Jonesborough, TN Attractions

Explore the Jonesborough Local Area

When you are looking for refreshing time away, our Jonesborough/Cherokee NF KOA Journey is an ideal option. In addition to having everything you will need to be comfortable, our location puts you right in the middle of the action to make unforgettable memories. Our campground is near the Appalachian Trail in Jonesborough and is only 14 miles away from Johnson City. For even more fun, travel south to Asheville, North Carolina, which is an easy 50-minute scenic drive for a day trip.

Discover the History of Our Location

We are located 10 miles from Jonesborough's historic district, which you can learn more about during a walking tour offered through the Chester Inn Museum, complete with a costumed guide, held on Saturdays. Our location also puts you in close vicinity to many notable locations including Carter Railroad Museum, the Tipton Haynes State Historic Site and the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site which is only 25 miles away. In the area, you can travel through time to visit Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, where in 1772 a settlement was created to create the “first free and independent community on the continent”. Also, come to the 1780 Muster site of the Overmountain Men and Fort Watauga. While visiting historic Jonesborough, you can also take a peek at the Christopher Taylor house where Andrew Jackson once stayed. 

Appreciate the Local Cuisine

Make sure to take advantage of the fantastic options for shops and eateries as you meander Tennessee's oldest established town. About 13 miles down the road is the Tennessee Hills Distillery, offering small-batch, hand-bottled spirits that are a must-try. Boone Street Market is a farmer's co-op offering local meats, cheeses, and more. Grab some delicacies to cook up back at camp. With so many great options for eating out, you may not want to cook! The Farmer's Daughter, a farm-to-table family-style restaurant, just a 15-minute drive away, is the reason many campers choose to stay with us.

Enjoy an Outdoor Adventure

Hiking opportunities abound as we are surrounded by Cherokee National Forest with ample waterfall trails. Erwin, Tennessee, is 5 miles from our KOA and offers a linear trail that is paved for bikes and has a playground and dog park on the trail. There's lots to explore in our area, but once you're here you may just want to relax by the alluring Nolichucky River. Persimmon Ridge is a woodland delight, just down the road from your local KOA. Find miles of gorgeous hiking trails, a large disk golf course, and the popular Wetlands Water Park. Keep the kids amused for hours! Bright's Zoo is 12 miles from our campground. It is an animal lover's delight where you can enjoy a leisurely day in this beautifully kept family zoo.

Stay With Us During Your College Visit

For those looking at any of the nearby colleges or looking to visit your student, we are a perfect location to stay while you tour campus and get to know the surrounding locations. Our RV park is near East Tennessee State University, only 9 miles away, where you can find the Reese Mu

Historic Jonesborough

Historic Jonesborough

Visit Historic Jonesborough, an 18th century town, with its preserved main street which brings history to life. Visit the shops, eateries, museums, take a town tour and delight in the old town feel with the vibrant culture of today.

117 Boone ST

Jonesborough, TN 37659

423-753-1010

Website

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

This is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee, home to 650,000 acres of forest. Camping near the Cherokee National Forest provides you with many opportunities for scenic drives and hikes along 700 miles of trails. You can find beautiful waterfalls and mountain views.

Watauga Ranger District

4400 Unicoi Dr

Unicoi, TN 37692

423-753-1500

Website

Chuckey Railroad Depot Museum

Chuckey Railroad Depot Museum

Preserved Chuckey TN Southern Railway train depot, turned museum that honors the role that railroading played in the town's history. You can walk through a real caboose.

210 S 2nd Ave

Jonesborough, TN 37659

423-753-5797

Website

Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum

Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum

The Chester Inn is the oldest commercial building in town. You can view the museum which depicts Jonesborough from 1779 to the present. Learn about the lost state of Franklin and view decorated rooms on the upper level. Town walking tours depart from the Chester in season on Saturdays. Call the museum for information.

116 West Main Street

Jonesborough, TN 37659

423-753-4580

Website

Tennessee Hills Distillery

Tennessee Hills Distillery

Small batch spirits hand bottled in the salt house that was used for salt storage during the Civil War. Stop in for a tasting, you won't be disappointed. Dark Roast Coffee and Pecan Pie Rum are favorites as is Oatmeal Spice Whiskey.

127 Fox St

Jonesborough, TN 37659

423-788-9105

Website

Jonesborough, TN Attractions

Historic Jonesborough

Historic Jonesborough

Take a stroll in Tennessee's oldest established town, admiring architecture, shopping, and dinning. You can pick up a self guided tour book at the visitor center or take a guided town tour departing from the Chester Inn Museum on Saturdays in season. Visit a museum to indulge in our town's rich past. Many events are held throughout the year.

117 Boone St

Jonesborough, TN 37659

423-753-1010

Website

Wetlands Water Park

Wetlands Water Park

Municipal nearby water park that offers flume slides, a lazy river, and zero depth wading area.

1523 Persimmon Ridge Rd

Jonesborough, TN 37659

423-753-1553

Website

Bright's Zoo

Bright's Zoo

This zoo comes highly recommended by our campers. Enjoy a few hours checking out their birds, mammals, and reptiles.

3425 US-11E

Limestone, TN 37681

423-257-1927

Website

Unicoi County Heritage Museum

Unicoi County Heritage Museum

Open May- Oct, built in 1903, the building was the Fish Hatchery superintendent's home. Now the home serves as a local heritage museum.

529 Federal Hatchery RD

Erwin, TN 37650

423-743-9448

Website

Erwin Linear Trail

Erwin Linear Trail

Enjoy walking or biking on this nearby Erwin Linear Trail. Paved for easy traversing, walk along a beautiful creek, take Fido to enjoy the dog park along the trail. The kids will enjoy the large playground for varied age levels also along the trail. Go Left out of camp, go under the I26 overpass bridge, turn right before Pal's. Three parking areas on the right hand side. There is a large fishing pond on the trail on the back side of McDonalds. Turn left at Dunkin Donuts, take the gravel drive behind Dunkin which leads to the parking area.

Erwin, TN

Website