Camping at Smugglers' Notch State Park offers a unique experience in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains, making it an essential destination for nature enthusiasts. Known for its stunning landscapes, this park elevates traditional camping with spectacular views, diverse wildlife, and an array of outdoor activities that embody the spirit of adventuring in Vermont.
Adventure Guide To Camping at Smugglers' Notch State Park:
Campground Amenities: Smugglers' Notch State Park features a well-maintained campground with a variety of sites for tents and RVs. Each site offers picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening campfire gatherings. The park's clean restrooms and hot showers add convenience for visitors, making camping comfortable while still embracing the great outdoors.
Nearby Hiking Trails: The park is a gateway to several exceptional hiking trails, including the Long Trail and Sterling Pond Trail. These trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints, showcasing Vermont’s natural beauty, especially during the fall foliage season. The terrain varies, with options suitable for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
Wildlife Watching: Smugglers' Notch is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. This provides a fantastic opportunity for nature photography and birdwatching. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for wildlife sightings, offering a quieter experience away from the busier mid-day hours.
Local Insights:
The name "Smugglers' Notch" dates back to the early 1800s when it was used as a route for smuggling goods during the War of 1812. This historical significance adds a layer of intrigue to your visit. The park also reflects Vermont’s rich cultural heritage, from Native American history to European settlement.
Visitor Tips:
Best Times to Visit: The ideal time for camping is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when weather conditions are milder.
What to Bring: Essentials include camping gear, cooking supplies, comfortable hiking shoes, and insect repellent.
Driving Directions: From Burlington, Vermont, take I-89 South and then Route 100 North to reach the park in approximately 1.5 hours.
Adventure Map
Stowe Info
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Reviews
ghaidaa arbash2 months ago
As i came from montreal, It doesn’t feel worthwhile to spend an hour driving just 20 km to get there. The travel time outweighs the experience, especially considering other closer alternatives that provide a similar experience. I would recommend finding a more accessible option if time is a concern.
Alex Hurlburt2 months ago
I would not recommend anyone stay at this campground. Staff aside from the very nice lady checking in, was incredibly rude. Even hostile. Park staff do loops every 15 minutes looking for someone to put in there place. We had park rangers/employees at least 4 times park up the road from our campsite. And sneak onto our site. Sneaking around our camper and the bushes unannounced until one of us noticed them. And then they announced they were there. No flashlights. No "hey it's park ranger Andy". Just being creepy in the dark. I would not want my wife or daughter to stay at this campground by themselves. We happened to notice them creeping in the shadows. But still don't know, were they there for 1 minute? Or 15 minutes? Just watching from the dark. The entire staff needs to be retrained. This is a family campground. Not a prison. Please stay away.
Julie4 months ago
Wow, what a gorgeous campground! Clean, beautiful, spacious/private camp sites with fire pits all ready for a 🔥. Totally spotless restrooms with great showers (yes, please!!). The wonderful, kind, & helpful park rangers & employees made our time there even better (a huge thank you to Susan! You are sooo awesome and deserve a big, fat raise!) 😀 We enjoyed every moment (even with a few heavy rain storms). We plan to return soon & often. 5 stars is not enough! Recommended? Obviously, YES!!
Thank you!!!
Julie & Robert
Kit Johnson4 months ago
I have camped at Smugglers’ Notch state park a few times and I enjoy it each time. The lean to campsites are my favorite setup but I have also stayed at the tent sights. The campsites are clean and well maintained as well as the facilities.
The campground is located in the beautiful mountains with waterfalls within walking distance, and an easy drive into Stowe Vermont.
My stay here has always been peaceful and regenerative being surrounded by natural forests and people respecting the quiet hours.
It’s important to be careful with your food storage and keeping food locked in your car when not in use because there are active bears. I have never encountered a bear here, but we have had chipmunks steal some berries while we were cooking breakfast.
thequestionable 13 months ago
Beautiful campground with friendly staff. The bathrooms are clean and regularly maintained. There's only one shower for each restroom, and they are quarter operated (maximum amount of time is 10 minutes for $1.25). Firewood is fairly priced. The tent sites are a walk away from where you park your car, about 40ft away for our site. I loved coming here, and I'd definitely visit again!
