Smugglers Notch Resort

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For Vermonters, the name "Smugglers' Notch" evokes images of dramatic mountain passes, challenging trails, and a rich history woven into the fabric of our Green Mountains. While the broader Smugglers' Notch Resort is a renowned family vacation destination with extensive amenities, it's essential for local outdoor enthusiasts to distinguish the specific offering of the Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground. This state park campground provides a more traditional, nature-focused camping experience right at the heart of this iconic landscape, serving as an ideal basecamp for true Vermont adventure.

Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground is a smaller, quieter haven nestled within the stunning "Notch" itself. It’s designed for those who want to be deeply immersed in the natural environment, with direct access to hiking trails, climbing routes, and the serene beauty of the Green Mountains. Unlike a sprawling resort, this campground emphasizes getting back to basics while still providing essential comforts. Its unique location at the base of Mount Mansfield, despite the surrounding activity of the Notch, maintains a surprisingly peaceful ambiance.

This article is specifically tailored for Vermont residents, aiming to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground. We'll explore its unparalleled location and accessibility, detail the fundamental services and features it offers, and provide practical information to help you plan your next memorable outdoor excursion into one of Vermont's most celebrated natural wonders.

Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground is strategically located at 6443 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672, USA, within the broader area of Jeffersonville, VT 05464. This places it directly within the famous Smugglers' Notch, a narrow and dramatic pass through the Green Mountains between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. For Vermonters, this location is paramount for its direct access to some of the state's most exhilarating outdoor opportunities.

Access to the campground is via the scenic Vermont Route 108, also known as the Mountain Road, which winds through the Notch. It’s important to note that the winding Notch Road is closed in winter, making the campground a seasonal destination, typically from mid-May through mid-October. Despite its seemingly remote feel, the campground is easily reachable from I-89 (via Exit 10 to Route 100 North into Stowe, then left onto Route 108). This makes it a convenient drive for locals coming from various parts of Vermont, including Burlington and central Vermont.

The geography is a key highlight: "Lined with 1,000-foot cliffs, the winding road is closed in winter." This means during the open season, campers are right amidst a landscape popular with "rock and ice climbers and tourists." Being at the "base of Mt. Mansfield," the campground offers immediate trail access to both Mount Mansfield and other popular hiking paths, including sections of the Long Trail. While the resort village offers numerous amenities, the state park campground remains "small and quiet, despite all the surrounding activity," making it a perfect launchpad for adventurous Vermonters.

Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground focuses on providing essential services that facilitate a comfortable and authentic camping experience, aligning with state park standards rather than resort-level amenities. The emphasis is on convenience for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Campsites: The campground offers a total of 20 tent sites and 14 lean-tos. Most of these sites are walk-in and not accessible by vehicle, providing a more secluded and integrated-with-nature feel.
• Lean-tos: The availability of lean-tos is a significant feature, offering a basic, three-sided shelter from the elements, popular with hikers and those seeking a slightly more rustic experience than a tent.
• Restrooms with Flush Toilets: Modern, clean restroom facilities are available, equipped with flush toilets for camper convenience.
• Hot and Cold Running Water: Showers offer both hot and cold running water, with coin-operated showers for refreshing after a day of hiking or climbing.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the park via water spigots.
• Campfire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, perfect for traditional campfire cooking and evening relaxation.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite also includes a picnic table, providing a designated area for outdoor meals.
• Firewood and Ice: Firewood and ice are available for sale directly at the campground office, ensuring you have essentials without having to leave the park.
• Dump Station: For RVs, a dump station is available within the park. However, it's important to note that due to the narrowness of the Notch Road and the nature of the sites, "very few spots at the park can accommodate RVs."
• Recycling and Trash Disposal: Facilities for recycling and trash disposal are provided, encouraging environmentally responsible practices.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted throughout the park, including at campsites, provided they are kept on a leash and owners adhere to cleanup policies.
• Park Interpreter Programs: The park often has a park interpreter offering "fun, hands-on activities" such as "night hikes, nature crafts and games, campfire programs and amphibian explorations," enhancing the educational aspect of a stay.

Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground's true highlights lie in its dramatic natural setting and the unparalleled access it provides to diverse outdoor activities, making it a unique destination for active Vermonters.

• Unbeatable Location: Situated directly within the famed Smugglers' Notch, the campground offers immediate immersion in a landscape of "1,000-foot cliffs" and winding mountain roads, providing a truly wild Vermont experience.
• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: This is the main selling point. Campers have direct access to "excellent camping, hiking and mountain biking." It's a prime spot for "rock and ice climbers" and a gateway to the Long Trail, Mount Mansfield, and other challenging and scenic hikes like the Hellbrook Trail.
• Quiet & Secluded Sites: Despite the popularity of the Notch, the campground is noted as "small and quiet." Most campsites are "walk-in and not accessible by vehicle," ensuring a sense of seclusion and deep integration with nature.
• Lean-to Options: The availability of 14 lean-tos provides a unique and convenient camping alternative, popular with backpackers and those seeking basic shelter.
• Bouldering and Climbing Opportunities: The park is renowned for its "bouldering," with routes for all skill levels, and even a "vertical sport climb" for experts. "Ice-climbing routes" are available in winter.
• Water Activities: The nearby West Branch of the Little River offers opportunities for "kayaking and canoeing" (Class-II whitewater for intermediate paddlers) and "fishing" for brown trout, brook trout, and other species. Bingham Falls is also nearby for swimming and exploration.
• Stargazing: The park offers "Class 3 stargazing," allowing for visible Milky Way and planets to the naked eye, a testament to the minimal light pollution in this mountainous region.
• Nature and Interpretive Programs: A park interpreter often leads activities such as "night hikes, nature crafts and games, campfire programs and amphibian explorations," enriching the educational aspect of your stay.
• Scenic Drives: The 3.5-mile winding scenic highway through the Notch offers "beautiful vistas" and numerous photo opportunities.

As a Vermont State Park Campground, Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground's pricing and promotions typically follow a standardized state park system. While they may not offer flash sales or extensive package deals like private resorts, Vermonters can often find value through specific state park policies or seasonal considerations. It's always best to check the official Vermont State Parks website or call the park directly for the most current information.

• Reservations: A 2-night minimum is generally required for reservations through March 1st. After March 1st, one-night reservations are permitted for weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) for lean-tos or tent/RV sites, offering flexibility for shorter local getaways.
• Seasonal Passes: While not directly a campground discount, Vermonters might benefit from Vermont State Parks passes which can offer access benefits across the state park system.
• Off-Peak Season: Camping during the early spring or late fall season (shoulder seasons) can sometimes offer a more serene experience with fewer crowds, although specific price reductions are not typically advertised by state parks.

For booking and specific rate inquiries, the Vermont State Parks Reservations phone number is the primary contact. Any special offerings, such as potential discounts for Vermont residents (though not currently advertised for camping specifically here), would be communicated through official state channels.

To make a reservation, inquire about campsite availability, or gather more details about Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground, please use the following contact information:

Mailing Address: Smugglers' Notch State Park, 6443 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672

Park Address (GPS Info): 44.52116, -72.77416 (44°31'16"N, 72°46'27"W)

Phone for Information: (802) 253-4014

Vermont State Parks Reservations: 1-888-409-7579

It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially given the limited number of sites (20 tent sites, 14 lean-tos) and its immense popularity, particularly during peak hiking and fall foliage seasons. Be aware that most sites are walk-in, and vehicle accessibility is limited, especially for RVs due to the narrow Notch Road.

For Vermonters, Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground is exceptionally suitable and appealing, offering a genuine and immersive outdoor experience that resonates deeply with our appreciation for untouched wilderness and active living. This isn't a resort in the traditional sense, but a prime example of Vermont's natural treasures, managed for public enjoyment.

Its primary suitability lies in its unparalleled "location at the base of Mt. Mansfield" and directly within the dramatic "Smugglers' Notch." For us, this means immediate access to some of Vermont's most challenging and rewarding hikes, including sections of the Long Trail and the daunting Hellbrook Trail. We value being able to step directly from our campsite into a world of adventure, whether it's "excellent camping, hiking and mountain biking," or testing our skills with "rock and ice climbing." This direct connectivity to the landscape is precisely what many active Vermonters seek in a camping destination.

The campground's "small and quiet" nature, despite its popular surroundings, is a significant draw. The prevalence of "walk-in" tent sites and "lean-tos" fosters a more authentic, less commercialized camping experience that aligns with Vermont's ethos of preserving natural beauty. For families or individuals who truly want to unplug and immerse themselves, the peaceful ambiance and the ability to find secluded spots are invaluable.

Furthermore, the fundamental, well-maintained amenities like "restrooms with flush toilets," "hot and cold running water and coin-operated showers," and "drinking water available throughout the park" provide essential comforts without detracting from the rustic feel. The on-site availability of firewood and ice adds to the convenience, allowing campers to focus on enjoying their surroundings.

Finally, the opportunity for "stargazing," "fishing," and participating in "nature and interpretive programs" enhances the educational and contemplative aspects of a stay. Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground offers an authentic, accessible, and activity-rich experience that is perfectly tailored for Vermonters who cherish our state's wild beauty and embrace the spirit of outdoor exploration. It truly is a local gem for those seeking to reconnect with the heart of the Green Mountains.

Smugglers Notch Resort

Jeffersonville, VT 05464, USA