Best Camping in and near Smugglers' Notch State Park

94% (10 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Smugglers' Notch State Park adventure.

Discover the rugged beauty of Smugglers' Notch State Park.

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Smugglers' Notch Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Smugglers' Notch State Park

Explore camping beyond Smugglers' Notch State ParkDiscover 200+ magical spots to camp in State Parks

Top-rated campgrounds near Smugglers' Notch State Park

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Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Moretown, VT

⛰ 🌲 Drive right to your secluded site and wake to the sound of nature and water in this private retreat, situated squarely on the confluence of 2 rivers. Eventually, once part of a much larger working merino sheep farm owned by the Cobb family in the 1700s-1800’s, part of the land transitioned to a dairy cow farm operation, c.1940. Today, we steward 10 acres specially designed with horses in mind. Adjacent to a 40-acre cornfield on one side and Mt. Cobb on the other, with sweeping views our place overlooks the confluence of the Mad and Winooski Rivers. From here, you can mountain bike or hoof it to access miles of trails and bucolic scenery. Come visit this gateway to the Scenic Mad River Valley! 🌲🏊🐟The Swimming/Fishing/Tenting site ("site 1") is perched directly aside the Mad River and the Sweet Meadow Side site ("site 2") is just a 2-minute walk across the grassy meadow and down the secluded riverside path to our beloved Mad River beach. This is a semi-secluded beach, river's edge, and swimming holes. Swim, tube, fish and relax up or down the river and in the confluence of the Winooski and Mad Rivers.. 👢👓 Get curious about the history of this place by checking out the old abandoned Massey Furgeson hay baler tucked in the woods, the Cobb family cemetery, and more gems from many years gone by. Leave from either site on foot to access a sweet trail that travels along the river, over a private bridge, down a beautiful dirt road and into the forest. 🚴 Our property is located on the CROSS VERMONT TRAIL: "a multi-use path connecting communities, and the natural areas in between - across Vermont!" Check out their website (Cross Vermont Trail Association) for maps, guides, events and outings! Many adventurists also enjoy nearby, mountainous and beloved trails: Camel's Hump, The Long Trail, Mt. Mansfield, Stowe Pinnacle, Smuggler's Notch and more. There are a plethora of shorter, scenic and gentle hikes in our region, "the crossroads and recreation center of Vermont"! We are located just 2 miles from Interstate 89 and we reside on Vermont State Route 100B, allowing ease of access to points North, South, East and West Explore our on-site activity offerings: 🐴 Introduction Session: Get acquainted with our horses, tour the barn, and learn about equine-guided education and grooming. $45 for 1 hour for 1-6 people. 🐴 Horsemanship and Riding Lessons: Learn non-forceful bareback and bit-less leading and mounted techniques step by step. $100/hour or $150/1.5 hours for 1-2 people. 🐴 Family Team Building-Bonding (Most Popular): Enjoy an adventurous, fun, and challenging experience together as a family with exercises and activities facilitated by Lucinda. Non-mounted equine guided education at its best! $250 for 2.5 hours. These rates are discounted for our onsite Hipcampers 🙏🏼 Visit our website for more details: Horses and Pathfinders dot com. We'd love to hear from you! You are welcome to review all the varied, detailed and descriptive reviews and photos from other guests' experiences. This is a working ranch and sometimes equipment is running, but never for more than an hour at a time. Horses are on site and they have full access to this property. If you have an untrained, young or problematic dog, please consider a long lead line and read the dog rules and limits carefully. This is not a deep-woods, wilderness site. Please review the map and note our proximity to the interstate and the route where we reside. ❤️ Many guests, families and couples return here year after year as their destination vacation and getaway. We welcome you to experience what they enjoy so much -- right on site and in this special region, the heart of Vermont. ❤️

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Islands Base Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · South Hero, VT

Conserved by the South Hero Land Trust, the historic Sawyer Bay Farm on the Island of South Hero was converted to grazing beef cattle. Our farm name is Health Hero Farm. We practice intensive planned grazing, moving the cattle daily to fresh grass. The herd may be near the campsites or completely out of sight, somewhere on our 180 acres. While we were building a house, we camped in the equipment shed during the summer and grew to value its convenience. Joan's enjoyment of cycling inspired her to designate the farm stand as a "bike stop" where visitors could buy a snack, get water, fix their bikes and use the unique islands amenity of a composing toilet in a converted ice fishing shack. South Hero is an agricultural island, as well as a summer tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities. It is also only a half-hour away from Burlington, and the drive is pleasurable. Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, camp sink and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let (a.k.a. port-a-potty) with professional service. In the winter, the equipment shed is not available. We rent out vehicle and boat storage in the equipment shed and cannot accommodate camping there. However, we have ample parking for RVs at any time of the year. And if you are an experienced snow camper, we have several locations to choose from. We have a farm stand where you can buy a few snacks. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, and miles of scenic driving. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no RV electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for energy intensive appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.

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Art and Health Chill Camping

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Cabot, VT

Fall is now upon us and stick season blooms with shadows of magnificent branches of pines and maples as they dance under the moon and Milky Ways shadow. The crisp and clean air is a contrast to the summer warmth. The scurry of nut gathers and sparkling frosts on lingering dried grasses delight the senses. Winters snows and all the festive activities bring a new delight to the darkened days, with merriment, caroling, and outdoor markets. The snow shoes and sleds are ready for your arrival as well as area sled rides thru the woods, and trails for snowmobiles and cross county. The sauna beckons, with the hot glow of fire thru the steam laden glass door, after a hot stone massage to ease those muscles not used since last winter. The sacred geometry gardens take on a Winter wonderland serenity, twinkling with crystals of moisture turning before your eyes. The fire pits are stacked with wood to warm your toes, cook some some mores, or enjoy a sky filled with yes even more twinkling lights to delight the imagination. If your a downhill skier, we are 45 to 90 min from Stowe, Smugglers Notch, Burk< Cannon, Mt Washington, Killington and Sugarbush, so in any direction you can came home to Cabot. We have the space for your van or small rv, Heated Hive Design and 1 bedroom in the community space for your pleasure. Hope to see you this next Season. For those wanting to be creative or explore a new art inside next to the wood stove the studio awaits. The art studio has many supplies and i offer pottery and art classes to a group or individuals. Roam around the Sacred Geometry Gardens, one x country skis all connected by pollinator fields of flowers and mowed walking paths. Hope to host you . If you have any questions feel free to call or look at the web site www.Sacredconnections.earth There are veggies for sale from the hoophouse medicinal herbs salves and teas. Sauna is beautiful cedar shaped like a bee hive. hu -um is a beautiful new rock sauna stove. New benches and 1 way glass door. Massages vary from hot stone to medical scar removal. CBD oils.. Herbs.. Maple salt scrub....you know! The variety of camping options are sure to suit your fancy from swinging in a hammock, to tenting around huge pines. There are open meadows of wild flowers to being tucked into a cozy alcove of ferns next to the woods. Some sites can fit up to 3 tents for a group. Most sites have a fire pit lots of wood branches to burn and campwood is also available. Some sites have tables and benches. Some have electric. The Hive Designs are cozy and have a queen bed Hive 2 is 4 Season heated and air conditioned. Once here at Back Roads Farm your adventure begins. If your up for music and a night out the Den Hardware store offers music and craft beer. There are restaurant and venues within 20 miles. The Village store 2 miles away. Or sink in and lite a fire. Spend the day riding your bike or the Vt Rail Trail , or explore all the walking paths throughout Cabot. Enjoy the view of the Green Mt range to the west... Amazing Camels hump and Mt Mansfield views. All the way to Sugarbush. To the East. The Horton Forest and then the White Mountains. There are many events planned here this Winter from. c I he a dance music at Highland Arts oh here at the Den. We are in the center of a 30 mile radius of many ski resorts bike trails hikes and cultural events. The sauna is an extra charge but oh so worth it. Pottery classes, yoga space and fresh greens from the greenhouse await. To top off the weekend enjoy a hot stone massage! (Urban Farm Road) Urban Rd, is named after the original owner of this farm and surrounding land. The original barn burned, although they saved the milk house where my art gallery currently is . The barn has been rebuilt, which is a meeting place. And pottery studio. We also have 100 ft hoop house. Enjoy finding all the original farm implements around the property. There are 7 plus a Model A coup. Unique offerings include a health component from meditation classes to sauna and massage.The pottery studio is available for classes or private lessons including Raku firings. Singing Bowls and tuning forks are available on massage or outside. Movement classes are also available in the barn, in the fields or in the Flower of Life meditation garden and labyrinth. The outside garden and 100 ft hoop house is filled with organic vegetables and edible flowers for your enjoyment. The Herb Barn is for drying flowers and creating tinctures and ointments. The Art Gallery in the old milk house is filled with pottery and art work. Bring your easel and paint brushes, learn a new craft, or relax in the sauna. Bike trails are being established throughout Cabot, right out the front door. There are ponds for swimming within a few miles., There are many options for water sports minutes away at Joe's Pond, and many others. The rail trails are less than 10 minutes. Organic beef, raw milk and fresh eggs are around the corner at Molly Brook Farm. Maple Sugar at Goodrich's and fresh blueberries and veggies at Blossoms and Berries, as well as Burtt's Apples and of course Cabot cheese. The land is on the crest of the ridge looking East to Danville and the White Mts, and a few feet to the West the entire Green Mts splay before you. The water tastes wonderful, and bubbles up here and there on the property. Our neighbors who also offer camping have sheep, to berries... I offer the healing arts, massage, scar release, the sauna, and other art learning experiences. Please call for arts schedule. *My only request arrive before dark when possible and not after 8pm. I am an old lady and work hard all day to prepare this sacred space for your enjoyment. Your eta is appreciated as I am also a volunteer for the ambulance and am active in the community and prefer to be here to greet you . Thanks! I appreciate great campers who pick up and discard their pets poop and respects my time a well. Oh please pick up your dog poop, don't let them full on jump on me, and there is a leash law. Thank you to all my great campers! And blessings to those few bad apples!

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Pine Cone Cabin

1 site · Lodging29 acres · Groton, VT

Welcome to our cozy tiny cabin nestled on 29 acres in the breathtaking Northeast Kingdom! Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, our cabin is the perfect base camp for all your outdoor pursuits. Situated close to Lake Groton, VAST trails, and Groton State Park, you'll have easy access to a myriad of activities including hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, kayaking/boating, swimming, hunting, and more! The cabin itself features a charming kitchen area, a loft for sleeping under the stars, a cozy fireplace to warm up after a day of exploration, and an outhouse for added convenience. Come and experience the beauty and serenity of the Northeast Kingdom at our tiny cabin retreat!

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BlueberryHill Field Camp

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Goshen, VT

The field is adjacent to the Blueberry Hill Inn and Outdoor and in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest and Moosalamoo Recreation Area. Great sunsets! We offer access to outdoor showers with hot and cold running water and toilets in the nearby Outdoor Center. There is an internet connection near the buildings but not necessarily at your site. You can drive your car to the site. There is privacy between the sites though occasionally there are other tents in the open field. You can forage for wood for a small fire or you can request 'bundles' (a small cartful) to be available upon arrival. Wood from outside Vermont is not allowed. Access to many hiking/biking/running trails just outside your tent door. We are stewards of these trails and your camping fees help to support our work. Nearby swimming, kayaking, and canoeing are available too. We provide trail maps upon arrival and you can also view them online from our webpage at Blueberry Hill Inn. Blueberry picking on-site in August. Don't want to cook? Packed lunches are available. Check out our website at Blueberry Hill Inn for Pizza by the Pond nights.

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ADK Mountain View

9 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Westport, NY

This was a very old dairy farm owned by the Duntley Family. Old farming equipment dispersed throughout the property. An old foundation from a sugaring house. Beautiful old rock walls. Deer and wildlife galore. Pitch your tent or bring your camper to our 150-acre working farm oasis. Beautiful views of the Adirondack Mountains. Easy drive to great hiking spots. Easy access in Essex for the ferry to Vermont. Lake Placid, high peaks 30 minutes. Or just relax at your campsite with a fire. There is a water spigot to the left of the big brown metal building with easy access with the driveway in front of the building. Each site has its own outhouse, picnic table, two Adirondack chairs, fire ring with a cooking grate. Snow mobile access during winter months. Happy Camping!

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Vermont Rustic Retreat

1 site · Lodging13 acres · Cabot, VT

Gorgeous views and rustic cabin retreat in rural Cabot, Vermont. You will love the quiet 13 acre property with pond and outdoor fire grill. 192 square ft cabin with porch for sitting and viewing spectacular sunsets. The cabin has a futon sofa for two, a woodstove (wood supplied), large cooler, 5-gallon water jug filled, T.V., portolet and outhouse, two burner campstove, dishes, utensils, and fresh vegetables and berries when in season. (lots of wood for campfires and wood stove, pots and pans and cooking utensils, electricity, propane for cook stove and good cell service, bike, cross country ski and canoe rental optional) Fantastic gravel roads for cycling, nearby Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, mountain biking nearby at Kingdom Trails and Craftsbury Outdoor Center, endless local hiking trails, canoeing at nearby Peacham Pond and Green River Resevoir. Winter activities - cross country skiing on Cabot Winter Trails, snowshoeing, ice skating on the pond. Short drive to Hill Farmstead Brewery (world class microbrewery), Jasper Hill cheese caves (also award winning), home of Cabot Creamery, Cabot's own The Den for live music and microbrews, restaurants, coffee shops and local organic foods at coop in nearby Hardwick. 30 minute drive to capital city Montpelier and St. Johnsbury. Nichols ledge and pond, Joes Pond in Cabot. State Park Green River Reservoir not too far away. Dog Mountain for pets near St. Johnsbury.

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Hogback Homestead

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents109 acres · Johnson, VT

PLEASE READ Beginning November 1, we will be in our off season. Camping is still available, however our running water facilities including kitchen and shower will not be active. Spring water is still available from a source on property, but you must haul it yourself. We have parking available in a plowed area, but in the event of snow we cannot guarantee car access to your site. Feel free to contact us to inquir Located on 109 scenic acres, we offer beautiful campsites, as well as RV parking and canvas tents for rent. Our property borders Vermont's Long Trail, less than 1/2 mile from the gorgeous vista of Prospect Rock. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is nearby for bicycle or foot travel, and the Lamoille river is easily accessed for fishing, tubing, kayaking etc. We feature a full-size professionally built Disc Golf course, Elevation Chains, on property. Beautiful views of river and mountains and a secluded yet very accessible location make this an ideal property for camping. Our campground features a fully functioning outdoor kitchen available to all campers. Propane stove, running water and cutlery are provided to make food planning and prep easier. It also features a large firepit and serves as a great center for community gatherings. Outdoor shower (room temp only) and composting toilets also available. Biodegradable soaps and hygiene products only please! The frogs will thank you. Ask us about canoe and paddleboard rental! About us: At Hogback Homestead we strive to be positive stewards to our land. We actively farm and forage, and appreciate it when our guests take interest as well. We graze sheep, pigs and sometimes other ruminants, keep gardens and perennials, and manage our lands with the most ecological practices available to us. We believe that a strong and thriving community is foundational to a healthy, happy life and welcome all to come visit! Ask about long term camping and internship programs as well. Arriving on site: Don't follow your GPS, as it may send you to an inaccurate location. Instead, put our address (contact us if you're unable to find it on this site) in, locate our road, and then look for the street number on our mailbox on the left as you drive uphill. Once onsite, follow the drive straight until you reach the camping area and follow signage to your site. If you have questions or need assistance we live in the cabin with the blue roof and can usually be found around there.

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Mount Norris Scout Reservation

16 sites · Lodging, Tents1000 acres · Eden, VT

The pristine mountain trails and and panoramic views of Lake Eden beckon adventurers of all ages and abilities to enjoy year-round visits to Mount Norris Scout Reservation. With 1,000 acres of wilderness terrain, a dozen secluded campsites and numerous cabins, lean-tos and shelters to suit your needs, Mt. Norris is big enough for any private event but perfect for your family or group. Ascend the 1,482-foot vertical 5-mile round trail to the summit of Mt. Norris or carve your own path in snow shoes or cross country skis to the shores of Lake Eden. We have 75 years of experience helping introduce families to the outdoors. Let us know how we can make your next experience unforgettable! Mt. Norris is a strictly substance-free facility. Thank you for helping us maintain a tranquil environment for our guests.

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Willoughby Farm Animal Rescue

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents107 acres · Fairlee, VT

We are a 107-acre forest and farm animal rescue. Sleep with the sheep, alpacas, donkeys, potbellied pigs, and rabbits when you pitch your tent or park your camper on our Vermont Farm! Reserve the group site and sleep in the middle of the action! (You do not need a "group" to reserve the group site -- it is just our biggest site and can accommodate groups!). Co-located in the open, grassy area with the free-roaming farm rescues is our RV site. Co-located sites share a community fire ring, so it's a great way to meet and make new friends! Don't have a tent or RV? Spend a magical night in "The Greenhouse" (it's a real, working greenhouse that doubles as accommodations for those looking for a more "glamping" experience). Want a little privacy? Reserve one of our two tricked-out Tent Deck sites (Buddha North and Grandmother Pine), each with its own picnic table, private fire ring, and commercial-grade park grill. Nestled discretely in the forest adjacent to the area where the animals are, you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere even though you are less than a 5-minute walk from your car! Looking for something a bit more remote and spectacular? Hike a half-mile to the Big Sky Tent Deck. An incredible vista awaits you for a little effort! Need gear? We have it for rent, from cast iron grill baskets and griddles to make cooking over a charcoal grill or fire a breeze to tents to 1- and 2- burner propane stoves to tarps to water containers. We even have an Anker Portable Power Station and Portable Kerosene Heater for rent! Need Supplies? Charcoal? Propane? We've got it. ----- We are a small non-profit (501c3). When you stay with us, rent equipment from us, or take a tour with us, 100% of the money you pay goes directly for the care and feeding of the rescue animals. Thanks for supporting us in making a difference in the lives of neglected, abused, and abandoned farm animals! ----- CAMP FOR FREE WEEKENDS: MAY 9-11 2025 & SEPT 19-21 2025 Come for the weekend and make a difference in the lives of Rescues. Spend the weekend helping us prep for Winter, maintaining and building fencing, planting daffodils, clearing brush, pitchforking manure (important and necessary work), hoof trimming, painting, and everything in between. Watch the sunset from the Big Sky Tent Deck on the Equinox. Sit around campfires with new friends. Eat great food -- we'll make you dinner each evening! Just (1) message us that you are interested or (2) sign up on the event page on our Facebook profile. ----- CHECK-IN TIME: 3:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Please arrive within this time window. If absolutely necessary, you may purchase a check-in extension for $15 in advance or $30 on arrival.

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Green Mountain Glamping

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · West Burke, VT

Experience all that the northeast kingdom of Vermont has to offer while staying at Green Mountain Glamping. Ride the Kingdom Trails right from the property! Nestled among the trees, our bell tent sites feature comfortable beds, pillows, linens, towels, a picnic table, smokeless fire pit, outhouse and more! We also have one site for those that want to bring their own tent, camper or RV. These are private sites on our property. You'll drive past our home, garage, and garden to get to each site and you'll be able to see our buildings from the sites. We have a very large English Mastiff and some hens. Both are contained in our fenced in yard. Eggs can be purchased upon request. We also have a some dirt jumps if you need to get warmed up before your ride, and a simple bike wash station ready to go when you get back. Lots of wildlife inhabit our area of Vermont. During your stay you're likely to see whitetail deer, squirrels and chippies, rabbits, and hawks. There's a chance you may see a fox, black bear, moose or even a bobcat! We ask that food is secured in your vehicle and not brought into the bell tents, for your own safety. We do have a basket of safety equipment in each tent. The basket contains bug spray, bear horn, simple first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a flash light.

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Little Log Cabin in Vermont

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Waterville, VT

Learn more about this land:Special little retreat located next to a mountain stream. Off grid tiny house log cabin. Compleat with kitchen shower and composting toilet. Two beds and a fold out couch .

The best camping near Smugglers' Notch State Park guide

Overview

About

Smugglers’ Notch State Park has a beautifully diverse landscape of forest, waterfalls, rock outcrops, rivers, caves, and alpine lakes. The park is named for Smugglers’ Notch, a scenic road that winds through the Green Mountains, lined with 1,000-foot cliffs. The road was once used to smuggle goods into the country from Canada, but now you can enjoy your moonshine right out in the open! The park is especially beautiful in the fall when the forest is covered in a myriad of colors.

When to go

The best time to visit Smugglers' Notch State Park is during the summer and fall months, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Summer offers lush greenery and perfect hiking conditions, while fall dazzles with a spectacular display of foliage. Winters can be harsh, with the park's higher elevations receiving significant snowfall, making it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts but less accessible for casual visits.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly amid the mountains.
Some areas may be closed due to seasonal weather or conservation efforts, so verify accessibility in advance.
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for rugged terrain and variable weather.
Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly and inform someone of your itinerary.
While the park offers a range of amenities, always bring sufficient water and snacks for your adventure.