Camping at Smugglers' Notch State Park in Stowe
Adventure Destination

Camping at Smugglers' Notch State Park in Stowe

Explore camping at Smugglers' Notch State Park in Stowe, VT. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching in a scenic environment. Ideal to visit from late spring to early fall, offering relaxation and adventure alike.

Camping7.5/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Camping

Typical Duration

Overnight

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

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.

Editorial Assessment

Smugglers' Notch State Park offers a scenic camping experience with lush forests and outdoor activities, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts. While it provides excellent opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature, it lacks the unique geological features or worldwide renown required for a top rating.

Camping at Smugglers' Notch State Park in Stowe

Adventure Guide to Camping at Smugglers' Notch State Park in Stowe

1

- 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.

  • Details: **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.
  • Details: **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.
2

Local Insights:

  • Overview: 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.
3

Visitor Tips:

  • Details: **Best Times to Visit**: The ideal time for camping is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when weather conditions are milder.
  • Details: **What to Bring**: Essentials include camping gear, cooking supplies, comfortable hiking shoes, and insect repellent.
  • Details: **Driving Directions**: From Burlington, Vermont, take I-89 South and then Route 100 North to reach the park in approximately 1.5 hours.

Reviews

L
Larry Wilsona month ago

Incredible experience! The views and natural scenery at Camping at Smugglers' Notch State Park in Stowe are unforgettable. Well marked trails and a fantastic outdoor getaway.

P
Peter M.3 months ago

Clean trails with great directions. Once you arrive, there are multiple scenic vantage points to explore. Highly recommend visiting early in the morning.

D
David Pestana6 months ago

One of my favorite destinations in the region. Sunset here transitions into an unforgettable evening with shifting light on the landscape.

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Adventure Destinations

View All Destinations →
Nature’s Playground: Smugglers' Notch State Park8.40.00 mi
Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground

Nature’s Playground: Smugglers' Notch State Park

Explore hiking and climbing at Smugglers' Notch State Park near Stowe, VT. With dramatic cliffs and historic trails, it's perfect for adventure seekers. Enjoy beautiful autumn foliage and reserve camping spots early for a memorable experience.

View Details →
Riding Winter’s Crest: Skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort 8.20.86 mi
Mansfield Base

Riding Winter’s Crest: Skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort

Ski at Stowe Mountain Resort, located near Stowe, VT. Enjoy diverse trails covering 480 skiable acres featuring beginner to expert options. Best explored in winter, this spot is favored by adventure seekers. Drive-in access available.

View Details →
Ascending Mount Mansfield via the Long Trail: Walking the Spine of Vermont 8.22.11 miHard
4620-4648 Toll Rd

Ascending Mount Mansfield via the Long Trail: Walking the Spine of Vermont

Explore the 6.8-mile round trip up Mount Mansfield via the Long Trail near Stowe, VT. A strenuous hike with 2800 ft elevation gain, known for its alpine tundra and sweeping views. Perfect for wildlife viewing and adventure seekers.

View Details →
Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Sunset on Buttercup: A Private BYO Picnic Cruise Across Lake Champlain21.9 mi
Burlington, Vermont

Sunset on Buttercup: A Private BYO Picnic Cruise Across Lake Champlain

A two-hour, BYO food-and-drink cruise aboard Buttercup—an accessible, canopied picnic boat—for up to six guests, useful for planning a relaxed waterfront evening with mountain and maritime sights.

21.9 miView Trips & Details →
Axes at Your Door: Two Hours of Mobile Throwing with Burlyaxe in Burlington21.8 mi
Burlington, Vermont

Axes at Your Door: Two Hours of Mobile Throwing with Burlyaxe in Burlington

A two-hour, coach-led axe-throwing event delivered to a dry, flat site near Burlington—useful for planners who need on-site team thrills and clear logistics.

21.8 miView Trips & Details →
One hour on Burlington’s trolley: waterfront vistas, university gates and Church Street’s pulse21.8 mi
Burlington, Vermont

One hour on Burlington’s trolley: waterfront vistas, university gates and Church Street’s pulse

A concise, one-hour guided trolley circuit that orients first-time visitors to Burlington’s waterfront, campuses and marketplaces.

21.8 miView Trips & Details →
Private Yacht Picnic on Lake Champlain: 90 Minutes of Open-Water Calm in Burlington22.2 mi
Burlington, Vermont

Private Yacht Picnic on Lake Champlain: 90 Minutes of Open-Water Calm in Burlington

A 90-minute private cruise for up to six people that lets you BYOB and picnic while soaking up Lake Champlain views — this guide lays out what to expect and what to pack.

22.2 miView Trips & Details →
Moore Reservoir in High Color: A Two‑Hour Fall Paddle out of Littleton51.5 mi
Littleton, New Hampshire

Moore Reservoir in High Color: A Two‑Hour Fall Paddle out of Littleton

A guided, two‑hour Moore Reservoir kayak tour that places paddlers amid northern New Hampshire’s autumn spectacle — this guide explains what to expect on the water and what to bring.

51.5 miView Trips & Details →
Vermont Wines Along Lake Champlain: A Four‑Hour Vineyard Tour from Burlington5.75 mi
Burlington, Vermont

Vermont Wines Along Lake Champlain: A Four‑Hour Vineyard Tour from Burlington

A focused, 4-hour tasting route that traces shoreline vineyards outside Burlington — this guide explains what you’ll taste, what to bring, and how the door-to-door tour runs.

5.75 miView Trips & Details →