Local Area Attractions Near Sweetwater KOA Holiday

Sweetwater Valley KOA has so much to offer. You can stay on site and enjoy a quiet day or take advantage of our seasonal amenities. You can also use us as a perfect basecamp for day trips to a multitude of awesome destinations including Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Bald River Falls, Cherohala Skyway, Wears Valley, etc. We also have quite a few interesting things to go see and do within 15 minutes such as The Lost Sea and our historic downtown antique stores.

The Lost Sea

The Lost Sea

The Lost Sea is America's largest underground lake. The temperature remains a pleasant fifty-eight degrees year round, and there are no stairs to climb! Wide sloping walkways take you on an adventure to the many interesting rooms, some of which are among the widest, highest, and largest rooms of any caverns in the Southeast. Upon entering the lake room you will board large glass bottom boats for an exciting trip on the Lost Sea. While on the trip you will observe some of the largest rainbow trout in the United States.

140 Lost Sea Rd

Sweetwater, TN 37874

423-333-2289

Website

Smokin' F BBQ and Barn

Smokin' F BBQ and Barn

For some of the best BBQ you've ever had, check out Smokin' F! Amazing food, we are huge fans and eat there ourselves every chance we get!

1821 Lynn Rd

Philadelphia, TN 37846

979-436-3482

Website

Knoxville Zoo

Knoxville Zoo

Gorilla Valley, Cheetah Savanna and the African Plains are only a few exciting exhibits you will discover at the Knoxville Zoo. At the Knoxville Zoo, you will experience animals from around the world that are living in the heart of East Tennessee.

3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr

Knoxville, TN 37914

865-637-5331

Website

RV Rentals

RV Rentals

Through our partnership with RVshare, we are excited to offer RV rentals at the Sweetwater KOA. Choose an RV for your trip, and it will be delivered right to your campsite at the campground! 

Click this link to the RVshare website, and find a local RV that's perfect for your next adventure!

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum

Enjoy the beauty of this museum which is nestled in the majestic Great Smoky Mountains on the shores of the Tellico Lake. Hear fascinating Cherokee myths and legends, marvel at the Cherokee syllabary which took Sequoyah twelve years to develop, but only a few hours for the average person to learn. See the artifacts excavated in the Little Tennessee Valley in two decades of archeological work on sites spanning 8,000 years of continuous human habitation. Shop in the Museum gift shop and visit the Cherokee Memorial adjacent to the Museum.

576 Highway 360

Vonore, TN 37885

423-884-6246

Website

Sweetwater Valley Farm

Sweetwater Valley Farm

Our farm, located between the towns of Philadelphia and Loudon, is in the heart of southeast Tennessee's dairy-rich Sweetwater Valley. It is known for its agricultural vitality and progress. We're proud to be a part of this rich farming region. Stop by and enjoy cheese factory tours.

17988 W. Lee Highway

Philadelphia, TN 37846

865-458-9192

Website

Bald River Falls

Bald River Falls

This is a MUST SEE nearby attraction. Located right outside Tellico Plains and at the foot of the Cherahala Skyway. The falls are within feet of the road so no long hike needed!

River Rd

Tellico Plains, TN 37385

Website

Cherohala Skyway

Cherohala Skyway

Drive the beautiful Cherohala Skyway!! Beginning in Tellico Plains, drive to see the spectacular views  with several pull over locations to take in the scenery.

Website

Indian Boundary Park and Campground

Indian Boundary Park and Campground

As you drive north on the Cherohala Skyway, you will come to a turn off to Indian Boundary. This park is spectacular, with a public beach on a beautiful lake surrounded by mountain views. The lake has a wonderful trail all around it. The campground store has kayaks you can rent. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the day. Just don't expect to get any calls from home...no cell service.

American Museum of Science and Energy

American Museum of Science and Energy

A super-secret city during World War II, Oak Ridge is now a world famous center for energy research and development. The American Museum of Science and Energy is packed with models, movies, demonstrations, devices, gadgets, and machines--all designed to tell the story of energy. This is a story of mystery and drama that has fascinated man ever since he learned to control fire.


Email: [email protected]

115 E Main St

Oak Ridge, TN 37830

865-294-4531

Website

Tennessee Valley Railroad

Tennessee Valley Railroad

The "Golden Age" of American railroading lasted for about fifty years during which time rail empires were built, two world wars were fought and frequent passenger trains rolled almost everywhere. The Pullman Company provided over 50,000 berths each night and steam locomotives were the power of choice. The Tennessee Valley Railroad was founded in 1961 by a small group of Chattanooga rail fans determined to preserve operating steam passenger trains. From a faint hope in 1957, Tennessee Valley RM has become the largest operating historic railroad in the south.

4119 Cromwell Rd

Chattanooga, TN 37421

423-894-8028

Website

Peregrine International Museum of Scouting

Peregrine International Museum of Scouting

Walk through the history of the Scout Movement from all around the world. It takes you from the birth of the founder Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell through his exploits in the Boer War as he formulated the idea for the Movement. It then takes you through the first Scouts in England to the spread of Scouting to the United States. There are souvenirs to buy and memoirs to acquire and remember from the past.

6588 Highway 411 South

Greenback, TN 37742

423-856-0244

Website

Fleas Unlimited Flea Market

Fleas Unlimited Flea Market

We currently have 800 vendor booths in The Sweetwater Flea Market. Many of our vendors have been with us for years, and we've been fortunate to attract a wide range of businesses offering their products and services at great prices. We take pride in our facility, and select vendors carefully to ensure that visitors to The Sweetwater Flea Market have a wonderful shopping experience. Be sure to visit our Indoor Market Section to get a feel for the wide selection of products that can be found only at The Sweetwater Flea Market!

(Update: This establishment is Permanently Closed)

121 County Road 308

Sweetwater, TN 37874

423-337-3532

Website

Fort Loudoun

Fort Loudoun

Located in the valley of the Little Tennessee River, near the Appalachian Mountains, Fort Loudoun State Historic Area provides a glimpse of life during the time of the French and Indian War (1754-1763). The future of the North American continent was in the balance as armies from France, Spain and England fought for control of this land and it's vast resources. Native Americans were caught up in this struggle as they strove to protect their homes and way of life. Fort Loudoun (1756-1760), in the heart of the Overhill Cherokee country, played a part in that conflict which eventually laid the foundation for our nation we live in today.

Hours Of Operation: 
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park
OPEN: 7 days a week
HOURS: 8am – sunset EST
CLOSED: Christmas Day.

Museum and Visitor's Center
OPEN: 7 days a week
HOURS: 8am – 4:30pm EST

Email: [email protected]

338 Fort Loudoun Road

Vonore, TN 37885

423-420-2331

Website

Mayfield Dairy Farms

Mayfield Dairy Farms

The Visitor Center and Tour takes you on a journey through the history of Mayfield Dairy from its beginnings to the present. You'll see a special film presentation, followed by a plant tour that lets you see the bottling of milk and the production of ice cream and novelty items. Stop for a taste of our delicious milk and great tasting ice cream-made fresh daily.

4 Mayfield Lane

Athens, TN 37303

423-649-2653

Website

Sunshine Hollow

Sunshine Hollow

Just over a 30-minute drive from our Sweetwater KOA campgrounds, enjoy this picturesque destination renowned for its natural beauty and serene and welcoming ambiance. This idyllic spot offers visitors a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The area is characterized by its scenic gardens, charming landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect escape for gardening enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. Take a walk through 20 acres of extravagant flower beds or a hike on one of the trails. Make sure to stop at their bakery and try their famous Pecan Fruitcake & Woozy Cakes!

Email: [email protected]

198 County Road 52

Athens, TN 37303

423-745-4289

Website

Tellico Trout Hatchery

Tellico Trout Hatchery

Come and see where fish are bred and grown to supply the multitude of area rivers. This facility is dedicated to the conservation and propagation of trout, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the fascinating process of trout breeding and development. The hatchery is not only an educational hub where guests can learn about aquatic life but also a perfect spot for anglers looking to try their luck in the well-stocked waters. Surrounded by scenic beauty, the Tellico Trout Hatchery provides a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing day outdoors, appreciating nature, and enjoying the thrill of fishing.

(Update: The facility is temporarily closed to the public until further notice due to area flooding.)

3193 River Rd

Tellico Plains, TN 37385

423-253-2661

Website

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls

Enjoy a nice 1.3mi stroll through the woods to see this great site.

Bradley's Sweet Side

Bradley's Sweet Side

Just a couple of miles off the interstate, and a 10-minute drive from our Sweetwater KOA campground, take a break for some Ice cream from Sweetwater's sweetest ice cream shop! Bradley's offers a wide array of Mayfield ice cream.

Email: [email protected]

513 New Hwy 68

Sweetwater, TN 37874

423-271-6555

Website

Sweetwater Creamery

Sweetwater Creamery

Just over 4 miles from our Sweetwater KOA campground, experience one of Sweetwater's local ice cream shops with your family. Sweetwater Creamery offers you the finest freshly-made homemade ice cream with unique and new flavors! After a day full of activities and you are looking for a place to spend the afternoon, don't miss this sweet place in the historic downtown.

Email: [email protected]

105 Morris St.

Sweetwater, TN 37874

423-836-9017

Website

Ozone Falls

Ozone Falls

Just an hour drive from our Sweetwater KOA campground, Ozone Falls is a 43-acre natural area in Cumberland County and is one of Tennessee's most heavily-visited state natural areas, because of its close proximity to Interstate 40. Enjoy a hike to the bottom of the falls to see this breath taking water fall.

Website

Tsali Notch Vineyards

Tsali Notch Vineyards

Great place to stop by! Tennessee's largest producer of bulk wholesale muscadine grapes. Enjoy the vineyard and wine tasting.

162 Harrison Road

Madisonville, TN 37354

423-506-9895

Website

Grain Bin Commodities

Grain Bin Commodities

A local family farm making old-fashioned baked goods with love in the mix. The kind your mom or grandmother made. Your desserts to-go!

5209 Holt Road

Sweetwater, TN 37874

865-599-9001

Website

Bradley's Pit BBQ & Grill

Bradley's Pit BBQ & Grill

Bradley's Pit Barbecue & Grill is a family-friendly BBQ restaurant. This local restaurant is situated just off New Hwy 68, the perfect place for travelers seeking lunch after visiting The Lost Sea or just passing by Sweetwater. We recommend you try their BBQ products, steaks, Pulled Pork plate with fries and baked beans, and classic Piggy Back Potato!

517 New Hwy 68

Sweetwater, TN 37874

Website

The Duck Park & Bandstand

The Duck Park & Bandstand

The Duck Park is a must-visit recreational area in Sweetwater. It is situated near Sweetwater Creek, perfect for those seeking relaxing and quiet scenery. The park is a great place to bring the kids and feed the ducks and geese. We recommend bringing your own duck feed as it is no longer available on-site.

410 Old Hwy 68

Sweetwater, TN 37874

Website

Burgess Falls State Park

Burgess Falls State Park

Burgess Falls is a 217-acre natural area in Putnam and White Counties and is located approximately thirteen miles southwest of Cookeville. It is managed by Tennessee State Parks. Burgess Falls lies on the rugged, dissected eastern edge of the Eastern Highland Rim, resulting in the occurrence of sheer bluffs, narrow ridges, waterfalls, and diverse forest communities. Burgess Falls is most noted for its scenic value as the Falling Water River drops nearly 250 feet over three waterfalls. The last of these falls is the most spectacular and begins where the water comes to the sharp edge of the riverbed and plunges more than 130 feet into the gorge. Hiking trails and picnic areas are available. Fishing and Dogs on leash are okay.

To have the most exciting adventure of seeing the large waterfall/cascade, we recommend trying these guided kayaking tours available: Cumberland Kayak, Chattanooga Guided Adventures, and Kayaking Adventure of Tennessee.

4000 Burgess Falls Dr

Sparta, TN 38583

Website