Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
We are located less than a mile off I-75, Exit 62 - Oakland Road. Go west 1/2 mile, then left 1/3 mile to camp. Follow posted directions or signs. Many GPS programs are not accurate. Please call office if you have problems.
Get Google Directions
The Lost Sea, located in Sweetwater, Tennessee, is a unique geological wonder and holds an intriguing history. It is recognized as the largest underground lake in the United States and one of the largest in the world. The Lost Sea is nestled within Craighead Caverns, a vast limestone cave system formed millions of years ago during the Paleozoic Era.
The geology of the Lost Sea can be traced back to a time when the region was submerged under a shallow sea. Over time, the accumulation of marine sediments and the remains of marine organisms formed limestone, which eventually solidified to create the limestone cave system that exists today. The cave system consists of various chambers and passages, adorned with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations.
The history of the Lost Sea is equally fascinating. Native Americans are believed to have used the cave system for shelter thousands of years ago, leaving behind evidence of their presence in the form of arrowheads and other artifacts. In the 19th century, European settlers discovered the cave and began exploring its depths. It wasn't until the early 20th century that the cave gained commercial interest as a tourist destination.
During the Civil War era, the cave served as a source of saltpeter, a key ingredient in the production of gunpowder. The saltpeter was extracted from the cave and used for military purposes during the war. The cave was also used as a venue for concerts and dances in the 1920s and 1930s, with visitors traversing the underground lake in boats.
In the 1940s, the Lost Sea gained further prominence when a large room within the cave system was converted into a fallout shelter during the height of the Cold War. The room was stocked with supplies and served as a potential refuge in the event of a nuclear attack.
Today, the Lost Sea continues to be a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours that provide visitors with a glimpse into the geological and historical wonders of the cave. Exploring the underground lake by boat, visitors can witness the unique ecosystem that thrives within the cave, including blind fish and crayfish. The Lost Sea is a captivating natural landmark that offers a fascinating blend of geology and history, showcasing the wonders of the natural world and the enduring human fascination with exploring the unknown.
Stay with us at Sweetwater KOA in one of our Deluxe Cabins or RV sites and visit the wonder that is the Lost Sea!
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.
