Camping near Smugglers' Notch State Park

94% (10 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Smugglers' Notch State Park adventure.

Discover the rugged beauty of Smugglers' Notch State Park.

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Smugglers' Notch Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Smugglers' Notch State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Smugglers' Notch State Park

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Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Moretown, VT

⛰ 🌲 Drive right to your secluded site and wake to the sound of nature and water in this private retreat, situated squarely on the confluence of 2 rivers. Eventually, once part of a much larger working merino sheep farm owned by the Cobb family in the 1700s-1800’s, part of the land transitioned to a dairy cow farm operation, c.1940. Today, we steward 10 acres specially designed with horses in mind. Adjacent to a 40-acre cornfield on one side and Mt. Cobb on the other, with sweeping views our place overlooks the confluence of the Mad and Winooski Rivers. From here, you can mountain bike or hoof it to access miles of trails and bucolic scenery. Come visit this gateway to the Scenic Mad River Valley! 🌲🏊🐟The Swimming/Fishing/Tenting site ("site 1") is perched directly aside the Mad River and the Sweet Meadow Side site ("site 2") is just a 2-minute walk across the grassy meadow and down the secluded riverside path to our beloved Mad River beach. This is a semi-secluded beach, river's edge, and swimming holes. Swim, tube, fish and relax up or down the river and in the confluence of the Winooski and Mad Rivers.. 👢👓 Get curious about the history of this place by checking out the old abandoned Massey Furgeson hay baler tucked in the woods, the Cobb family cemetery, and more gems from many years gone by. Leave from either site on foot to access a sweet trail that travels along the river, over a private bridge, down a beautiful dirt road and into the forest. 🚴 Our property is located on the CROSS VERMONT TRAIL: "a multi-use path connecting communities, and the natural areas in between - across Vermont!" Check out their website (Cross Vermont Trail Association) for maps, guides, events and outings! Many adventurists also enjoy nearby, mountainous and beloved trails: Camel's Hump, The Long Trail, Mt. Mansfield, Stowe Pinnacle, Smuggler's Notch and more. There are a plethora of shorter, scenic and gentle hikes in our region, "the crossroads and recreation center of Vermont"! We are located just 2 miles from Interstate 89 and we reside on Vermont State Route 100B, allowing ease of access to points North, South, East and West Explore our on-site activity offerings: 🐴 Introduction Session: Get acquainted with our horses, tour the barn, and learn about equine-guided education and grooming. $45 for 1 hour for 1-6 people. 🐴 Horsemanship and Riding Lessons: Learn non-forceful bareback and bit-less leading and mounted techniques step by step. $100/hour or $150/1.5 hours for 1-2 people. 🐴 Family Team Building-Bonding (Most Popular): Enjoy an adventurous, fun, and challenging experience together as a family with exercises and activities facilitated by Lucinda. Non-mounted equine guided education at its best! $250 for 2.5 hours. These rates are discounted for our onsite Hipcampers 🙏🏼 Visit our website for more details: Horses and Pathfinders dot com. We'd love to hear from you! You are welcome to review all the varied, detailed and descriptive reviews and photos from other guests' experiences. This is a working ranch and sometimes equipment is running, but never for more than an hour at a time. Horses are on site and they have full access to this property. If you have an untrained, young or problematic dog, please consider a long lead line and read the dog rules and limits carefully. This is not a deep-woods, wilderness site. Please review the map and note our proximity to the interstate and the route where we reside. ❤️ Many guests, families and couples return here year after year as their destination vacation and getaway. We welcome you to experience what they enjoy so much -- right on site and in this special region, the heart of Vermont. ❤️

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Pine Cone Cabin

1 site · Lodging29 acres · Groton, VT

Welcome to our cozy tiny cabin nestled on 29 acres in the breathtaking Northeast Kingdom! Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, our cabin is the perfect base camp for all your outdoor pursuits. Situated close to Lake Groton, VAST trails, and Groton State Park, you'll have easy access to a myriad of activities including hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, kayaking/boating, swimming, hunting, and more! The cabin itself features a charming kitchen area, a loft for sleeping under the stars, a cozy fireplace to warm up after a day of exploration, and an outhouse for added convenience. Come and experience the beauty and serenity of the Northeast Kingdom at our tiny cabin retreat!

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Mount Norris Scout Reservation

16 sites · Lodging, Tents1000 acres · Lowell, VT

The pristine mountain trails and and panoramic views of Lake Eden beckon adventurers of all ages and abilities to enjoy year-round visits to Mount Norris Scout Reservation. With 1,000 acres of wilderness terrain, a dozen secluded campsites and numerous cabins, lean-tos and shelters to suit your needs, Mt. Norris is big enough for any private event but perfect for your family or group. Ascend the 1,482-foot vertical 5-mile round trail to the summit of Mt. Norris or carve your own path in snow shoes or cross country skis to the shores of Lake Eden. We have 75 years of experience helping introduce families to the outdoors. Let us know how we can make your next experience unforgettable! Mt. Norris is a strictly substance-free facility. Thank you for helping us maintain a tranquil environment for our guests.

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Islands Base Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · South Hero, VT

Conserved by the South Hero Land Trust, the historic Sawyer Bay Farm on the Island of South Hero was converted to grazing beef cattle. Our farm name is Health Hero Farm. We practice intensive planned grazing, moving the cattle daily to fresh grass. The herd may be near the campsites or completely out of sight, somewhere on our 180 acres. While we were building a house, we camped in the equipment shed during the summer and grew to value its convenience. Joan's enjoyment of cycling inspired her to designate the farm stand as a "bike stop" where visitors could buy a snack, get water, fix their bikes and use the unique islands amenity of a composing toilet in a converted ice fishing shack. South Hero is an agricultural island, as well as a summer tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities. It is also only a half-hour away from Burlington, and the drive is pleasurable. Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, camp sink and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let (a.k.a. port-a-potty) with professional service. In the winter, the equipment shed is not available. We rent out vehicle and boat storage in the equipment shed and cannot accommodate camping there. However, we have ample parking for RVs at any time of the year. And if you are an experienced snow camper, we have several locations to choose from. We have a farm stand where you can buy a few snacks. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, and miles of scenic driving. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no RV electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for energy intensive appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.

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Ryegate Away Cabins

2 sites · Lodging4 acres · Ryegate, VT

Learn more about this land: Updated October 21st: CLOSED For the season! Thank you to all our guests who stayed and enjoyed the property as much as we do! We had another great year and look forward to hosting next year 2025! If you enjoy glamping we will be back open in the Spring of 2025! This property overlooking the beautiful Connecticut river has two cabins to choose from, one sleeps two people and the other can accommodate three. The property is such a peaceful spot! We have a rustic outhouse and showers can be taken in the main farmhouse on the property if you would like, available Monday thru Saturday from 8am to 9am. The cabin is outfitted with a comfy bed, fridge, and microwave. We sell firewood to sit around a cozy campfire at night and stargaze! You can even purchase a S'mores package as well! Enjoy a cup of coffee from the Keurig machine in the mornings. Bottled water is included as well. We will do our best to make you feel at home away from home. In a way that is never intrusive, we respect your privacy. Come and unwind with nature all around you. We are very pet friendly! And ask that all dogs are on a leash while outside. Also pets are not to be left in the cabins unattended at any time. So with all that said get yourself and your pets here and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning on your deck looking out to the river. Don't set an alarm, the loons or geese may wake you first! Listen to the birds and relax! And if luck is with you, you might spot a bald eagle! Want to play with goats? We have them! Fresh eggs are available for sale! Hiking trails are nearby including Groton State Forest, hiking near Willoughby Lake is only about 45 minutes away and is worth the trip! Come experience the green mountains and we are not far from the White mountains of NH.

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Vermont Rustic Retreat

1 site · Lodging13 acres · Cabot, VT

Please read the full description. If you have any further questions, please reach out. Gorgeous views and rustic cabin retreat in rural Cabot, Vermont. You will love the quiet 13 acre property with pond and outdoor fire grill. 192 square ft cabin with porch for sitting and viewing spectacular sunsets. The cabin has a futon sofa for two, a woodstove (wood supplied), large cooler, 5-gallon water jug filled, T.V., portolet and outhouse, two burner campstove, dishes, utensils, and fresh vegetables and berries when in season. (lots of wood for campfires and wood stove, pots and pans and cooking utensils, electricity, propane for cook stove and good cell service, bike, cross country ski and canoe rental optional) Fantastic gravel roads for cycling, nearby Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, mountain biking nearby at Kingdom Trails and Craftsbury Outdoor Center, endless local hiking trails, canoeing at nearby Peacham Pond and Green River Resevoir. Winter activities - cross country skiing on Cabot Winter Trails, snowshoeing, ice skating on the pond. Short drive to Hill Farmstead Brewery (world class microbrewery), Jasper Hill cheese caves (also award winning), home of Cabot Creamery, Cabot's own The Den for live music and microbrews, restaurants, coffee shops and local organic foods at coop in nearby Hardwick. 30 minute drive to capital city Montpelier and St. Johnsbury. Nichols ledge and pond, Joes Pond in Cabot. State Park Green River Reservoir not too far away. Dog Mountain for pets near St. Johnsbury.

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Golden Maple Farm - Camping

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Belvidere Center, VT

Nestled in the Green Mountains, we are an operating maple syrup farm. Our property is located on a well-maintained dead-end road. It is a beautiful, tranquil place that offers or is near to several activities. Whether you are coming from far away or just want to get out of the hustle and bustle, our place is a GREAT place to unplug. Campsites are located with a view of our beautiful rustic barn, a legacy apple orchard, mountains, and plenty of trees surrounding the area. Sunsets are a beautiful time of day, sitting by your campfire enjoying the peacefulness! Enjoy your smores under a starry sky and listen carefully—you may hear one of our owls! Camping as a group? We may be able to accomodate you! Rent 2 or more sites. Great place to come with your friends or family. ATV/UTV Trails Access ATV/UTV trails from your campsite. There are miles of trails to ride! HIKING Take a hike through our woods or access the thousands of acres adjacent to our property. You will see waterfalls, streams, birds, tracks from the wildlife, and beautiful views. Plenty of places to dip into the cool water when you need to cool off! Walk or drive down to either of 2 covered bridges and see the craftmanship that enables them to continue to be used today! Access the Long Trail at multiple locations within a few miles. BIKING Bike the back roads of the area—wooded areas, windy or flat terrain, beautiful views, plenty of spots to rest beside a flowing stream. Or, access the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (93+ miles of non-motorized riding/walking on a converted and maintained railway bed). FISHING/HUNTING In the mountains we have streams, brooks, and rivers. There are many hotspots for fishing—lots of brook trout! No matter the rod you use, there are many places to try your skills. A fishing/hunting license is needed. CANOE, KAYAK, TUBE Got your own? Bring it! The Lamoille River is a few miles away and a favorite for water lovers. Don't have one, there is a great rental place down the road where you can take one out for the day. Looking for another option to the river? The Belvidere Pond is down the road and offers a peaceful place to paddle around surrounded by the mountains. MAPLE SYRUP/SUGARBUSH Want to learn about the maple sugaring process? We are always happy to give you a tour of our sugarhouse and the woods, and explain how we turn the tree sap into yummy Maple Syrup. (We only boil January-early April.) We do have this year's crop bottled and available for sale! Buy one for morning pancakes, to add to your morning coffee, or to take home! WILDLIFE/BERRIES/MUSHROOMS/FIDDLEHEADS Depending on the time of the year, you can find wild raspberries, blackberries, mushrooms, and fiddleheads. (Please do not pick or eat something if you don't know if it is poisonous!) And, wildlife are around. Look for tracks in the soil, signs they have been there, or if you are really quiet (usually in the early morning or at dusk) you might see deer, geese, or wild turkeys! OTHER ACTIVITIES - Smugglers Notch is a quick drive (South) - Jay Peak is a quick drive (North) - Disc Golf, Ropes Course, Golf, and more. - Access local eateries like the Burger Barn - a local favorite, grap a yummy sandwich or pizza at the Cupboard. - Explore local breweries and distilleries - Forgot something? There are small groceries, a couple of hardware stores, gas stations, etc within a quick drive. Camp sites include flat area, fire ring. Electricity and water at 2 sites. 1 site has a poured concrete pad -- perfect for a camper/RV. The other sites (grassy) can accomodate a camper/RV or tents. Please be prepared to provide your own camping toilet and pack out your trash. If you bring your dog(s), please clean up after them and have "control" as the dirt road is fully in view of the sites. (ATVs (on the trail) and a few vehicles do use the road.) Firewood for firepits available for sale.

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Burke Line Farm

5 sites · Lodging, Tents148 acres · Burke, VT

Burke Line Farm is located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. We are a working horse farm. Lessons and trail rides are offered 7 days a week by appointment. Please call 802-535-7722 to speak with our wrangler. Along with the horses we have sheep and lambs for market and wool. Our land is relatively flat with many trails for riding or walking. A short drive will bring you to Willoughby Lake, Kingdom Trails, and Burke Mt. We will Be Closing for the season on the 14th of November 2024. We had a great season and looking forward to seeing you all again in the spring of 2025.

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Sandiwood Farm Stay Experiences

8 sites · Lodging, Tents80 acres · Wolcott, VT

Atop a mountain in northern Vermont the farm property is made up a rolling hay field, organic vegetables, flowers, herbs, and old growth hardwood maple forest where we produce maple syrup. The sunsets are some of the best in Vermont! Sandiwood Farm produces artisan maple syrup and grows organic produce, flowers, cannabis, hemp and other herbs. They also host farm dinners, weddings, and other events. You can get your hands dirty and work on the farm if you're interested. This is a 420 friendly farm with samples and tastings. 35 years ago, Bob and Sara Schlosser were married in the barren field that is now Sandiwood Farm. They have slowly built their home, farm, business and raised a family.

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Peaceful Country Haven

3 sites · RVs, Tents72 acres · New Haven, VT

Dan found this special place back in 1996. We didn’t move on site until 1999 and still haven’t build our dream home. The years were full of raising our four daughters on this beautiful property. The girls had horses, enjoyed snowmobiles, four wheeling, ice skating, kayaking, sliding parties, camping, picking wild berries and playing in the woods. We had a Christmas tree farm and enjoyed sharing the property and horses with our customers. We now enjoy all this with our two grandsons. It seems only right to share what we have been so blessed to enjoy all these years with others. Learn more about this land: Park your RV or pitch your tent and take some time to relax. Take a walk through the woods, take your kayak out on Otter Creek starting at the base of our driveway or relax with a campfire. Visit Blazer or ring the humongous bell, and check out the wildlife. Do you have a dog? Enjoy the freedom of letting it run and play in the small ponds in the woods. You are most likely to hear the train whistle a time or two. Wake up to beautiful sunrise to start your day off right!

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Black Creek Maple Off Grid Camp

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Cambridge, VT

Pitch your tent nestled along the edge of lush green forestry, surrounded in nature! Gorgeous views and the smell of the fresh Vermont air will amaze you. Start your day making coffee on the fire, sitting listening to the birds and watching the deer nibbling the grass. We welcome avid year round outdoors people to explore this land. Whether you love snow shoeing, hiking, biking or just sitting, spending evenings around the camp fire. Our family has the perfect getaway for your stay in a tent, cabin or camper. During July and August the wild raspberries and blackberries make a wonderful treat. Try your culinary skills over the campfire while the children play and explore nature. As night falls, a campfire with smores hosts a wonderful end to the days fun. Afterwards, tuck the children in and listen to the night sounds under the stars! Your site is only 1/8 mile from "The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail" used year round as recreational fun for biking and also part of the VAST system for snow mobiles. Only ten minutes to restaurants, shops, zip line, bike rentals, swimming, kayaking, fishing, ski, attractions and more! We are located, so close to the ski resorts and resort villages. Also, less than thirty minutes from the Canadian border! Don't forget to check out the many extras available. Get back to basics and enjoy all that nature has to offer and create your own lasting memories!

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Little Log Cabin in Vermont

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Waterville, VT

Learn more about this land:Special little retreat located next to a mountain stream. Off grid tiny house log cabin. Compleat with kitchen shower and composting toilet. Two beds and a fold out couch .

The best camping near Smugglers' Notch State Park guide

Overview

About

Smugglers’ Notch State Park has a beautifully diverse landscape of forest, waterfalls, rock outcrops, rivers, caves, and alpine lakes. The park is named for Smugglers’ Notch, a scenic road that winds through the Green Mountains, lined with 1,000-foot cliffs. The road was once used to smuggle goods into the country from Canada, but now you can enjoy your moonshine right out in the open! The park is especially beautiful in the fall when the forest is covered in a myriad of colors.

When to go

The best time to visit Smugglers' Notch State Park is during the summer and fall months, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Summer offers lush greenery and perfect hiking conditions, while fall dazzles with a spectacular display of foliage. Winters can be harsh, with the park's higher elevations receiving significant snowfall, making it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts but less accessible for casual visits.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly amid the mountains.
Some areas may be closed due to seasonal weather or conservation efforts, so verify accessibility in advance.
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for rugged terrain and variable weather.
Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly and inform someone of your itinerary.
While the park offers a range of amenities, always bring sufficient water and snacks for your adventure.