Is Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park before I book?

Yes! Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park?

Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park is open Park generally open spring through fall with peak season in summer.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park?

Yes, Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park?

Fire policies at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park: Fires are allowed per visitor/amenity descriptions in source materials; no detailed fire regulations provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park?

Cell phone service at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

Are dogs allowed at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park?

Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park?

Popular activities at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park

4.50

117 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,483 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Park generally open ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Showers

Book on Various State Parks (ReserveAmerica)Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,483 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Park generally open ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Showers

Book on Various State Parks (ReserveAmerica)Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Updated prices in effect starting July 1, 2025. For a complete list of park fees, please visit our fees page. RV/Tent Site: VT Residents $20,...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 117 reviews

175 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

"Overall largely positive reviews praising the scenery, cleanliness, warm showers and helpful staff; a smaller number of reviewers report issues with frequent patrols/strict enforcement and note occasional bear activity in the campground."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park

44.5212, -72.7742

Best Time to Camp at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park

Summer brings the campground to life with warm days perfect for hiking and swimming, while the season stretches from spring's first blooms through fall's spectacular foliage. Early autumn visitors are rewarded with crisp mountain air and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to experience the notch's natural beauty in peaceful solitude.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Notch transforms into a kaleidoscope of fall colors; excellent foliage viewing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Park generally open spring through fall with peak season in summer.

About Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park

Firewood:Do not bring firewood into Vermont state parks from outside the state, unless it is packaged, labeled, and heat-treated. The label must show it is certified by the USDA or another state’s agriculture department. To learn more, view ourCamping Policies and Rules. Vermont State Parks offer many ways to camp. You can choose from: All sites are surrounded by Vermont's beautiful mountains, lakes, forests, and fields.

Wooded tent sites and lean‑tos are available and described as secluded; sites are reservable and the campground includes a sanitary dump station.

Historical Significance

The notch historically served as a smuggling route; Civilian Conservation Corps-era activity and preserved structures are associated with the area.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the campground to life with warm days perfect for hiking and swimming, while the season stretches from spring's first blooms through fall's spectacular foliage. Early autumn visitors are rewarded with crisp mountain air and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to experience the notch's natural beauty in peaceful solitude.

Natural Features and SceneryThe narrow notch creates an almost cathedral-like atmosphere, with sheer cliff walls rising dramatically on both sides and rocky ridgelines etching the sky above. Ancient hardwood trees filter the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on moss-covered boulders, while the sound of nearby mountain streams provides a constant, soothing soundtrack. It's an intimate slice of Green Mountains wilderness that feels worlds away from civilization, yet remains wonderfully accessible.

Geological RegionGreen Mountains (Smugglers' Notch)

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When to Book

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Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Access to hiking and ridgeline trails (including the Long Trail), mountain and road biking routes, rock climbing and picnicking; water activities such as fishing, tubing and kayaking on the nearby Lamoille River.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears have been reported in the campground; steep cliffs and rocky terrain present natural hazards. Reviewers also note large rocks near some campsite entrances.

Weather at Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

117 reviews

Recommended

Smugglers&Apos; Notch State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall largely positive reviews praising the scenery, cleanliness, warm showers and helpful staff; a smaller number of reviewers report issues with frequent patrols/strict enforcement and note occasional bear activity in the campground.

Review Summaries

Based on 117 reviews

What Campers Love

Stunning mountain views (Mt. Mansfield and Green Mountains), clean restrooms and warm showers, well‑maintained grounds, secluded wooded tent sites and lean‑tos, and generally helpful staff.

Based on 117 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Good base for hiking the Long Trail and nearby trails (Bingham Falls); expect clean facilities and a family‑ and pet‑friendly atmosphere; be aware of campground rules and potential extra person fees.

Based on 117 reviews

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