Smugglers Notch State Park Campground's off-season offers winter campers a unique solitude not found during peak months. Located near Cambridge at an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area receives approximately 250 inches of snow annually, creating opportunities for winter backcountry camping. During spring and summer, the campground serves as an access point to numerous hiking trails connecting to Vermont's Long Trail system, with primitive camping options available year-round.
What to do
Winter backcountry skiing: For experienced winter campers, Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers free off-season camping with advance reservations. "Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed. No facilities off season...Carry out all trash/waste. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing," notes camper Ed M.
Waterfront activities: Little River State Park Campground provides access to the reservoir for paddling and swimming. "We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road! The site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking," according to Alison O.
Historical exploration: The trails at Little River State Park feature remnants of early settlements. "The hiking trails are really good--they're actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," reports Rita M.
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites: Many campers appreciate the walk-in sites that create a more immersive experience. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping," shares Jess O. about Smugglers Notch.
Clean facilities: North Beach Campground maintains good bathroom facilities despite high usage. "Right on the Burlington bike path and across the beach, there is plenty to do and easy access to town and other attractions. Bathrooms were more than acceptable," mentions Michael G.
Waterfront accommodations: Burton Island State Park Campground offers island camping with spectacular views. "4 very nice remote campsites on the S.E. side of the island. Wake up to stunning sunrises and spectacular views of the Green Mountains. Spacious sites with fire rings," writes one camper who enjoyed the primitive sites available for paddlers.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping at Smugglers Notch requires proper preparation. "Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," advises Ed M. The park transforms significantly between seasons.
Reservation timing: Waterfront sites at Burton Island book extremely quickly. "Waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance), but if you don't mind being farther from the main campground and running water, you can almost always rent one of the four primitive sites, which are secluded and waterfront," explains a camper.
Transportation logistics: Lake Carmi State Park Campground provides gate codes upon check-in for after-hours access. "If you come here to camp and plan to stay out late go to the office prior to leaving so you can get a pass to avoid a long trek to your campsite," advises Elisha L.
Tips for camping with families
Water quality monitoring: Check current water conditions before swimming at Lake Carmi. "The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water," notes Melissa L., highlighting that conditions can vary seasonally.
Off-island daytrips: Burton Island State Park makes a great base for exploring. "There are beautiful trails that cover the island. The south tip of the island gets more wind, and therefore waves, which my children greatly enjoyed for swimming," shares a family camper.
Alternative yurt camping: While traditional yurt camping near Cambridge, Vermont isn't widely available at state parks, Singing Wood Farm offers a private farm camping experience nearby. "If you want a place to nomadic camp that is near Stowe, but away from the hustle and bustle, then this place is for you. Sites are set up with picnic or other small tables, and randomly spread out across the field," reports Heather C.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer," notes a Singing Wood Farm camper who mentions that despite this challenge, "We would gladly return to this camp."
Limited hookups at state parks: Most state parks in the region have limited or no hookups. At Little River State Park, campers note the "Bathrooms in 'B' were just redone," making tent camping more comfortable despite the lack of RV amenities.
Road noise considerations: While convenient for access, some campgrounds have highway proximity issues. At North Beach Campground, "accessible, well priced camping, close to downtown and waterfront. Minimal sites on the actual lake, but the lake is extremely close and visible from sites," notes Katherine B., making it suitable for RVers wanting urban access despite some road noise.
