Notes
Bears have been active in this park. Please be prepared to securely stow your food items and trash in your car, or a bear canister.
Our camping policies have changed. Review the 2026 Camping Policy Updates.
VERMONT STATE PARKS
Smugglers' Notch State Park, VT
In 1807, President Thomas Jefferson passed an embargo act forbidding American trade with Great Britain and Canada. This was a severe hardship for northern Vermonters, since Montreal was closer than other markets in the US. Many local people continued illegal trade with Canada, ...
Book a Campsite at Smugglers' Notch State Park, VT
Find your spot/-72.7741556,44.5211639,8,0/280x280?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYXNwaXJhLW1hcHMiLCJhIjoiY2tlYmxiaWt3MDMwcTJ5cDN5bGwzZTUwNCJ9.IK2OEvl3EWmVLXYD9Rnedw "Find other facilities on map")
34 matching site(s) found(Clear search and show all)
34 matching site(s) found(Clear search and show all)
Footnotes: (applicable only where specifically marked above)
*** Some sites may be available only from the campground on a first-come-first-served basis.
*** Some sites may be available only from the campground on a first-come-first-served basis.
Overview
Description
In 1807, President Thomas Jefferson passed an embargo act forbidding American trade with Great Britain and Canada. This was a severe hardship for northern Vermonters, since Montreal was closer than other markets in the US. Many local people continued illegal trade with Canada, herding cattle and carrying other goods through the Notch. Later, fugitive slaves used the Notch as an escape route to Canada. During the Prohibition years, liquor was smuggled from Canada over the improved road built in 1922. Today, "The Notch" is a recreation hub featuring many trails, including the Long Trail and is popular with rock and ice climbers and tourists. Located at the base of Mt. Mansfield the campground is small and quiet, despite all the surrounding activity.
Geography:
The famous Smugglers' Notch is a narrow pass through the Green Mountains. Lined with 1,000-foot cliffs, the winding road is closed in winter. In the earlier days, only a footpath and trail for horses existed here. Starting at the Barnes Camp Visitor Center, the 3.5-mile long scenic highway brings visitors though a steep and winding pass filled with beautiful vistas and recreational opportunities.
Recreation:
Excellent camping, hiking and mountain biking. Nature and interpretive programs are available.
Facilities:
20 tent sites, 14 lean-tos, restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated showers. Drinking water is available throughout the park. There are no day use facilities in the campground but are located elsewhere throughout the Notch. Most campsites are walk-in and not accessible by vehicle. For this reason, as well as the narrowness of the Notch Road, there are very few spots at the park that can accommodate RVs. No camping in or around function room. Camping on designated campsites only.
Nearby Attractions:
Stowe Mountain Resort gondolas, Zip Tours and Treetop Adventures, Trapp Family Lodge, The Alchemist Brewery, Vermont Ski Museum, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory
Booking Window
Booking Rules
Camping reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance on a rolling basis.Season Dates
Season Schedule
Park Season
Start
End
Peak
Fri May 15 2026
Sun Oct 11 2026
Peak
Fri May 21 2027
Sun Oct 10 2027
Services and Amenities
Within Park
- Accessible
- Accessible Campsites
- Accessible Flush Toilets
- Accessible Picnic Areas
- Accessible Showers
- Accessible Sites
- Accessible Trails
- Accessible Walkways
- Campfire Rings
- Campsites, Tent Only
- Campsites, Tent/RV
- Cell Phone Service
- Coin Showers
- Concession
- Dump Station
- Firewood
- Fishing Licenses
- Flush Toilets
- Grills
- Ice
- Interpretive Programs
- Lean-tos
- Park Office
- Pets Allowed
- Picnic Area
- Recycling
- Tables
- Trails, Hiking
- Trash Disposal
- Water Spigot
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Fees and Cancellation
For information on Fees, please click here.
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
44.52116, -72.77416
44°31'16"N, 72°46'27"W
From I-89 Exit 10: Take Rt 100 North into the Village of Stowe (about 10 miles). In Stowe, turn left onto RVT Route 108 (also called the Mountain Rd.). Continue for 6.5 miles. The campground will be on your left.
44.52116, -72.77416
44°31'16"N, 72°46'27"W
From I-89 Exit 10: Take Rt 100 North into the Village of Stowe (about 10 miles). In Stowe, turn left onto RVT Route 108 (also called the Mountain Rd.). Continue for 6.5 miles. The campground will be on your left.
Park Address: 6443 Mountain RD, Stowe, VT 05672
