KOA Returns to Tellico Plains with New Campground Near Cherokee National Forest

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) added the Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday to its network of campgrounds, the company announced March 26. 

Owned and operated by Chris and Julia Jones, the new location marks KOA’s return to the East Tennessee community more than a decade after a tornado destroyed the area’s former KOA in 2012.

Located at 1301 Mecca Pike in Tellico Plains, the campground is situated at the entrance to the Cherokee National Forest and offers direct access to several outdoor recreation areas, including the Tellico River and Indian Boundary Lake. The site is four miles from downtown Tellico Plains.

“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. 

“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,” Jones noted.

The Joneses bring experience in customer service, project management, and community engagement to their role as owners. 

According to KOA, the couple’s background and passion for camping are expected to shape a positive guest experience at the new KOA Holiday.

The campground offers RV sites with KOA Patio features, Deluxe Cabins with full bathrooms, and a range of amenities including a swimming pool, playground, camp store, and Kamp K9 dog park. 

Campfire rings and picnic areas are available for guests, and activities include outdoor movie nights, snow cones by the pool, and rafting excursions.

KOA Holiday campgrounds are designed to serve as base camps for exploring local regions or for longer, amenity-rich stays. Each site typically includes full-service RV accommodations and recreation options suited to a range of travelers.

Planned upgrades to the Tellico Plains property include the addition of eight new RV sites and a dump station by June 1. 

Further expansion is scheduled by October 2026, with 20 additional RV sites, an ADA-accessible restroom, and a laundromat.

KOA’s 2024 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report indicates that the average camper spends $156 daily while camping. 

With increased interest in small-town experiences and food tourism, the Tellico Plains location is positioned to benefit both travelers and the local economy.

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 KOA brands include KOA Journey and KOA Resort, each tailored to specific travel styles and guest needs.