Smuggler’s Notch RV Village, nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield, is a campground that thrives on its location, offering visitors access to outdoor recreation in Vermont.
The park’s charm also lies in its proximity to popular attractions like scenic hiking trails, Ben & Jerry’s, and Smuggler’s Notch Resort, making it a prime spot for those eager to explore.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Nature
In an exclusive interview with Modern Campground, owner Will Kuntzelmann’s vision centers on fostering a tight-knit community of travelers, with a range of self-guided tour materials to help guests discover local gems, from covered bridges to breweries.
“When we first came up with this idea, I was still living in Colorado. I mentioned that I grew up here, but I lived in Colorado for about 18 years. I was doing a lot of the planning for the campground during COVID while at my house,” he said.
Kuntzelmann also shared the special place his dog Maple holds at the campground, describing him as a “campground mascot.” Maple is a regular presence at the campground, greeting guests and enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.
With plans for future growth and a focus on maintaining the natural landscape, Smuggler’s Notch RV Village aims to be a welcoming, community-driven destination for both seasoned adventurers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
The campground’s name also has deep roots in local history. Kuntzelmann shared that Smuggler’s Notch, a nearby mountain pass, earned its name during Prohibition when contraband was hidden in caves along the route.
That legacy inspired the name of the park, along with a desire to capture the community vibe of an “RV Village.” He and his father, who played a big role in the naming process, envision the campground evolving into a space that includes a store and food trucks, cultivating what Kuntzelmann hopes will feel like a small village for travelers.
When asked about key features, Kuntzelmann highlighted the full hookup sites, a bath house, and both 30- and 50-amp power options.
A standout project for this season is the installation of a nine-hole pitch-and-putt disc golf course, designed to serve the growing number of disc golfers who visit the area.
Kuntzelmann also spoke about resurfacing an old tennis court from the 1970s with plans to convert it into pickleball courts.
According to the owner, now entering its second year of operation, Smuggler’s Notch RV Village is the product of careful planning and strong local support.
Kuntzelmann said that much of the early groundwork was laid with help from the Vermont Small Business Development Center. He recalled how advisor Charlie helped him navigate planning and marketing while he was still living in Colorado.
With shared backgrounds in the restaurant industry, Kuntzelmann and Charlie found common ground, accelerating the park’s development.
“He knew a lot of people and had helped a lot of other businesses,” Kuntzelmann said, crediting the center for guiding him through early challenges.
Challenges in the Making
Kuntzelmann also reflected on the challenges of launching the campground, particularly the hurdles related to Vermont’s Act 250 permit. He explained the complex and sometimes contentious process of securing permission to develop the site.
During this period, Kuntzelmann faced skepticism from some local neighbors who were concerned about the impact of a campground in their area. While some feared noise and disorder, Kuntzelmann, drawing from his experience as a camper, was confident that visitors would be respectful.
“I knew people [were] pretty well behaved in a campground,” he said. Despite the challenges, the campground secured the necessary permits, and the first year of operation was smooth.
A diverse range of visitors
As for the campground’s guests, Kuntzelmann shared that his vision was always to attract a diverse range of visitors, particularly those looking for a transient experience rather than long-term stays.
“Our goal was always to be more of a transient campground,” he noted, highlighting that while they do have some seasonal guests, they limit those stays.
The park has drawn a mix of demographics, including older couples on New England road trips, families, and a growing number of digital nomads.
Kuntzelmann was particularly pleased with the influx of younger millennial travelers who work remotely while enjoying the outdoors. He observed that many guests are not just seeking a place to stay but are eager to explore the area, often engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or visiting local breweries.
Kuntzelmann’s enthusiasm for the campground’s success in its first year is evident as he shares his satisfaction with the mix of guests.
“I’m a people person, so I like meeting people from all walks of life,” he said. The campground’s unique location, with access to outdoor adventures, seems to resonate with visitors who prioritize exploring the area.
“Everybody’s here to really experience the area,” Kuntzelmann remarked, noting that on any given afternoon, guests are out enjoying the natural beauty of Vermont rather than staying inside.
He also shared the unique role that traveling nurses play in the campground’s demographic. Many of the campground’s long-term guests are traveling nurses on three-month contracts, which has led to a diverse mix of visitors.
Kuntzelmann discussed the challenges of the campground in terms of its visitors, particularly the decline in Canadian reservations. He noted that Canadians had made up 8 to 10% of their bookings last year.
Despite this, Kuntzelmann remains optimistic. “So, we’re hoping we can get the Canadians to come back this year because they were a big part of our business,” he explained.
Balancing Growth with Green Commitments
Another aspect of the campground is several sustainability initiatives. A key focus for the campground has been maintaining the natural landscape, with Kuntzelmann emphasizing their decision to use grass pads instead of paved roads. This choice aligns with the campground’s Vermont roots and its commitment to preserving the environment.
Additionally, the campground has invested in energy-efficient hot water heaters for its bathhouse and takes an active role in recycling, with Kuntzelmann personally ensuring that the recycling bins are properly managed.
He also mentioned plans to introduce composting, although challenges with local wildlife, particularly bears, have made this more difficult to implement.
Kuntzelmann’s commitment to sustainability at Smuggler’s Notch RV Village aligns with broader industry trends outlined in the April 2024 report by Modern Campground and Cairn Consulting Group. The report found that about half of leisure travelers prefer campgrounds with sustainable practices, and a majority believe these efforts enhance their overall experience.
While price, quality, and service remain primary factors in campground selection, the report underscores a growing interest in eco-conscious operations—a trend reflected in Kuntzelmann’s decision to use grass pads instead of paved roads, as well as maintaining the natural landscape, investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, and planning to maintain an active recycling program.
Looking ahead to the campground’s opening for the season, Kuntzelmann shared the preparations underway to ensure a welcoming environment for guests. This includes cleaning fire pits, removing trash that has accumulated over the winter, and ensuring the campground’s infrastructure, such as water and electricity, is fully operational.
One of the key features Kuntzelmann highlighted was the campground’s high-speed Wi-Fi, which he stressed as a priority for guest satisfaction.
Additionally, he plans to address some uneven sites by spreading grass seed and leveling out areas where grass had died off, ensuring the campground is in top shape for the new season.
Smuggler’s Notch RV Village is currently offering a spring promotion of 20% off stays from May 15 through June 20. Guests can take advantage of this limited-time offer by booking through the campground’s website, smugglersnotchrvvillage.com, and applying the promo code SPRING25 at checkout.
To learn more about Smuggler’s Notch RV Village, visit their website here.