Bobarosa Campground Rebuilds After Floods, Adapts to Changing River Conditions

Bobarosa Family Campground and Saloon in Del Rio, Tennessee, is working to recover after severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. 

The owners, Jessica Recchia and her team, have reopened the campground, with the saloon expected to follow soon. Despite setbacks, the business remains committed to rebuilding and adapting to the new landscape.

“A lot of people have said, ‘You guys are crazy, I can’t believe you’re going to do this again!’ Why would we not do this again? It’s our life, that’s what we do,” Recchia said in a report by WVLT.

One of the biggest challenges has been changes to the French Broad River’s structure and water levels. 

The owners are still assessing how high the water may rise under new conditions, as past flood markers are no longer reliable. 

“We went up to 9.38, she held, didn’t come out of the banks. Nobody knows what the new numbers are yet, so every time she gets to a new level, we try to mark that this is the new level for 9.38. But there is nothing permanent down there,” Recchia explained.

To mitigate future flood risks, the owners have decided to make as much of the property mobile as possible. 

With only two permanent structures remaining, most of the infrastructure will now be on wheels, allowing them to move essential elements to higher ground if needed.

For outdoor hospitality operators, Bobarosa’s experience highlights the importance of flexible design and disaster resilience. 

As extreme weather events become more frequent, campgrounds and other businesses near waterways may need to rethink infrastructure strategies to ensure long-term sustainability. 

By prioritizing mobility and adaptability, operators can minimize disruption and maintain operations even in unpredictable conditions.

The Bobarosa Saloon, which has been a local fixture since 2001, has seen multiple expansions over the years, growing from a small campground into a four-acre venue with multiple bars, live entertainment stages, and lodging options. 

As the owners work to reopen, they remain focused on preserving the welcoming atmosphere that has defined the business for over two decades.