Moose Meadow Lodge and Treehouse: An Elevated Escape in Vermont

Location: Waterbury, Vermont

My kids were so excited to hear they were going to sleep in a treehouse, and honestly, this stay at Moose Meadow Lodge felt like a childhood dream come true for me too.

Tucked into the woods of Waterbury, Vermont, Moose Meadow Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends nature, comfort, and a little bit of magic.

We were greeted by owner Willie Docto, who welcomed us into Moose Meadow Lodge and gave us a tour of the main house.

The lodge is an Adirondack-style home with four guest rooms, filled with thoughtful details like a sink carved from petrified wood and a wide front porch overlooking the Green Mountains.

To add to the kid’s excitment, Willie loaded our bags onto a golf cart and drove us down a wooded trail to the Moose Meadow Lodge treehouse.

The two-story treehouse overlooks a trout pond and a flower-filled meadow surrounded by apple trees. It feels completely private and peaceful, making it easy to settle in and slow down.

Inside, the first floor has a cozy living space with a small table, chairs, a loveseat, and a potbelly stove. The owners had thoughtfully set up two cots for the boys.

A wraparound balcony leads to the bathroom, which is easily one of the most memorable features of Moose Meadow Lodge.

The outdoor shower is built right into the tree, with water cascading down through wooden slats into the forest below. The stone sink is carved to resemble a flowing river, and just beyond that is an incinerating toilet that looks just like a standard one and was easy to use.

A winding staircase leads to the upstairs bedroom, where 31 windows let in beautiful natural light and a door opens onto a private deck overlooking the pond.

The kids spent time sitting on the wharf watching rainbow trout, picking flowers and relaxing in a hammock under the trees. They were completely content without a screen in sight.

For dinner, we drove into Waterbury, which is about 10 minutes away. While there are no cooking facilities in the treehouse, guests at Moose Meadow Lodge are welcome to use the kitchen in the main lodge if needed.

We headed back to the cabin just as the pink sky turned to darkness and the spring peepers put on a chorus for us. I could sit out on that porch all night long. There is even an owl that flies around the cabin.

The next morning, we were a little hesitant about the outdoor shower in the cool air, but it ended up being one of the highlights of our stay at Moose Meadow Lodge. Standing under warm water while listening to birds and looking out over the forest is something I will never forget.

Breakfast at the lodge is included, and Willie prepared a beautiful spread of avocado toast, eggs, fresh coffee, and waffles for the kids.

Later that day, we explored the property, which includes 86 acres of trails. We followed a map to the Sky Loft, a glassed-in gazebo with incredible mountain views.

The hike took about 30 minutes and, while a bit muddy in places, was manageable for kids and well worth the effort.

Willie and Greg created something really special at Moose Meadow Lodge. They were warm and welcoming while still giving us the space to enjoy time together as a family.

If you are looking to unplug, reconnect, and give your kids an unforgettable experience, Moose Meadow Lodge is a place you will want to return to again and again.

For more ideas on what to do nearby, be sure to check out our guide to the Mad River Valley.