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Smugglers Notch
Overview
Smugglers' Notch State Park offers a rugged and immersive camping experience tucked within the high peaks of the Green Mountains. Built originally by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this destination provides a classic Vermont woodland atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy town below. Travelers coming here should be prepared for a classic rustic escape that prioritizes nature over modern resort luxuries. It serves as a quiet basecamp for those looking to explore one of the state's most iconic and narrow mountain passes.
Location & Surroundings
Situated on the Stowe side of the famous mountain pass, the park is surrounded by sheer rock cliffs and dense hardwood forests. The geography is dramatic, with the scenic Route 108 winding through giant boulders and steep grades just beyond the park entrance. It is important to note that large RVs and trailers are strictly prohibited from driving through the narrowest part of the Notch. However, the campground accommodates smaller rigs that arrive via the Stowe side, offering direct access to the Mount Mansfield State Forest.
Amenities & Park Features
The park focuses on traditional camping rather than high-tech hookups. While there are no water, sewer, or electric hookups available for RVs, the park provides the essentials for a comfortable stay in the wilderness. Key features include:
- Clean restrooms and hot showers for all registered campers.
- Designated picnic areas and fire rings at every individual site.
- Access to historic stone shelters that reflect 1930s craftsmanship.
The sites are beautifully integrated into the natural landscape, offering excellent privacy under a thick canopy of maples and pines.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves at the epicenter of Vermont hiking and exploration. The trailhead for Sterling Pond is located just up the road, leading to a high-altitude glacial pond that is a favorite for local photographers. For those seeking a shorter walk, the path to Bingham Falls offers stunning views of cascading water and deep emerald swimming holes. Additionally, the village of Stowe is a short drive away, providing access to local breweries and the famous Stowe Recreation Path.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for active adventurers and small-rig owners who prefer a quiet, natural setting over a social resort atmosphere. Because of the tight turns and height restrictions on the mountain road, it is best suited for camper vans, truck campers, or small Class C units. If you value immediate trail access and a tranquil environment over amenities like swimming pools or Wi-Fi, Smugglers' Notch State Park provides a quintessential Vermont mountain experience that is truly unforgettable.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Stacy Hughes
Wonderful, clean and quiet campground. level and roomy sites. Nice staff that communicated well. We had no issue as others have noted about patrols. I do believe some people or paranoid or possibly believe the whole world revolves around them. If you are looking for a clean, quiet and comfotable campground-this is it.
Sasha Liang
Great spot and we'll maintained campground! Went early September and weather was nice and crisp, and staff were helpful! There were signs of bears active, and sure enough a bear was about 50 feet from our site, called the ranger and they came by quickly to scare it off. Overall wonderful experience with nature!
Kinza Ahmed
Loved this! Convenient and comfortable! Great campground! Clean bathrooms and showers (paid) ! Site was private enough, we had no neighbors. Some bear on site but everything was fine. The staff were well informed and easy to reach after hours.
Adam Chamberlain
Tis a very nice and clean campground. The site was large enough for 3 x 2 man tents with room for a car. Beware of the bears as there are a ton of them. We had a Mama bear with her 3 cubs scampering up a tree right next to my tent. They roam the campground on the count of negligent campers of which there are tons of!! Be careful and keep your dog leashed and food and coolers in your car. Peace and love!
Kit Johnson
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.
Carlos Figueroa
This place is incredibly beautiful and magic. Recommended!
Regan Leamy
Great campground! Super clean grounds and, more importantly, super clean bathrooms and showers! Very quiet, too.
Kris Ahlstrom
Going in October, which we've done for many years, we always seem to get rain but it's actually not a big deal here. The sites are so wooded and the drainage is so good that we have never really had a problem with it. Clearly, the pup doesn't like it! This is a beautiful park, in a wonderful location. You could eat every meal at a different restaurant within a 15 minute drive or you could never leave your site in which case you wouldn't know how close you were to civilization. Hiking opportunities, either within driving distance or from the park, abound.
Jeff Barrett
Stayed for a few nights and had a great experience! The sights we're clean and large and the facilities were super clean and even had some personal touches!
Noel Schecter
Peaceful campground within the heart of the Green Mountains. Many sites include three sided shelters. Cannot wait to camp here again. Hennacornoelidays recommended.