Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey Blog
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KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis 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 Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis 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.
From I-40: Take Exit 432 to 25W-70, then 1 mile to KOA on right.
From I-81: Take Exit 8 to 25E south for 12 miles, then right on 25W-70 to KOA 1/3 mile on left.
When you pitch your tent, park your RV, or unpack your bags at the Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey, you aren’t just getting a peaceful place to sleep, you are gaining a front-row seat to the best of East Tennessee.
Often called "The Adventure Side of the Smokies," the Newport area and its surrounding towns offer a refreshing mix of jaw-dropping nature, thrilling excursions, and authentic small-town charm without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
Here is what is waiting for you just minutes from our campground:
Just down the road from us is Hartford, Tennessee, the ultimate hub for whitewater rafting. Fed by the local dam, the Pigeon River serves up dependable, exhilarating rapids all summer long. Whether you want an adrenaline-pumping Class III-IV ride down the Upper Pigeon with an outfit like , or a gentle, scenic float down the Lower Pigeon with the kids, it’s an absolute must-do summer adventure.
Take a break from the trails and explore downtown Newport. Walk along the scenic following the Pigeon River, browse local antique shops, or time your visit to catch one of our community traditions like the in October. When you get hungry, head to local staples like for a classic, comforting meal.
Located in nearby Bybee, this drive-through safari is a massive hit for families. You can drive your own vehicle along a four-mile trail where exotic animals (including bison, elk, zebras, and emus) will walk right up to your window to eat right out of your hand!
Just a short, scenic drive from the campground sits the . A surprisingly fun and nostalgic stop for all ages, it features a free museum tracking the family’s agricultural history in East Tennessee, a giant scale that shows you how much you weigh in beans, and an old-fashioned café where you can try a slice of their famous pinto bean pie!
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.
