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Rusk KOA
- 745 Farm to Market Road 343 RD - P.O. Box 691
- Rusk, TX 75785
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Get Directions
Directions
Turn E on FM 343 from Hwy 69. Go 1/2 mi to the top of the hill. KOA is on the left. Don't use GPS as the iron ore in East Texas will send you in different directions! A Million dollar view from our location.
Get Google Directions
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Reserve800-562-4143
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Info903-683-6641
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Email
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.
Our long, 50-amp, pull-thru sites can accommodate the largest RV.
Enjoy this new KOA centrally located between Dallas, Houston and Shreveport in the cooler Texas Piney Woods area, known for its beauty and history. Ride the Texas State Railroad's steam train, walk the longest wooden footbridge in the US, play golf at local courses, ride through a wildlife park, visit a winery…or just kick back and relax. The area hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. Our hilltop location offers breezes and spectacular sunset views.
Our long, 50-amp, pull-thru sites can accommodate the largest RV. Tenters will love our shady sites nestled in the pines. No RV or tent? Enjoy outdoor days and indoor nights in a cozy rustic cabin or a comfortable lodge. Plan an affordable weekend getaway, a vacation, a reunion or rally, and enjoy our saltwater pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, horseshoes, and cycle rentals. Our new climate controlled club room makes this an ideal spot for group gatherings of all kinds!
Meet Your Hosts
Walter and Carol Preble have been involved in the campground business since 1991, when they purchased their first KOA – the Buckeye Lake/Columbus E, OH KOA. "Our entry into the campground business was strictly a happy accident. Friends who wanted to buy one convinced us to join them, and it was love at first "site"!" says Carol.
After 10 years of campground ownership, the Prebles moved to Billings, MT to work for the KOA home office. After five years, they returned to campground ownership, completing construction on this small KOA in East Texas.
"Our goal, at both of our campgrounds, has always been to make sure our guests have a great recreational experience. They’re on vacation: relaxing and traveling; our job is make their stay as easy, trouble free and enjoyable as possible," says Walter.
"We’re proud of the number of people who comment on the friendliness of our staff and the cleanliness of our facilities. They let us know that our efforts are well-spent and well-received," says Walter.
When they’re not working on the campground, Walter and Carol enjoy reading, swimming and traveling.
Campground Amenities
- Lodge with loft
- Self-service, convenience foods offered
- 2 Deluxe Lodges
- Catering on-site by a local caterer
- Disc Golf Skills Targets
Campground Activities
2012 Potjie Fest - Labor Day Weekend
The Potjie Fest is the largest South African event in the USA, a great family event, huge cookoff and is attended by people from all over America. Check it out on .http://texaspotjie.com/upcoming-potjie-festival
What is a Potjie- a three legged cast iron pot used to cook in the coals!
Great eats! Good Times
Local Attractions
Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari
Nestled in the lush piney woods of East Texas, Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari is a wildlife park that is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. See dozens of exotic and endangered species that thrive in an open habitat similar to their native territory. At your own pace, enjoy a self-guided drive through the hills and open savannahs of this 300-acre park. Only 20 minutes from the Rusk KOA Campground. www.cherokeetrace.org
Toyland Combat Vehicle and Military Museum
Have you ever wondered where the military weapons and vehicles come from for movies? This it the place! Come see and touch actual military equipment that's been used in the movies. Or see the miniature horses and cattle.
Rusk Footbridge
Just minutes from the KOA is the nation's longest wooden footbridge. It was originally built in 1861 to connect Rusk and the town of New Birmingham (now a ghost town). The bridge measures 546 feet by 4 feet.
Great coffee while camping
It may be camping but you can still enjoy a great gourmet coffee just minutes from the campground. Relax in our salt water pool and then get invigorated with a latte or specialty drink at the Daily Grind Coffee shop on the Rusk square.
Adrenaline Rush Zip Line
Looking for a GREAT adventure? Come and zip over ponds, trees and meadows. Choose the package that's right for you - 5 zip lines to 8 zip lines, and don't forget to include the longest zip line in Texas, the Adrenaline Rush. At almost 1/3 of a mile, you'll zip over the meadow at a pace ( 40+ mph)that'll get your heart pumping ! From first timerAdrenalines to aerial artists come give it a try. WOW WOW WOW. Click here to see the fun! Rush Zip Line!
FESTIVAL CAPITAL OF TEXAS
FUN FUN FUN! ON THE CAMPGROUND AND OFF!
Our area have numerous events from the largest lighted Christmas Parade, Festival of Roses, Tomato fest, local fun events it has its own web page, Try http://www.easttexas.worldweb.com/Events/Festivals/ for an ever changing and updated list of fun events all close to the campground.
GREAT CAMPING AND EVEN MORE!
Campground News
The Old Ghost Town of New Birmingham
The Rusk KOA is built on the old Ghost town of New Birmingham. Located on the highest point in Cherokee County, the campground is built on the site of the former Mayor, Doctor, and Sheriffs' residences. Check out the interesting story at
www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hvn16 Yes you can search the woods for old relics.
Memorial Weekend - Fair on the Square!
Coming to stay with us Memorial weekend? Enjoy Rusk's Annual "Fair on the Square" from Thursday thru Saturday. Carnival rides,5K run, entertainment, vendors and fun for all!
Upcoming Events
May
Jacksonville - Tops in Texas Rodeo May 15th - 19th
Rusk - Fair on the Square May 24th - 26th
Grapeland - Salmon Lake Park Gospel Bluegrass
Athens - Annual Texas Fiddlers Contest
June
Lufkin - Neches River Rendezvous
Crockett - Fiddlers Festival & Steak Cook-off
Nagodoches - Annual Blueberry Festival
Jacksonville - Annual Tomato Festival
The "Lone Ranger" event at the Texas State Railroad
July
Jacksonville - Tops in Texas Rodeo
August
Crockett - Hunting Expo
Grapeland - Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Festival
September
Nagodoches - Do Dat BBQ
Nagodoches - Sandyland Bluegrass Reunion
October
Jacksonville - 3rd Annual Music Jam
Nagodoches - Pineywoods Fair
Rusk - Pioneer & Heritage Festival
Gilmer - Annual "Yamboree"
Grapeland - Annual Peanut Festival
November
Alto - Annual Pecan Harvest Festival
Henderson - Heritage Syrup Festival
Throughout November and December, visit Jordan's Plant Farm and enjoy their holiday wonderland of trees, ornaments, plants and decorations.
Nagodoches - Holiday in the Pines
Kilgore - Christmas in the Oil Patch
