Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) is welcoming Chris and Julia Jones, the owners of Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday, to the KOA family of campgrounds.
As experienced hospitality providers, they bring years of customer service expertise, project management and community engagement to their new role, KOA said. Their love of camping and dedication to creating memorable guest experiences will ensure a wonderful experience at the Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday.
The introduction of the new Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday holds special significance in the community, as the town’s former KOA campground was lost to a tornado in 2012. Now, the Joneses are proud to bring KOA back to the area, offering travelers a welcoming basecamp for adventure in East Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest.
Nestled at the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest, the Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday provides direct access to the outdoors. Campers can fish for trout in the Tellico River, paddleboard or kayak at Indian Boundary Lake, drive the Tail of the Dragon, or take in the views along the Cherohala Skyway. The newly completed bridge at Bald River Falls offers an up-close look at one of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls. Just four miles from downtown Tellico Plains, the campground offers easy access to small-town charm, including Tellico Grains Bakery and the Cherokee National Forest Visitor Center.
“We have always admired the KOA promise, delivering exceptional hospitality, creating memorable outdoor experiences, and providing high quality accommodation options for campers,” said Chris and Julia Jones, owners of the Tellico Plains/Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday. “When the opportunity arose to officially partner with KOA, it felt like the perfect fit. We built this campground with faith, determination and a vision for what it could become. Now, we’re thrilled to welcome campers to experience everything Tellico Plains has to offer.”
Campgrounds have a significant economic and cultural impact on local communities. According to KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, the average camper spends $156 daily while camping. With 30% of campers saying they are interested in visiting small towns, and another 30% drawn to food tourism, campers are looking to experience the culture of local regions.
The Tellico Plains / Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday offers a variety of amenities to make every stay enjoyable. Guests can cool off in the swimming pool, let their kids burn off energy at the playground, or enjoy quality time around the campfire rings and picnic areas. The campground features a well-stocked camp store for essentials, snacks, and souvenirs, as well as clean restrooms with hot showers for added comfort. Pet owners will appreciate the enclosed Kamp K9 dog park, providing a safe space for furry friends to play. Campground activities include bingo night, outdoor movie nights, rafting and kayaking excursions, and even snow cones by the pool.
The Joneses have big plans for the campground’s future. By June 1, 2025, eight new RV sites and a brand-new dump station will be added. By October 2026, they plan to expand further with 20 more RV sites, an ADA-accessible restroom, and a laundromat.
In addition, Kampgrounds of America Inc. welcomed the Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday to the KOA family of campgrounds. A natural fit for KOA, pairing the beauty of the outdoors with top-tier hospitality, the Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday will benefit from the strength of KOA’s trusted brand, industry-leading support and established community of outdoor enthusiasts.
Under the leadership of the Beyonder Camp team, this destination is poised to deliver exceptional camping experiences that align with KOA’s commitment to quality outdoor experiences.
An idyllic lakeside retreat, the Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday is perfectly situated on a peninsula surrounded by the peaceful waters of Wheeler Lake. This location offers campers the opportunity to enjoy waterfront views, tree-lined sites, and direct access to the lake. Guests can take advantage of the campground’s private boat ramp to explore the TVA chain of lakes or unwind on the private beach. The campground’s setting makes it a highly sought-after destination for nature lovers, families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
“We’re delighted to announce the return of this wonderful property to the KOA Holiday brand,” said Justin Hoggatt, campground owner and co-founder of Beyonder Camp. “Situated on the picturesque Wheeler Lake, it offers a wide array of recreational opportunities that our campers truly enjoy. We take great pleasure in ensuring our guests’ happiness through exceptional service and thoughtful amenities. With a variety of accommodation options available, it’s easier than ever to gather the entire family for a memorable outdoor experience.”
The Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday offers numerous amenities, making it a standout destination for adventure seekers. Guests can experience the fun of a rope park with zip lines, rent kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, or jet skis, or sunbathe on the beach. The campground also features horseback riding, gemstone and artifact mining, a seasonal outdoor movie theater, and a playground area. Additional amenities include a beach volleyball court, badminton, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked convenience store.
Supporting Beyonder Camp’s updated vision for the campground, the first-ever Wheeler Lake Palooza will debut on Saturday, June 7. This all-day music festival will feature an exciting lineup of local bands performing original music across two stages.
“When we purchased this location in 2023, its scenic beauty and prime spot on Wheeler Lake stood out, offering easy access to outdoor recreation and meeting the region’s strong camping demand. The opportunity to enhance an already well-placed campground and upgrade it to meet KOA standards made it an appealing venture for us,” Hoggatt shared.
The Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday is one of more than 500 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Other brands in the KOA Family of Campgrounds include KOA Journeys, convenient locations after a long day on the road that feature long pull-thru RV sites, and easy after-hours check-in. KOA Resorts offer an abundance of staff-led activities, on-site food dining, group meeting space, and more.
Located at 44 County Road 443 in Hillsboro, the Decatur/Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday is open year-round.
