Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground

🏔️ OVERVIEW

Tucked into a dramatic mountain pass between towering cliffs and dense forest, Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground is a true Vermont wilderness gem. Located just outside Stowe, along the scenic and winding Route 108, this high-elevation campground offers adventurous travelers a basecamp like no other — where the air is crisp, the trails are legendary, and the stars seem just a little closer.

Whether you're hiking to alpine vistas, cycling quiet backroads, or simply sitting fireside in the shadow of the Green Mountains, Smugglers’ Notch is where nature takes center stage — rugged, timeless, and unforgettable.

🏕️ THE CAMPGROUND

Smugglers’ Notch Campground offers a rustic yet well-kept camping experience that immerses guests in the natural splendor of Vermont’s mountains. Sheltered by hardwoods and evergreens, the sites are tucked into the forest, giving each visitor a real sense of privacy, stillness, and connection to the land.

Campground features include:

• 20 tent/RV sites (no hookups)
• 14 lean-to shelters for weather-protected camping
• Restroom facilities with flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers
• Drinking water stations throughout the park
• Picnic tables and fire rings at every site
• Recycling and waste stations
• Pet-friendly (on leash and respectful to wildlife)
• Well-marked hiking trail access directly from the campground

Whether you're setting up a tent under the trees or staying dry in a lean-to, this is camping for those who crave natural quiet, cool mountain air, and the kind of simplicity that soothes the soul.

🥾 ADVENTURE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

Smugglers’ Notch isn’t just a campground — it’s a gateway to some of Vermont’s most iconic outdoor experiences. Surrounded by cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and wooded trails, the park is an adventurer’s dream.

Top activities and nearby attractions include:

• Hike to Sterling Pond — Vermont’s highest alpine lake, just a short but steep trail from the campground
• Explore the legendary Smugglers' Cave and boulder fields hidden in the Notch
• Access the Long Trail — Vermont’s most famous hiking trail runs right through the park
• Climb or scramble the rugged cliff faces (popular with experienced boulderers)
• Bike or drive the stunning Mountain Road (Route 108) — a must-see in foliage season
• Explore downtown Stowe just minutes away for food, shops, breweries, and local culture
• Visit Mount Mansfield, Bingham Falls, or take the Auto Toll Road to breathtaking views

From alpine adventures to quiet forest walks, the park delivers Vermont’s wild beauty in every direction.

🔥 EVENINGS IN THE NOTCH

Evenings at Smugglers’ Notch are peaceful and grounding. As dusk settles over the forest, the sound of wind through the trees replaces the noise of the day. Fires crackle at camp, stars emerge above the cliffs, and a deep stillness settles in that feels both ancient and healing.

Whether you're telling stories in the glow of a lean-to or listening to the quiet from your hammock, this is Vermont at its most elemental and pure.

🎯 WHO IT’S FOR

Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground is ideal for:

• Hikers and outdoor adventurers looking for direct trail access
• Couples and solo travelers craving natural solitude
• Families eager to introduce kids to real Vermont wilderness
• Photographers and leaf-peepers chasing dramatic scenery
• Minimalist campers who appreciate rustic charm and quiet nights

This isn’t a campground for glamping or heavy hookups — it’s for those who seek immersion in the wild and wonder of the Green Mountains.

📍 CAMPGROUND ADDRESS

Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground
6443 Mountain Rd
Stowe, VT 05672

Located directly on VT Route 108, 4 miles north of Stowe village, and just south of Smugglers’ Notch Pass. Please note: the road through the Notch (Route 108) is closed to RVs and trailers due to steep, narrow conditions.

🕐 SEASON & RESERVATIONS

Seasonal Operation:
Open mid-May to mid-October (weather permitting)

Check-in: 2:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Reservations highly recommended during peak summer weekends and fall foliage season. Book online through the Vermont State Parks website or call the reservation center.

🌄 WHY SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH?

Because there are places in Vermont that feel like they’ve been waiting for you.

At Smugglers’ Notch State Park, you don’t just camp — you step into the landscape, breathe cleaner air, and rediscover your sense of wonder. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, it’s a place that always leaves you feeling smaller, freer, and more alive.