Smugglers Notch RV Village Review

Introduction

We recently spent two weeks at Smugglers Notch RV Village in Jeffersonville, Vermont, and it quickly became one of our favorite stops. Even though it was just before peak foliage season, we still got a taste of that cozy fall feeling, cool mornings that made you want to open the windows, afternoons in the mid-70s perfect for exploring farmers’ markets and hiking, and crisp evenings ideal for campfires.

Traveling in our 42-foot Brinkley Z3610 fifth wheel pulled by an F450, we often have to be selective about campgrounds, but Smugglers Notch RV Village had no problem accommodating us with its spacious, easy-to-navigate sites.

What really stood out about this RV park is its location. Yes, the campground itself is welcoming and well-designed, but the true magic lies in how close it is to some of the best towns, food, and experiences that northern Vermont has to offer. 

From Burlington’s lakeside charm to historic Stowe and countless local markets, we never ran out of things to do during our stay.

First Impressions of Smugglers Notch RV Village

Big-rig friendly (for real). We pulled in with our 42′ Brinkley Z3610 and F-450 without a hiccup. Sites are spacious, level, and easy in/easy out, with both pull-through and back-in options.

The pads are gravel with a thin topsoil layer, and the layout avoids tight turns, big trees, or awkward obstacles, providing stress-free parking after a long drive.

Full hookups + the essentials at every site. You’ll find water, sewer, and power (20/30/50 amp on Deluxe sites; 20/30 on basic), plus a picnic table and fire pit at each spot—perfect for those cool pre-foliage evenings.

Amenities that matter (and a few fun extras).

• The bathhouse is housed in their original Vermont Sugar Shack bathhouse, a charming touch after a day out.
  
• Camp store up front for odds and ends.
  
• Firewood and kindling sold on site (super convenient).
  
• Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.
  
• Disc golf on property.
  
• Community sitting area with yard games and a shared fire pit—great for meeting other travelers.
  
• Pickleball courts are coming soon (love seeing the upgrades in motion).
  
• A pet-friendly and family-friendly vibe is present across the board.

The owner, Will, is hands-on and genuinely focused on giving families a great experience. From check-in to small on-site questions, he sets the tone for a welcoming stay.

With 60 full-hookup sites (daily and seasonal) and a design focused on easy navigation, this park is built to be a comfortable home base for exploring Northern Vermont, exactly how we used it over two weeks.

Burlington, VT

Just under an hour from Smugglers Notch RV Village, Burlington became one of our favorite day trips during our two-week stay. Nestled along Lake Champlain, this lively city checks all the boxes: nature, shopping, food, and culture– and is a must-visit if you’re camping in the area.

One of the highlights of our time there was taking a Lake Champlain cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen. There’s nothing quite like seeing the surrounding mountains from the water, and the cruise gave us a fresh perspective on Vermont’s beauty.

Back on land, we loved wandering the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only street lined with restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, and even spots for self-care like nail spas. 

It’s the kind of place you can easily spend a whole afternoon, grabbing a bite, browsing, and people-watching. And of course, we couldn’t resist stopping at Ben & Jerry’s while we were there (because no trip to Vermont is complete without it).

Burlington struck the perfect balance for us: the energy of a vibrant town, paired with the scenic backdrop of Lake Champlain. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll, a memorable meal, or a dose of New England charm, Burlington delivers.

Stowe, VT

Just a short drive from Smugglers Notch RV Village, Stowe feels like stepping into a postcard of quintessential Vermont. With its historic downtown, boutique shops, cozy cafés, and mountain views, it’s easy to see why this town is such a draw for visitors year-round.

During our stay, we spent time wandering through local shops and restaurants and especially enjoyed the Stowe Farmers’ Market, where local growers, bakers, and artisans come together on Sundays.

There’s nothing like sampling fresh produce, browsing handmade goods, and listening to live music in the mountain air.

Another highlight was riding the Stowe Gondola SkyRide. The ride itself is breathtaking as you ascend Mt. Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), and once at the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Green Mountains and beyond. It’s one of those “don’t miss” experiences that really captures Vermont’s natural beauty.

Even though we focused on shopping, dining, and the gondola, Stowe has plenty more to offer:

• Scenic drives along the Mountain Road and nearby Smugglers’ Notch Pass (note: not RV-friendly).
  
• Hiking trails like Sterling Pond Trail or Moss Glen Falls are available for those who want to stretch their legs.
  
• Breweries and cideries, including The Alchemist, home of the famous Heady Topper IPA.
  
• In winter, of course, Stowe transforms into one of the East Coast’s top ski destinations.

Stowe blends New England charm with adventure opportunities, making it a perfect day trip while staying at Smugglers Notch RV Village.

Local Markets & Food Finds

One of our favorite parts of traveling is discovering local markets and food spots, and northern Vermont did not disappoint. Within a short drive of Smugglers Notch RV Village, we found plenty of places to taste the flavors of the region and connect with the community.

Jericho Farmers Market
This smaller, community-driven market had that authentic Vermont charm. We loved browsing the local produce, baked goods, and crafts while chatting with friendly vendors. It felt less touristy than some of the larger markets and gave us a real sense of the local culture.

Champlain Valley Fair
Timing worked in our favor, and we were able to attend the Champlain Valley Fair, Vermont’s largest annual fair. It was huge, offering everything from concerts and carnival rides to agricultural exhibits. 

We checked out the fruit and vegetable competitions, Christmas and bonsai tree displays, petting zoo, train layouts, and yes, even monster trucks and a demolition derby. The fair was a mix of nostalgic fun and local pride, making it one of the most memorable events of our trip.

Al’s French Frys
For a more casual bite, we stopped at Al’s French Frys, a local institution just outside Burlington. What started as a roadside stand in the 1940s has grown into a diner-style restaurant that’s still all about its crispy, golden fries.

It’s simple food done right, and it ended up being one of our most memorable meals in Vermont. Sometimes, the classics really do stand out.

Beyond these highlights, the area around Jeffersonville, Burlington, and Stowe is dotted with farm stands, breweries, and maple syrup shops that are worth pulling over for. No matter which direction you head, there’s always something local and delicious waiting to be discovered.

What Makes Smugglers Notch RV Village Special

While the surrounding towns and attractions kept us busy, what made this stay truly memorable was the balance between adventure and comfort that Smugglers Notch RV Village provides.

A true home base.

After spending full days exploring Burlington, Stowe, and the local farmers’ markets and fairs, it was a relief to return to a campground that wasn’t just a place to park, but a place to truly relax.

Whether it was gathering around our fire pit at night, walking the dog through the property, or joining in on a game at the community area, the RV Village gave us that “welcome home” feeling.

Designed with RVers in mind.

The sites are thoughtfully laid out, making it easy for big rigs to navigate, and every detail, from hookups to Wi-Fi, bathhouse, and firewood sales, is about making your stay hassle-free. The fact that Will, the owner, is hands-on and genuinely cares about his guests shows in the way the campground operates.

Adventure right outside your door.

Even without leaving the property, you can fill your day with fun, whether it’s playing a round of disc golf, enjoying yard games, or soon, trying out the pickleball courts. And if you want to get out into the mountains, trailheads and scenic drives are just minutes away.

Perfect for all kinds of travelers.

Whether you’re a couple looking for a peaceful getaway, a family ready for adventure, or digital nomads needing good Wi-Fi with a scenic backdrop, Smugglers Notch RV Village strikes the right balance.

It’s pet-friendly, family-friendly, and spacious enough for everyone from small campers to the largest fifth wheels.

In short, this RV park doesn’t just give you a site; it provides you with a launchpad for exploring northern Vermont while also being a destination worth enjoying on its own.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Before you pack up and head to Smugglers Notch RV Village, here are a few tips that can make your trip smoother and even more enjoyable:

1. Avoid the Notch Road in your RV.

Vermont State Law prohibits vehicles over 40 feet (or combined vehicles over 45 feet) from traveling through the Smugglers Notch segment of VT Route 108.

It’s a stunning, winding mountain road, but it’s absolutely not RV-friendly. The safe approach is from the Cambridge side. If you’re unsure, reach out to Will or the staff; they’re more than happy to help with directions.

2. Timing your stay.

We visited just before peak fall foliage season, and the weather was incredible, cool mornings, warm afternoons in the mid-70s, and crisp evenings perfect for campfires.

If you visit during foliage season, expect even more breathtaking views, but also more crowds. Summer offers the best for hiking and farmers’ markets, while winter transforms the area into a ski destination.

3. Plan for at least a week.

There’s so much to do within an hour’s drive, Burlington, Stowe, Lake Champlain, fairs, farmers’ markets, and scenic drives, that a weekend barely scratches the surface. Two weeks gave us time to explore deeply while still relaxing at the campground.

4. Bring your sense of adventure (and your appetite).

Northern Vermont is known for its local food, craft breweries, maple syrup, and farm-to-table culture. From Al’s French Frys to artisanal markets, you’ll want to come hungry. Don’t skip the gondola rides, cruises, or hikes, either; they’re the best way to soak in the Green Mountains.

5. Take advantage of the on-site extras.

The campground offers Wi-Fi, firewood, disc golf, and community spaces that add to your stay. Even if you’re out exploring most days, leave some time to enjoy the amenities right at Smugglers Notch RV Village.

Conclusion

Our two weeks at Smugglers Notch RV Village reminded us why we love RV travel so much. The campground itself had everything we needed: spacious sites, full hookups, friendly staff, and thoughtful amenities, but what really set it apart was its location.

Within an hour, we were exploring Burlington’s lakeside charm, Stowe’s mountain beauty, lively farmers’ markets, and even the Champlain Valley Fair.

Whether you’re looking for adventure in the Green Mountains, a chance to explore Vermont’s iconic small towns, or just a quiet place to relax with a campfire at night, Smugglers Notch RV Village is a fantastic home base.

The owner, Will, goes above and beyond to make sure every guest feels welcome, which gives the park that extra personal touch.

For families, couples, big rig travelers, or anyone chasing a mix of comfort and exploration, this campground is a gem. If you’re planning a trip through northern Vermont, we can’t recommend it enough. Book a stay, and you’ll see why it quickly became one of our favorites.

Smugglers Notch RV Village

37 RV Way  

Jeffersonville, VT 05464

(802) 335-2118