Jim
RVF Supporter
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2019
- Messages
- 4,814
- Location
- North Carolina
- RV Year
- 2020
- RV Make
- Newmar
- RV Model
- Essex 4543
- RV Length
- 45
- Chassis
- Spartan
- Engine
- Cummins / I6 Diesel Pusher 605HP
- TOW/TOAD
- 2016 Jeep Rubicon
- Fulltimer
- No
Well, folks, after six years, hundreds of posts, countless projects, and more than a few adventures, I suppose it's time to bring this chapter to a close.As of November 2, 2026, Deer Springs RV Park officially has new owners.
When I started the Building a Small RV Park thread six years ago, I had no idea how many people would follow along as I shared the experience of building and operating a small RV park in the mountains of western North Carolina.
What started as an idea became a business, and what started as a business became a pretty significant chapter of my life. And along the way, I learned a few things.
I learned that building an RV park is considerably more complicated than putting in some gravel, running a few water lines, and plugging in a couple of campers. I learned more about roads, drainage, electricity, septic systems, wells, permits, and construction than I ever intended to know.
I also learned that owning an RV park doesn't mean you get to spend your days sitting in a lawn chair watching people enjoy the mountains.
It means you're the maintenance department, landscaping crew, plumber, electrician, reservation specialist, customer service representative, and occasionally the complaint department. And when something breaks, it rarely has the courtesy to do so during normal business hours.
But somewhere along the way, something pretty wonderful happened. Deer Springs became more than just a place to park an RV.
We developed a loyal following of guests, many of whom returned year after year, and many that came from this awesome forum. Friendships were made around campfires, stories were exchanged, and people from all over the country became part of what made Deer Springs special.
Of course, there were challenges. There were expensive mistakes, projects that took twice as long as expected, guests who could test the patience of a saint, and more than a few mornings when I wondered what on earth I'd gotten myself into.
But there were also tremendous rewards.
I had the satisfaction of watching something I'd envisioned gradually become a reality. I got to make decisions, try new ideas, improve things, and see the results of my own efforts. Some ideas worked beautifully. Others... well, let's just say they were educational.
Deer Springs is a successful little business, and I'm proud of what we've built. But operating it requires time, attention, physical work, and a willingness to be responsible for just about everything that happens on the property.
After 5 years of being head camp master, I'm ready to let somebody else have that experience!
The new owners now have the opportunity to take Deer Springs in whatever direction they envision. I genuinely wish them success. After all, I spent years building the place, and I'd like to see it continue to thrive.
As for Trish and me, we're looking forward to a little more freedom, fewer responsibilities, and perhaps the unfamiliar experience of waking up in the morning without wondering what needs fixing.
I also want to thank everyone who followed this thread over the years. Those who offered advice, asked questions, shared encouragement, or simply enjoyed watching the project unfold. And thank you especially to those of you who supported us by visiting our park and telling others about it. You helped make this journey more interesting than you probably realize.
Six years ago, this thread began with the dream of building a small RV park. Today, it ends with a completed park, a successful business, new owners, and a couple of reasonably happy retirees. Not a bad ending, if you ask me!
Thanks for coming along for the ride, everyone.
And with that, I'm officially checking out of Deer Springs RV Park.
Jim
