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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Community favorites near Smugglers' Notch State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Smugglers' Notch State Park

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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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(187)

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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Broadfork Farmstead

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Greensboro, VT

Broadfork is the Fairbank family’s homestead in Greensboro, Vermont. It is a sustainably managed, diversified farm, featuring pastures, a variety of animals, chickens, beehives, and a variety of seasonal produce. Berry picking is available in season, and fresh eggs, pastured meats and poultry, pickles, preserves, and baked goods are available year round. Guests are invited to treat themselves to a picnic basket featuring specially curated local foods, some produced right here at Broadfork. We are excited to help make your stay a unique and memorable one, and are happy to help plan your time with us. Accommodations are situated central to the farmstead’s home acre. Wander the property, visit the animals, or just enjoy the beautiful views of the hills of Greensboro. Close to Caspian Lake beach, Barr Hill nature area, the Willey’s Store, and Hill Farmstead brewery. Snack boards, breakfast or picnic baskets with our own farm products and curated local delicacies are available upon request. All visitors to Vermont must comply with current COVID safety regulations.

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Texas Hill Brook & Dark Star Cabin

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Richmond, VT

Learn more about this land: Both sites are located in beautiful Huntington, VT on the occupied lands of the Abenaki/Wabanaki. Texas Hill Brook camp site The Texas Hill Brook site is a flat, wooded campsite on Texas Hill Brook in Huntington. The campsite is roughly 10m x 30m (30' x 100'), large enough for several tents or a small camper/RV. It is accessed by a sloped 50m (about 150') gravel driveway. The narrowest part of the driveway is 2.6m (about 8.5 feet). There is a 3m x 3m (10' x 10') tent platform and a large picnic table. Firewood is provided. Near our home about 120m/400 feet away through the trees but relatively private. Within a short pedal or drive to some of the best mountain biking and hiking Vermont has to offer, 15 minutes to Richmond and Hinesburg, and just a half hour to Burlington. Electricity on site, primitive fire pit, but no other facilities, so ALL waste must be packed out. We have a bucket commode to loan if you don’t have your own. Dark Star Cabin Dark Star is the perfect base camp for your northern Vermont hiking and biking adventures! Comfortable accommodations for 6 in a solar powered cabin. Located in Huntington close to some of Vermont’s best trails, Dark Star is a short hike (less than a mile) from a private, secure parking area. The hike is not difficult, but ground is uneven, some of it is uphill, and it may be wet. Note that this property is HIKE-IN ONLY and pack in/pack out (i.e. you will need to pack out all trash, etc.). Unwind in the wood-fired sauna, lounge on the deck under the stars, sharing stories of your escapades and planning the next day’s adventures. Pull-out queen sofa bed on the main floor plus 2 full size beds in the loft. Pillows are provided but bring your own linens. Outdoor shower, WiFi, water filtration system, grill, small refrigerator/freezer, composting toilet, and many other amenities for a comfortable stay.

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MalloRied Sugarwoods Cabin

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Royalton, VT

Nestled into a forest of mature Sugar Maples, this octagon cabin sits on 17 acres of wooded terrain that is about a 1/3 mile on a Private road off from a town road in Royalton, VT. **Driving to the cabin during the winter months is not available!** The property is 5 mins away from necessities, but still quiet, secluded and peaceful as you enjoy nature in a mature hardwood forest that surrounds you during your stay! This property is designated during the spring months for a state of the art maple sugaring operation, as well as a peaceful retreat to “unplug” and enjoy a weekend! There’s Trails to hike nearby, in the woods that surround you, Killington is 30 minutes away, 10 minutes from Silver Lake for canoeing and kayaking and the Barnard General Store. Many options to eat in the area and other events going on throughout the summer and fall months! Or, just find your self getting away from it all to enjoy the quaintness of this rustic cabin. You will find exactly what you will need here to support your glamping adventure! Solar power is set up to power the cabin as well as potable water can be provided onsite for drinking or cleaning the dishes/pots/pans that are also provide within the cabin. There is fire place outside for roasting marshmallows with firewood provided. Or to simply just sit back and enjoy, but feel free to cook your dinner on as well! There is a Full size bed and also two twin beds provided. Linens can be provided but it wouldn’t hurt to bring your sleeping bags just in case! ***During the winter months you will have to hike to the cabin!!*** Don’t be afraid to ask more questions if you are considering booking! This is a super cozy spot to take a night or two to unwind!! Bring your snowshoes, a sled and come enjoy this all this property has to offer!

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Art and Health Chill Camping

8 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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Mount Norris Scout Reservation

16 sites · Lodging, Tents1000 acres · Lowell, 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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C.Valley Alpaca and Beef Ranch

2 sites · Lodging88 acres · Bridport, VT

Champlain Valley Alpacas and Beef is a family farm owned and operated by the Foshay family since 1998. Our girls, Gracie and Olivia are grown now. Gracie is married to Jaron and they live in Alabama. Olivia is a nurse and currently is living at home which is a huge blessing to Mom and Dad. Our herd of alpacas once was shown successfully in the Eastern States, now mostly range on the farm, having sweet cria (babies), growing magnificent fiber and effortlessly entertaining throngs of wedding guests! Our beef herd, comprised of Black and Red Angus, Hereford and Belted Galways has fluxuated as the market and hay supplies demand. We have a vineyard of Marquette grapes that are so delicious, that we have to race the birds for them in the fall. Our land is quiet, off the beaten path, and brimming with beautiful views of mountains, hills, valleys with winding creeks. This property has seen years of agriculture as a sheep farm, dairy farm and a fence company. We are happy to share this land and our gentle creatures with you.Learn more about this land:We are a working Alpaca and Beef farm in Central Vermont. Our cottage is available in the spring, summer and fall to Airbnb guests. Recently we have added the winter season for the adventurous Clamping crowd. The cottage is very private, with alpacas nearby. Hiking, xc-skiing (bring your own) and The Vast (Snowmobile)trails are also nearby. We have amazing western views of the Adirondack mountains, and are 20 minutes from Middlebury, Vergennes; 1 hour from Burlington and Rutland and 45min from Middlebury Snowbowl Ski Area.

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ZenDen in Stowe

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Stowe, VT

9x15 insulated and heated cabin with electricity. SAUNA right off the porch. Grill. WiFi and Satellite. Cold/Hot water dispenser. Saw-dust toilet. Fire pit. Covered 10x10 deck with screen protector. Picnic table. Beautiful sunset. Plenty of parking for camper van or small RV. Prime location in Stowe. Text for more photos.

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Verbena Vista at Dreamland

3 sites · Lodging70 acres · Worcester, VT

Welcome to Verbena Vista, the magic cottage at Dreamland~ /|\ New in 2024! We are now offering Custom Crafted Ritual Retreats for our guests; an opportunity to sink into sanctuary and be held in your journey to wholeness with Fearn as your guide. Including guided ritual in our stone circle, labyrinth, faery well and forest, practices for transformation and release, deeper connection with Nature, healing, magick and more... Scroll down to the bottom of this description for more details. Go to "EXTRAS" to reserve your retreat. Verbena Vista is: ~a tiny guest cottage committed to sustainable, simple living. ~off grid, unplumbed, solar powered and uses only natural cleaning products. ~secluded, quiet, immersed in many acres of forest with meandering brooks, pond, trails, sacred well, stone circle and labyrinth. ~Less than 10 miles from Montpelier, the state capitol; a charming small city. 2 miles to farm store and general store/gas station. Unplug, slow down, and sink in to retreat on sacred land.10 x 20’ cozy, bright cottage. Off grid with small solar system.Unplumbed- Tank systems for sink and shower. Compost bucket toilet. Double sized bed and single pull out couch. Please bring your own linens! Propane cook top and heat. Unplugged- No wifi. Limited cell reception. Quaint front porch with rocking chair and awesome vista of gardens, pond, stars, hills; Winter access involves a short walk up a packed snow trail. Cargo sled provided. Kindly observe quiet hours: 10:00 pm – 7:00 am. After 10:00 pm is quiet time. Remove your own trash when you depart. You may leave clean recyclables and compost in appropriate bins. No driving above the yurt parking area please.. If you swim in the pond, clothing is optional. Please do not use any soaps or shampoo in pond. No smoking or vaping inside. Firewood for sale, $5 for an armload. Please inquire for more info and leave $ in basket in yurt. Please use fire pit in front of cottage, not in stone circle. No cutting or defacing trees for fires. Please be respectful to our site and to the environment by keeping things tidy and low impact. You are welcome to explore the woodland trails and quiet back roads. They are not marked so leave a trail of breadcrumbs if you are not good at navigation! Feel welcomed to use our temple spaces for solo or respectful group connection quiet time. Please no drinking or smoking in these spaces. If you stay includes a Wednesday in the warmer months, there may be an Ecstatic Dance in the stone circle from 7-9pm. You are welcome to join us! Welcome LGBTQIA and BIPOC! Your Ritual Retreat at Dreamland A custom crafted Ritual Retreat is a special opportunity to step away from the busyness of your daily routine to tend to your body and soul, heart and mind. Because sometimes life requires us to unplug, to unplug, unwind and remember our deep connection to Nature and Spirit. Imagine being guided in a customized sacred ritual while held in a breathtakingly beautiful and magically tended land. Welcome to Dreamland! A Ritual Retreat Will Support: An individual (or couple) who is ready to make an energetic shift. A desire to unplug and remember your true nature. A longing to be held in a sacred container to hear the call of your soul. A wish to slow down to the speed of Nature, to rest and restore. Being with grief, processing a loss or letting go of people and experiences. Contemplating or marking a life passage. Implementing new life practices and fully stepping into a new level of being. Tending places that feel stuck, blocked, disconnected, confused or alone. If any of these ring true, then a Ritual Retreat at Dreamland is for YOU! During A Custom Crafted Ritual Retreat you will be: *Supported by an experienced spiritual guide. *Rooted in sacred land. *Immersed in a guided ritual customized for your unique needs. *Given time to meditate, walk, journal, and commune with the land, waters, and forest. *Invited to listen to your intuition and find your truth. Ritual Options: All custom ritual retreats include a 2 night stay in Verbena Vista, the Druid’s Cottage and a guided in-person ritual in one of our sacred spaces, custom crafted by Fearn for your becoming. Release- Are you carrying grief in your heart? Anger, shame, fear? I can help you let go. This may include guided release through movement, voice, breath, burning away with fire, cleansing with smoke or brushing with fresh herbs, energy release and reclaiming your true Self. Remember- Guided rituals in sacred space to support your belonging to life. Meet allies, guides and helpers from nature and spirit. This may include a labyrinth ritual, fire ceremony in the stone circle, guided meditation and journey work at the Faery Well. Journey- Guided meditation and journey work. Journey into the grove within and the Forest around - a guided walk to connect with the wild Nature; meet the land, wise old trees, waters, spirits and all that guides and supports you. Heal- Let go of limiting beliefs, heal emotional or physical wounds. This may include a custom flower essence blend in a dropper bottle to be taken internally with intention as soul support. Emerge - Theshold rites are guided preparation and ceremony to shift into a new level of being. Some more examples of what your ritual may include: Spiritual guidance, divination, consecration, energy release, mentoring, movement and dance, embodied connection to the earth, trees, elements, plants, drumming, journey, meditation, rooting, relationship and reciprocity with the land. Fearn Lickfield, your guide, brings 30 years of experience as a Druid priestess, Faery Seer, Geomancer, ceremonialist, ecstatic dancer, flower essence practitioner, Geomancer, shadow healer, and soul supporter. Once your Ritual Retreat is booked we can chat here to custom craft your rite at Dreamland.

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Old Stone House Museum VT

3 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Brownington, VT

Learn more about this land: African American Alexander Lucius Twilight built the Old Stone House at the heart of our 60+ acre historic village in pastoral Brownington, Vermont. Our grounds include gorgeous Prospect Hill and Observatory Tower, a Heritage Apple Orchard, Giving Gardens and a one+ mile Twilight Educational Trail you can hike, ski or snowshoe. We have a designated spot for anyone camping with car(s) and tents. The nine historic buildings which comprise our grounds are all accessible by car or truck. No campfires allowed at this time.

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Hi Vue Farms Tiny Home

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents420 acres · Richford, VT

Hi Vue Farms is located in Northern Vermont on the Canadian Border (bring your passport as there are 4 border crossings in the nearby village!) We currently tap about 5500 maple trees on our 425+ acre farm, producing Pure Organic Maple Syrup and Maple Products such as candy, cream and vinegar. I also have a small apiary as well as a flock of laying hens and various other farm animals. Hi Vue is a multi generational maple sugar, Conserved Carbon Offset Farm through the Vermont Land Trust and Cold Hollow to Canada conservation groups. We are certified organic through the Northeast Organic Farming Association. We are also certified Bird Friendly Maple through the Audubon Society. We prioritize enhancing migratory songbird habitat and maintaining wildlife corridors. Enjoy scenic vistas, private hiking trails (snowshoe, nordic ski, biking), our night skies are AMAZING! Experiences such as learning about maple sugaring and guided nature walks are available.

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.