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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
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
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
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
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
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
Nonprofit, 100% producer only grocery store and farmer's market. Shop for local meats, cheeses, and produce and bring back to your camp site base to cook them up! Worth the stop in, you're bound to find a delicacy!
101 Boone St
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Live stage theatre performances by talented ensembles including musicals and plays. This theatre is filled with heart.
125 W Main St
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Municipal water park that offers 80 Ft enclosed flume slide, 100 Ft open flume slide, 200 Ft giant flume slide, water bubblers, tumble buckets, lazy river, zero depth wading area, and children's otter slide.
1523 Persimmon Ridge Rd
Jonesborough, TN 37659
No trip to Jonesborough KOA is complete without a jaunt over to Troyer's. You won't be sorry! Troyer's is more than a grocery store, any foodie will be delighted to visit. They also have a sandwich deli and a coffee bar. There is both outdoor and indoor picnic tables. Try the homemade frozen custard.
3253 US11E
Limestone, TN 37681
Spend an afternoon checking out all the birds, mammals and reptiles at Bright's Zoo. Highly recommended by our campers.
3425 US-11E
Limestone, TN 37681
Some campers come to stay with us for the sole reason of eating at The Farmer's Daughter restaurant. Be forewarned, you need to wear your stretchy pants! The restaurant is so popular that in the summer season you can expect over an hour wait. You will be served family style where the table picks 2 entrees. You will be served those 2 entrees and every side they have fixed that day- usually 8-10. Better yet, you can ask for seconds! Make sure you bring cash because they do not accept any type of card payment. You drink and one desert per person is included. We recommend the cornbread salad.
7700 Erwin Hwy
Chuckey, TN 37641
The Jonesborough Visitor Center not only contains local tourist information, it also houses the Washington County Museum. Step inside to check out objects of interest from our historic area.
117 Boone St
Jonesborough, TN 37659
George Vanderbilt's palatial private estate will envelop you in grander. Eight thousand acres invite you to partake of the Gilded Age. An easy day trip from camp.
1 Lodge St.
Asheville, NC 28803
Dollywood is a day excursion from base camp. Roller Coasters, Children's Rides, Live Shows, and Craftsmen await you at Dolly Parton's Theme Park.
2700 Dollywood parks Blvd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
President Andrew Johnson Visitor Center with artifacts and movies - The Early Home, The Homestead, and National Cemetery comprise this historic site. Visit their site for more information: https://www.nps.gov/anjo/index.htm
101 N College St.
Greenville, TN 37743
Visit a fort and museum with interpretive displays about the area's history during the American Revolution.
1651 W Elk Ave
Elizabethton, TN 37643
All ages science center with fun and engaging exhibits.
1212 Suncrest Dr
Gray, TN 37615
Museum showcases Bristol, TN and Bristol, VA's role in the birth and development of country music.
101 Country Music Way
Bristol, VA 24201
Forty five acres, eleven historic buildings, nature trail, and visitor center narrating the Tipton and Haynes families. Colonel John Tipton purchased the site in 1784.
2620 S Roan St
Johnson City, TN 37601
Built in the 1770's, it is an example of v notch log construction. Andrew Jackson stayed here.
124 W Main St
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Blue Ridge Paddling offers rafting trips and kayaking instruction with pick up and drop off right from your camp site! Get a personalized adventure or class with our preferred partner, Blue Ridge Paddling!
1001 S Industrial Dr
Erwin, TN 37650
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.