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Manchester KOA
- 586 Campground Road
- Manchester, TN 37355
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Directions
From I-24 Exit 114, go 100 yards SE on US 41, then 1/2 mi N on Campground Road.
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Reserve800-562-7785
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Welcome Message
2011 President's Award
KOA President's Award
Awarded to KOAs that meet exceptional quality standards and are recognized by their guests for outstanding service.
2011 KOA Founder's Award
KOA Founder's Award
KOA's highest service award, presented to KOA owners that achieve world class service scores from their camping guests.
KOA Kamp Green Recognition
KOA Kamp Green Recognition
This KOA meets the established criteria to become a greener campground operation and is recognized by the "Kamp Green" icon.
See what we call The Secret Smokies! See Cumberland Plateau, the world's largest, which extends past the Smokies! You can go to the big destinations and pay the tourist trap prices (hundreds of $$$) or you can come to our award winning park and see God's beauty for FREE without the big crowds.
You'll say WOW - Come see why! As one of the highest award-winning parks, we offer perfect over nights (1/2 way to Florida) or make us your outstanding destination! Just click on our pictures, some of them are surrounding our campground. You will be amazed at what you discover! We are right between Nashville and Chattanooga on I-24, in the middle of the beautiful heartland of Tennessee.
Plus , the Manchester KOA is near what we like to call "The Secret Smokies". You'll see caves, waterfalls, nature trails, a natural bridge arch and bountiful wildlife! We are at the beginning of the Cumberland Plateau, which extends all the way past the Great Smoky Mountains. (And the best part is, you don't have to spend the tourist trap prices of the Smokies!) Also FREE of charge is The Jack Daniels and George Dickel Distilleries and unknown to most people, the third largest Battle site of the Civil War.
The Manchester, Tennessee KOA is among KOA's highest award winning parks. Our many awards include the "KOA Rising Star," the "We are Family" award, TN ARVC Campground of the Year, (all of which only one campground wins), every "Presidents" award ( only 16 KOA's in the whole system have achieved this honor!) and multiple years "Founders" award. We were even in Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top 10 ways to enjoy Bonnaroo! (we have to save 5 copies for our mother!) We hold the highest ratings awards from Woodall's and Trailer Life Directories and we won the Trailer Life award of the "Top Campgrounds in North America". Reserve America voted us the "Top Outdoor Recreation" award. Thanks so much to all of you!
Come and visit us awhile. We'll be glad to see you, and you'll be glad you did!
To see a slide show of more pictures, visit our Independent Website
View the floor plan of kabins and lodges.
Awesome pet friendly self-guided tours of our Secret Smokies!
Meet Your Hosts
Jerry and Barbara Dale knew their next step in life involved either a marina or a campground, but when the KOA opportunity came around, land won over the sea.
The carpet-cleaning business owners were also lifelong campers and boaters. They were looking for a fun and family friendly business, and both felt a either a marina or campground would suit them. "We went to a KOA seminar, and they hooked me," Barbara said. Their two children have worked in the business, and their youngest, Jimmy, often tells them he plans to take over the family business someday.
Fishing, boating and camping are among their favorite activities, but hiking and four-wheeling entertain the family, as well. "We're strange," Barbara said. "We own a campground but then pack up and still go camping on the weekends."
Barbara said the best part about their Manchester campground is the Wow! factor when guests drive up. "All of it is so clean and pretty that when guests pull in they look around and say, 'Wow!'" she said.
The Dales say campers can expect to be treated like family. "We are down home country kind of folks who are a friendly, nice, good Christian family," she said.
Campground Amenities
- Mini-Lodge with 2 person hot tub (complete with sheets, towels and dishes)
- Hot Tub in pool area (open May 15-Sept.15)
- Exercise Room
- Families
- Creekside Sites
- Laundry Room
- KOA Kafe Coffee Shop
- 20' Gazebo
- Fishing (no charge) at Catch and Release Fishing Pond
- Pet Playground
- Outdoor Movie Theater
- Motorcycle Clubs
- Wooded tent sites
- Fully Stocked Store
- Daily Newspaper
- Planned Activities Available
- Mini Spray Park
- Outdoor Bowling Lane
- RV Clubs & Rallies
- Tours
- Pond Sites
- Courtesy Phone
- Ping Pong, Basketball, Volleyball
Campground Activities
Mini Spray Park!
You don't have to just settle for a pool & jacuzzi only, we have a mini spray park! The kids (and kids at heart) really love cooling off and having fun running through the sprays and fountains!
Outdoor Bowling Lane!
You won't be bored here! Along with all our other activities, we even have an outdoor bowling lane! Enjoy a game with your family. Show off your technique! The bowling lane is fun for young and old alike.
Pet Playground and Pet Wash!
Your kids can play on our playground and now even our 4 legged "kids" can play on their very own playground! When they are done, take them for a good shower at our pet washing station. Pamper your pet here!
Choo-Choo Train Rides
Let your kids (and you) go on a choo-choo train ride. Do the parents have more fun than the kids on this one? Come and find out for yourself!
Big Outdoor Movies
Watch a movie with us on selected nights! Be a kid again and bring a blanket, chair, or even a picnic basket and watch a movie under the stars. We shoot the movie on the side of a barn and it is larger than life with its 8x16 foot (yes, feet, not inches!) screen. We show IMAX and movie presentations, all family friendly, of course. Come and enjoy a nice evening with us!
Fishing Pond And Nature Trail
Enjoy fishing in our beautiful pond with our ducks to keep you company! You might even see the deer come up for a quick drink! Afterwards, enjoy a nice stroll on our nature trail and give your dog a chance to play!
Pool and Hot Tub
We have a large pool with a beautiful water fountain in the middle and a nice rock slide for the kids to enjoy. While they are playing in the pool, you can be relaxing away in our cozy hot tub! Just the thing for those aching muscles!
Putters Pool Table and other Games
Try our totally unique Putters Pool Table! It's like playing billiards with golf balls! How fun! We have volleyball, tetherball, horseshoes, and basketball - all sorts of fun things to do! When you are worn out from all the activities, you can relax and enjoy our free cable TV hookups and free Wi-Fi!
Ice Cream Socials (on special events)
We will satisfy your sweet tooth with our yummy ice cream! All proceeds go to help kids with cancer go to camp.
Local Attractions
Lynchburg, Tennessee
Come see Lynchburg, TN home of world famous Jack Daniels Distillery, Miss Mary Bo-Bo's Restaurant and a nostalgic "Andy Griffith" like town square!
Nashville, TN
In Nashville , visit the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, State Capitol, Bass Pro Shop, Opryland Hotel, Music Row, The Hermitage, Opry Mills.
Use our Friendly Full Service Campground as your Base Camp to visit all the Mid-South Attractions
Nashville , Chattanooga , Huntsville - home of the US Space and Rocket Center , and Murfreesboro , all within an hour's drive.
Falls Mill
At Falls Mill , tour a beautiful old mill and country store. Bring lunch and picnic by the cascading waterfalls.
Falcon Manor
Come see the " finest mansion in the region ". This 10,000 square foot mansion built in 1896 is now a museum and Victorian gift shop.
Russell Stover Candy
Come and enjoy these delicious treats only blocks away from our KOA! Russell Stover candy is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery
Enjoy a FREE tour of the nation's oldest registered distillery . Check out the Lynchburg General Store.
Manchester Recreational Center
The Recreational Center is a great place to work out or just enjoy a giant water slide or indoor pool. Everything you need for health and fitness for only $4.00 per person!
Cowan Train Museum
The largest train tunnel through Cumberland Plateau Mountains, complete with train and museum .
Murfreesboro, TN
In Murfreesboro you'll find lots of shopping, antiquing, historic old town and Stones River Civil War Battlefield, one of the worse battles of the war. For more information visit www.rutherfordchamber.org
Bell Buckle Cafe
The Bell Buckle Cafe is a wonderful old cafe not only has great food but also live bluegrass and country music in an old time nostalgic atmosphere! Let the good times roll!
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Area
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Area is a 2000 year old American Indian ceremonial site. There is a visitor's center, museum, picnic area, hiking and fishing.
Civil War Sites
There are many Civil War Sites including the Battle of Stones River, Hoovers Gap, Chattanooga and Chickamauga. Don't miss the Civil War Sites while you are in the area!
Huntsville, AL
US Space and Rocket Center , NASA Space Camp, Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, On display "Blackbird" SR-71 Spy Plane, plus full size rockets including a Saturn, and full size shuttle mock up all at the Space Center . For more information on events in Huntsville visit www.huntsville.org
Bell Buckle, Tennessee
Visit the beautiful historic town of Bell Buckle , with lots to see including the annual craft fair, antique shopping, lovely handmade quilts, etc.
Bear Hollow, Monteagle, TN
Dinner shows with good country cooking and lots of down home fun at Bear Hollow!
Arnold AFB
Arnold Air Force Base is the World's premiere flight simulations facility and wind tunnel complex. Limited tours are available, RSVP Required.
Elk River Canoe Rentals
Take a peaceful canoe ride down the beautiful, scenic Elk River with Elk River Canoe Rentals . See the turtles and blue heron; enjoy fishing for trout and bass.
Local Restaurants
We have many of the major chains nearby, such as: Starbucks, O’Charleys, Shoneys, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Huddle House, Waffle House, Captain D’s, Wendy’s, McDonalds, Burger King, Arby’s, Subway
Cumberland Caverns
Located in McMinnville, this U.S. National Landmark has underground hallways and galleries. Cumberland Caverns offers daily tours from May 1 through October 31.
Willowbrook Golf Course
Come and experience 18 holes of lush fairways and manicured greens at Willowbrook Golf Course, one of Middle Tennessee’s premiere golf courses. Directions: I-24, Exit 111 go east on Hwy. 55 approximately 5 miles to WillowBrook on left.
Bar-B-Que Caboose Cafe
Located in Lynchburg, the Bar-B-Que Caboose Cafe is a great place to sit back and enjoy great cooking and live radio show broadcast every Saturday morning at 10:00am.
Chattanooga, TN
Attractions located in Chattanooga include the Tennessee Aquarium, Imax Theater, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Incline Railway, Steam Railroad, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Civil War site.
Staggerwing Museum
Displays restored aircraft of the famed Beechcraft Staggerwing - the Staggerwing Museum is open weekends only.
Campground News
Get a Lodge or Kabin this Weekend!
Come and enjoy our new lodges. Relax in luxury! One lodge has a 2 person jacuzzi tub bathroom and shower and kitchenette and 2 have full kitchens and separate bedroom with shower in restroom. The lodges are situated with a beautiful view of our pond and field. Grilling out will be fun with the full sized gas grill that we supply! Call for reservations today!
Bowling Lane? WOW!
Come have a ball on our new bowling lane. We built a special outdoor bowling lane right next to the pool for more added fun! Check out the picture in our photo gallery at the top of the page. We know how to have FUN!
You'll have more fun than on vacation and be closer too!
Check out our pictures & videos of fun for the whole family. Splash in our spray park, enjoy a cool dip in our pool, relax in our jacuzzi, or see how good you are at bowling! Movie night every Friday and Saturday with covered wagon rides. Swim in the same waterfall that Hannah Montana did! And don't forget what we call the Secret Smokies! Come join the fun.
Our Award Winning Fishing Pond!
We have a catch and release fishing pond stocked with over 700 catfish! Enjoy the ducks and the nice country atmosphere while you relax with a fishing pole. You can even watch us when we feed the ducks and fish. They get really excited!! You may even see deer as they come to the pond! In 2009 we won an award from Reserve America that we are a top 50 fishing spot in the US!
Come see our "Secret Smokies" in Tennessee!
See what we call The Secret Smokies! See Cumberland Plateau, the world's largest, which extends past the Smokies! You can go to the big destinations and pay the tourist trap prices (hundreds of $$$) or you can come to our award winning park and see God's beauty for FREE without the big crowds.
Bonnaroo Music Festival June 7-10
Book now while there are still sites! Not only are we next door neighbors to Bonnaroo but we also treat you like kings! You can even hop on our limo's, right from the campground to the main Centeroo stages 24 hours a day!
Click here to watch Bonnaroo Video
Upcoming Events
Tennessee Renaissance Festival, every weekend in May
This is an unique experience in Triune, TN. They have jousting, artisans, crafts and food. They are having theme weekends also so check out their website at: www.tnrenfest.com
Thunder on the Rock, Motorcycle Rally, May 25th-27th
Located in the beautiful mountains of the Cumberland Plateau is Monteagle, Tennessee where the 6th annual Thunder on the Rock rally comes to life, when the roar of thousands of engines roll through May 25-27 2012. Thunder on the Rock is a 3 day bike rally and concert festival, full of bike games, a battle of the bands, and live music for any biker enthusiast to enjoy. This will be an epic year and we hope you join us.http://www.thunderontherock.net/?attachment_id=140
Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-28th
Join us for lots of fun on this holiday weekend. We will have Choo-Choo train rides, ice cream social, outdoor movies and more! Don't miss out on all the fun! www.koa.com/campgrounds/manchester/photos/
Bonnaroo! June 6-10th
Stay with us during Bonnaroo and have the ultimate experience! We were voted one of the top 10 things to do at Bonnaroo by Rolling Stone Magazine! How awesome is that? www.bonnaroo.com
Moon Pie Festival, June 16th
Bell Buckle, TN is celebrating the South's finest tradition. It's the RC Cola & Moon Pie Festival! You bcan even join the 10 mile run if you want! www.bellbucklechamber.com
Frontier Days, Lynchburg, June 21-23
A great day of music, food and contests! Even a parade and auction!!! www.lynchburgtn.com/events/frontier.html
July 4th
Cool off on those hot summer days in our pool and mini spray park! July 4th fireworks going off nearby!
Mule & Donkey Show, Shelbyville, TN, July 12-14th
The Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show is held on the historic Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, Tennessee, in July. The show brings three days of quality mules and donkeys which contribute many different facets to the equestrian event.
http://www.twhnc.com/muleshow.htm
Uncle Dave Macon Days, Murfreesboro, TN July 13-15th
- 2012 marks the 35th annual appearance of the Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival.
- The family-oriented event is July 13-15, 2012, at historic Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village, 312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Admission charged for Friday and Saturday. One-day ticket is $5; two-day ticket is $8. Children 12 and under are free. Sunday’s event is free
Tennessee Walking Horse Festival, August 22- Sept. 1st
Shelbyville, TN: The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® takes place each year during the 11 days and nights prior to Labor Day. It is the premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse, during which the breed's World Grand Champion® and some 20 World Champions are named. It is a festival event, encompassing exciting classes in competition where more than $650,000 in prizes and awards are given. Other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair and a dog show.http://www.twhnc.com/celebration.htm
