Smugglers' Notch State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Smugglers Notch has an intriguing history that started in 1807 when Thomas Jefferson spearheaded legislation that created an embargo against trade with the British Empire, which included Canada. This embargo affected businesses in Northern Vermont because Montreal was the closest market for their goods. They thumbed their noses at the Jefferson administration and smuggled goods through the notch to and from Canada. Organizers of the Underground Railroad also used the route to help formerly enslaved people escape to Canada. In addition, bootleggers took advantage of the notch to smuggle booze during the Prohibition era in the 1920s. Today, the park is a popular destination for hiking, paddle sports, and fishing.
Spring 38-63 F
Summer 72-75 F
Fall 41-66 F
Winter 10-32 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Smugglers' Notch State Park
Despite only having five RV-specific campsites and its remote location, the campground at Smugglers Notch State Park is remarkably well-equipped and has amenities including showers, restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, a recycling center, a concession stand, and a dump station. It is also pet-friendly, and you can buy firewood and ice at the campground office.
What to Do at
Smugglers' Notch State Park
In addition to hiking and fishing, you can enjoy bouldering at this park, and there are routes appropriate for all skill levels. For paddling enthusiasts, the nearby West Branch of the Little River is great for kayaking and canoeing. In winter, the outdoor recreation area becomes a favored destination for its challenging ice-climbing routes, excellent snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Fishing
Anglers can catch brown trout, brook trout, and other panfish in the Little River. Rarer catches include perch and pumpkinseed.
Geocaching
You and your family can enjoy playing detective to find the single geocache in Smugglers Notch State Park. Once you do, you can sign the logbook and take a memento. However, be prepared to leave a family-friendly item in the container for the next adventurer.
Stargazing
The Class 3 stargazing at Smugglers Noch is much better than in most places in this part of Vermont. Class 3 on the Bortle Scale indicates some black sky at the zenith and moderately gray sky, meaning the Milky Way and several planets will be visible to the naked eye.
Flora and Fauna
Smugglers Notch State Park is in a protected area for black bears, and in the spring and early summer, you may see mothers with their cubs. When you do, stay 150 feet back, and before you hike, review what to do if a bear surprises you. The birds in this park are mostly songbirds, such as Bicknell's Thrush, warblers, and finches. You will also occasionally see peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks, and flycatchers. Wildflowers you may spot while exploring include jack-in-the-pulpits, blue violets, and Virginia spring beauties.
Hiking
Smugglers Notch State Park has seven well-trodden hiking trails. The easiest trail is the Bingham Falls Mill Trail, a 1.3-mile out-and-back trail that climbs just a little more than 150 feet. The hardest trail is the 7.2-mile Hellbrook Trail. This trail is among the hardest in the entire Northeast. It climbs 3,606 feet and contains not only the roughest kind of terrain but also steep, slippery, muddy sections. Expert hikers, however, will enjoy the marvelous views from the top.
Boating
The Little River provides Class-II whitewater for canoes, kayaks, and rafts. That means that it's for intermediate canoers and kayakers, but beginners can participate in rafts. The river is too small for larger boats.
Climbing
The bouldering in the park is famous, and the difficulty ranges from V1 to V11. There is also a vertical sport climb, and it's for experts only as it is rated 5.11c.
How to Get to
Smugglers' Notch State Park
The best way to get to Smugglers Notch State Park is to proceed to Montpelier and then take Route 89 northwest. At Waterbury, turn north on Route 100, then take Route 108 northwest. This scenic drive will take you to Smugglers Notch State Park. From Canada, take Route 55 across the border to Route 91 south to St. Johnsbury. Next, drive west on Route 2 to Montpelier and proceed as above.
Entering Smugglers' Notch State Park
Parking is available outside the front gate, near the park office, and at the campground. The park is open from dawn to dusk, and the campground operates from May to October.
Smugglers Notch State Park Entry Fee per person (visitors 14 and older) : $5.0
Smugglers Notch State Park Entry Fee per person (children 4 to 13) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Smugglers' Notch State Park
Summer is the best time to visit unless you're going to ice climb or participate in other winter sports. Because of the park's elevation, the temperature rarely gets above the 80s, making hiking, climbing, and paddling comfortable.
On the ground, you'll spot bears, deer, and smaller animals like raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels. The birds in the park include uncommonly seen raptors and many colorful songbirds.
Yes, there are five dry-camping sites for RVs in Smugglers Notch State Park. Each has a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby restrooms.
Because there are only five RV-specific sites at the park, reservations are required. Vermont residents pay $20 a night for RV sites, while nonresidents pay $28 per night.
Your furry family members are welcome at Smugglers Notch State Park, and you can bring them on the hiking trails with you. However, they must be on a leash, and you are expected to pick up after them.