmic international melodies. If you are lucky to be at Rivers Bend Campground on a Wednesday evening this summer, you will want to take in the Bristol Band Concert, held Wednesday evenings from June through August starting at 7 p.m. on the dot, at the bandstand on the Bristol Village Green. back to top

Shopping and dining
are at their best here, too. The label "Made in Vermont" is linked to personal service and quality, and you'll find people of Addison County serving up the best there is to offer. Danforth Pewters, Vermont State Craft Center at Frog Hollow, Sweet Cecily, Candy Jar, Vermont Soapworks, Otter Creek Brewing, Maple Landmark Woodcraft, New England Woodcraft, Dakin Farm, Factory Marketplace at Kennedy Brothers, Red Earth Pottery, are a few of the places to put on your list for a days shopping spree.

If dining out, be sure to try our recently renovated "Fire and Ice" which boasts an incredible salad bar. "Roland's Place" just north of the campground on Rte 7 for a touch of French cuisine. back to top

"Fall Foliage tour?"
Even though you will want to spend some time camping this summer at Rivers Bend Campground, plan to join us in the fall to top off the camping season. From its mountains to the east and Lake Champlain on the west, the Addison County region has some of the most diverse scenery in the state and one of the longest periods of peak leafpeeping. Cameras should be #1 on your list of things to bring when returning for this season.

Seeing is Believing

Dead Creek Wildlife Refuge will be teaming with geese getting ready for flight to the warmer South. It is an important "bird haven" and a treat is in store for bird lovers who visit the refuge just about 15 miles from the campground. In the summer you'll see great blue and maybe great white herons, black crowned night herons, spotted sandpipers, rails, soras, bitterns, various kestrels, and many species of ducks. Treat horned and screech owls are not uncommon. From the seat of a canoe, you can easily paddle down the Dead Creek and see the particularly shy birds from the best advantage. There is also a new viewing shelter on Route 17, just west of Addison Four Corners.

I must not forget to tell you that right here at the campground, we have a very special haven for wildlife. It is a secluded spot, away from the traffic and hustle of the area. You may just decide to hang out right at your campsite and enjoy. Daily during the fall season, we host visits from migrating birds which we all enjoy.

Fall is a beautiful time for a Vermont road trip. Wander for an hour, or a day, through some of the most inspired scenery you'll find. Plan to stop by an orchard, enjoy the scenic Robert Frost Memorial Drive, or just stop by the roadside and wonder at fall and its effects on the natural world. back to top

E-mail tmcriversbend@earthlink.net for information regarding the Champlain Valley area that you are looking for more information on. We plan to do all we can to help make your stay here at Rivers Bend Campground all you were hoping for whether you are looking for adventure or peace and quiet. back to top