Camping and RVing in the Gateway to the Appalachian Highlands at Jonesborough/Cherokee NF KOA Journey Campground, just outside of Johnson City, Tennessee

Looking to get away and relax in the great outdoors? Our small, boutique, family-friendly campground in Jonesborough, Tennessee offers endless ways to kick your feet up and enjoy a beautiful outdoor vacation along the Nolichucky River. Our location puts you in the middle of all the action without the traffic of Pigeon Forge or Sevierville, enabling you to discover the magic of our 200-year-old town and the birthplace of the International Storytelling Center. You will find our campground with all Full hook up RV sites right off of I-26, close to many popular destinations, including Erwin, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and only a short, scenic 45 minutes to Asheville, North Carolina. Minutes away from your RV site you will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy family entertainment, like visiting the Wetlands Water Park or Bright's Zoo. Don't forget to get outside and take advantage of the abundant access to the wilderness, being so close to gorgeous parks like the Cherokee National Forest with hiking galore! Whether you are interested in learning more about our rich history or desire an action-packed family vacation in Jonesborough, the local area of our KOA campground in Tennessee has endless possibilities to explore and have fun. 

Enjoy Camping in East Tennessee
Our team is excited for you to join us — whether you spend each day in our campground or explore the surrounding areas. We offer endless opportunities to enjoy your time at our campground near Johnson City, Tennessee. You can find exciting activities for the whole family to participate in. Help your kids sluice for treasures in our gem mine, or keep an eye on them as they climb and jump around our classic playground. From family movie nights and scavenger hunts to arts and crafts, there are many ways to create a fun and jam-packed camping adventure. Set up your chair to relax and enjoy a peaceful day along the riverfront from your lodging at our Jonesborough, Tennessee, campground. Cast your line and try your hand at river fishing in the Nolichucky, or drop by the store to check out our selection of lawn games, board games and books to immerse yourself in. If you're looking for an exciting voyage, you can schedule a white water rafting or kayaking trip with Blue Ridge Paddling. They will pick you up and drop you off right at your site.

How You Can Stay at our KOA Campground in Jonesborough, Tennessee 
To give you flexibility, we provide an assortment of camping options so that you and your family have everything you need to look back on your days with us fondly. For the traditional tent campers, we offer unique Tent Sites with electric and water hookups, as well as picnic tables and fire rings, to give you an enjoyable couple of nights beneath the Tennessee stars. If you want to increase your comfort levels, we offer various cabin rentals in Jonesborough for you to enjoy. Create a meaningful experience by glamping in our rare 1949 Vintage Camper, Caboose Rooms or Deluxe Cabins with enough space for the entire family. These unique lodging options offer comfy beds and AC, with options for bathrooms and showers at select sites. Many of these sites come with patios to help you enjoy the great Tennessee outdoors in style. Our location also operates as a luxury RV campground in Jonesborough. We offer spacious Back-In and Pull-Thru, gravel RV Sites with full hookups, including water, electric and sewer. You also have access to 50 max amps, Wi-Fi, cable and fire rings to spend a night or two roasting marshmallows and creating memories. 

Our Amenities in Jonesborough
Whether you are glamping with us at our East Tennessee KOA or want to enjoy a traditional camping experience, we provide convenient amenities to take your comfort to the next level. We also provide KOA Paw Pen™  Sites and a KampK9® dog park for a pet-friendly camping location in Jonesborough. At Jonesborough/Cherokee NF KOA Journey, you can enjoy Wi-Fi, golf cart rentals, laundry facilities, areas for fires and an updated bathhouse to take advantage of. During your vacation near Johnson City, Tennessee, you will also have access to other amenities such as: 

  • Cable TV
  • Pavilion
  • Book check out
  • Country Store
  • Firewood
  • KOA Patio® Sites

Reserve Your Nolichucky River Camping Site
If you are looking for an RV park near Johnson City, or are interested in our cabin rentals, join us in creating memories by connecting with those you love and nature. Visit us online and reserve your site today!

Campground Amenities

  • 50 Max Amp
  • 65' Max Length
  • Wi-Fi
  • Cable TV
  • Fishing ($)
  • Firewood ($)
  • Pavilion
  • Dog Park
More About Amenities

Ways to Stay

Campground Virtual Tour

KOA Journey

KOA Journey Campgrounds

KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.

KOA Journeys Feature:

  • Pull-through RV Sites with 50-amp service
  • Premium Tent Sites
  • Well lit after hours check-in service

Latest Hot Deal

KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend

KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend Photo

WHEN: September 6-7, 2024

WHAT: KOA Rewards holders stay as a paying guest on Friday, September 6th at any participating KOA campground and get Saturday, September 7th for FREE*.

WHY: KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend is designed exclusively for KOA Rewards holders to say thanks for your loyalty and for trusting your camping memories to us. On this late-summer weekend, we gather to celebrate friends, family and fun in the great outdoors we all adore.

* Only at participating KOA locations. Applies to one site per a KOA Rewards account, for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. Sites may be limited. KOA Rewards discount does apply but not valid with other discounts.

Book This Hot Deal

Local Area

Historic Jonesborough

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

423-753-1010

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Cherokee National Forest

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

423-753-1500

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Chuckey Railroad Depot Museum

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

423-753-5797

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Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum

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

423-753-4580

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Campground Awards and Programs