Local Couple Opens Smuggler’s Notch RV Village on Route 108

A local couple in Jeffersonville, Vermont, has launched Smuggler’s Notch RV Village, offering 60 full hook-up sites, a modern bathhouse, and Wi-Fi for travelers seeking comfort in the heart of the Green Mountains.

“I’ve always loved camping and hospitality, and we thought it was the perfect fit for our town,” said Will, describing how he and his wife, Erica, returned from Colorado to open the campground. In the same account, he noted the revised town plan in Cambridge aimed at fostering a recreation hub, which supported their venture. Business advisor Charley Ininger also observed that the couple did the research necessary to build a strong business model.

Their property sits along Route 108, offering easy access to skiing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits in Vermont’s Green Mountains. Will explained that he drew on past experiences near Rocky Mountain National Park to shape the concept, adapting those insights for New England visitors seeking year-round adventures.

Before launching, Will conferred regularly with the Vermont Small Business Development Center on topics such as financial forecasting and marketing outreach. He said these discussions guided decisions about online reservations, operational timelines, and targeted digital promotions aimed at reaching the right mix of guests, from vacationing families to extended-stay travelers.

“I would have meetings with a couple members from VtSBDC every month,” Will recalled, emphasizing that ongoing support helped refine his approach and set clear milestones. He further noted that this guidance allowed him to tap into broader expertise, from budgeting tips to creative branding strategies.

Longtime family friends, Dick and Jim, provided hands-on support once Smuggler’s Notch RV Village opened to the public. They handled daily maintenance and welcomed guests, an arrangement that Will and Erica found so effective they plan to continue it in the seasons ahead.

In many campgrounds, regional environmental reports show that low-flow bathhouse fixtures can reduce water consumption by as much as 30%. Energy-efficient lighting can often cut power costs by around 20%. While these upgrades are optional for owners, adopting them can preserve local resources and align with visitors’ interest in eco-friendly recreation, an idea that resonates strongly in Vermont’s scenic environment.

Looking ahead, Will intends to roll out more activities, including self-guided hiking and mountain biking tours, brewery stops, and expanded on-site services. He believes that pairing traditional RV amenities with local exploration will keep the campground competitive in a growing market for experiential getaways.

Industry benchmarks also highlight the value of well-structured staff development. Studies in outdoor hospitality suggest that formal training programs can lift retention rates by roughly 25%, which can lead to higher guest satisfaction in the long run. Since Smuggler’s Notch RV Village relies on on-site hosts for everyday tasks, a defined training framework could boost their ongoing operations.

Will credits his collaboration with local business resources for equipping him with problem-solving tools and a measured perspective on growth. He says that focusing on strategic initiatives, from managing budgets to polishing marketing campaigns, helped him gain confidence during the startup phase.

As the campground continues to attract visitors, preserving the natural setting remains a shared priority for all involved. Will emphasizes that Vermont’s outdoor heritage, combined with thoughtful management practices, fosters an environment where both guests and local landscapes thrive.

A practical distribution of responsibilities contributes to a smooth operation. With Dick and Jim on-site, the owners can concentrate on broader objectives, such as liaising with regional tourism networks and exploring future upgrades. Will views these efforts as crucial for making the campground a standout destination in the area.

“Through my work with VtSBDC, I’ve learned to approach my business with a clearer strategy and focus on long-term planning,” he said. “I’ve gained a better understanding of financial management, marketing opportunities, and how to prioritize projects that will drive growth. Their support has helped me make more confident and informed decisions for my business.” Potential guests can learn more at smugglersnotchrvvillage.com.