KOA Welcomes Tellico Plains to its Family of Campgrounds – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
BILLINGS, Mont., and TELLICO PLAINS, Tenn. – Kampgrounds of America, Inc. in a press release welcomed Chris and Julia Jones, the owners of Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday, to the KOA family of campgrounds. As experienced hospitality providers, they bring years of customer service expertise, project management, and community engagement to their new role. Their love of camping and dedication to creating memorable guest experiences will ensure a wonderful experience at the Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday.
The introduction of the new Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday holds special significance in the community, as the town’s former KOA campground was lost to a tornado in 2012. Now, the Joneses are proud to bring KOA back to the area, offering travelers a welcoming basecamp for adventure in East Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest.
Nestled at the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest, the Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday provides direct access to the outdoors. Campers can fish for trout in the Tellico River, paddleboard or kayak at Indian Boundary Lake, drive the Tail of the Dragon, or take in the views along the Cherohala Skyway. The newly completed bridge at Bald River Falls offers an up-close look at one of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls. Just four miles from downtown Tellico Plains, the campground offers easy access to small-town charm, including Tellico Grains Bakery and the Cherokee National Forest Visitor Center.
“We have always admired the KOA promise, delivering exceptional hospitality, creating memorable outdoor experiences, and providing high quality accommodation options for campers,” said Chris and Julia Jones, owners of the Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday. “When the opportunity arose to officially partner with KOA, it felt like the perfect fit. We built this campground with faith, determination, and a vision for what it could become. Now, we’re thrilled to welcome campers to experience everything Tellico Plains has to offer.”
Campgrounds have a significant economic and cultural impact on local communities. According to KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, the average camper spends $156 daily while camping. With 30% of campers saying they are interested in visiting small towns, and another 30% drawn to food tourism, campers are looking to experience the culture of local regions.
KOA Holiday campgrounds are ideal base camps for exploring the area, or simply enjoying a fun-filled stay with plenty of activities. Whether for a longer getaway or an overnight stop, KOA Holiday campgrounds offer amenities and services that make every stay memorable. Each KOA Holiday offers full-service RV Sites with a KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full bathrooms.
The Tellico Plains / Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday offers a variety of amenities to make every stay enjoyable. Guests can cool off in the swimming pool, let their kids burn off energy at the playground, or enjoy quality time around the campfire rings and picnic areas. The campground features a well-stocked camp store for essentials, snacks, and souvenirs, as well as clean restrooms with hot showers for added comfort. Pet owners will appreciate the enclosed Kamp K9® dog park, providing a safe space for furry friends to play. Campground activities include bingo night, outdoor movie nights, rafting and kayaking excursions, and even snow cones by the pool.
The Joneses have big plans for the campground’s future. By June 1, 2025, eight new RV sites and a brand-new dump station will be added. By October 2026, they plan to expand further with 20 more RV sites, an ADA-accessible restroom, and a laundromat.
The Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday is one of more than 500 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Other brands in the KOA Family of Campgrounds include KOA Journeys, convenient locations after a long day on the road that feature long Pull-thru RV Sites, and easy after-hours check-in. KOA Resorts offer an abundance of staff-led activities, on-site food dining, group meeting space, and more.
Located at 1301 Mecca Pike in Tellico Plains, the Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday is open all year.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit the campground’s website, or call 423-253-3513. Reservations are also available by going online or using the KOA App.
