Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides seasonal opportunities for campers beyond the warmer months. The park extends primitive camping access during winter when the main gate is closed and area is not plowed. Visitors must call ahead to reserve a site and handle their own waste removal during this period. Located within the Green Mountains at elevations between 1,600-2,100 feet, the campground experiences temperature swings even during summer months, with evenings typically 15-20 degrees cooler than daytime highs.
What to do
Winter backcountry access: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers free off-season camping with advance reservation. According to Ed M., "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March of 2019. 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."
Mountain biking from camp: The area around Underhill Center supports extensive gravel biking directly from campsites. At Singing Wood Farm, campers can access routes without driving. As Heather C. notes, "You can gravel bike right from the field. We built a number of rides with Ride with GPS, leaving from there site. There are never ending hiking options, from easy to advanced, in the general area."
Historic exploration: Several campgrounds near Underhill Center feature historical elements on their property. Rita M. describes Little River State Park: "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover."
What campers like
Waterfront glamping: Little River State Park Campground offers water-based glamping opportunities with remote sites accessible only via watercraft. Caitlin M. shares, "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables."
Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at certain campgrounds near Underhill Center. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, Drew Q. notes, "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms."
Site spacing: Jess O. comments on Smugglers Notch, "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."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular glamping sites near Underhill Center book quickly. Ben C. advises about Smugglers Notch: "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!"
Site leveling challenges: Some properties require extra effort to set up. At Singing Wood Farm, Heather C. warns, "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer. While we were there, there were car campers, tent campers, and a class C RV, in addition to us in our travel trailer."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies across locations. Drew Q. explains Mount Philo's setup: "Bathrooms were very clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc. The toilets are composting toilets, but from the user experience, it's very close to a regular toilet in that it's in a stall in a nice, well maintained proper bathroom."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Burton Island State Park Campground provides family-friendly water activities. Michael L. shares, "There are a lot of activities to do on the island. We went fishing, swimming, and out in a canoe. We rented a canoe from the campground and paddled over to Wood Island."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Rita M. describes Little River: "The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water."
Kid-friendly environment: Burton Island creates a safe environment for children. Tara S. notes, "It's super family friendly - maybe it's because there aren't cars all over the place, but the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for amenities: North Beach Campground offers various hookup options. Laura L. explains, "We loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups. We also met the nicest people here. You can purchase firewood at the office, and there are also propane options."
Electrical concerns: Some campgrounds have power issues. At Shelburne Camping Area, Snooz H. warns, "Electricity would not work. We got an error on our control panel that said stop! Power source is not correct! Dan, one of the owners, said that somebody must have tried to hook a 50 amp into the 30 amp box."
Alternative parking options: When glamping in Underhill Center, Vermont presents challenges, nearby alternatives exist. Snooz H. shares their backup plan: "The Walmart about 10 or 15 miles down the road would allow overnight."
