Tellico Plains / Cherokee National Forest KOA Holiday Blog
Your perfect basecamp for adventure, relaxation, and exploring the beauty of East Tennessee!
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.
From Interstate 75:
Take Exit 60 onto Highway 68 and drive 23 miles.
DO NOT follow Google Maps off Highway 68—stay on course!
Turn right onto TN-39 Mecca Pike and continue for 3 miles.
The campground will be on the left
From the South via Highway 411:
Turn right onto TN-39 Mecca Pike.
The campground is 11 miles ahead on the right.
Owning a campground has been one of the most rewarding adventures of our lives. What started as a dream to share the beauty of Tellico Plains with others has grown into something bigger than we could have ever imagined. Over the years, we've met travelers from all walks of life, shared countless stories around the campfire, and watched families and friends make memories that last a lifetime.
As we look ahead, we’re thrilled to share a big update:
Mecca Camp Resort is now officially the Tellico Plains / Cherokee National Forest KOA!
While the name has changed, our hearts and mission haven’t. We're still the same family-run campground, passionate about hospitality and creating a peaceful, welcoming basecamp for your mountain adventures. Joining the KOA family allows us to offer more services, rewards, and visibility—helping even more guests discover the magic of this corner of East Tennessee.
?? Free Morning Coffee at the Camp Store
Start your mornings off right with complimentary coffee. Chat with fellow campers and get tips for exploring the area.
???? Poolside Fun & Games
Our pool will be open for the season! Expect splash contests, games for kids, and lounge space for adults looking to relax.
?? Explore Nearby Adventures
Go hiking in the Cherokee National Forest, cast a line in Tellico River, or take a drive along the famous Cherohala Skyway. We're happy to help you plan your day!
Memorial Day is right around the corner, and we’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate! Whether you're a returning guest or it's your first time staying with us, we invite you to enjoy a weekend full of fun, relaxation, and connection.
?? Friday, May 23 – Music Bingo at The Porch
Kick off the weekend at 6 p.m. with Music Bingo! Great prizes, free popcorn, and cold beverages available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public—all ages welcome!
?? Saturday, May 24 – Free Pancake Breakfast
Starting at 8 a.m., head over to the patio by the pool for free pancakes and hot coffee! Bacon and sausage patties available for $2. Campers only.
?? Saturday Afternoon – Free Snow Cones by the Pool
Cool off with free snow cones starting at 2 p.m. by the pool. A sweet treat for campers only!
?? Sunday, May 25 – B-I-N-G-O on the Patio
Join us at 10 a.m. for a classic game of Bingo! Cards are $5, and there are prizes for all winners. If it rains, we’ll move the fun to The Porch. Campers only.
?? Sunday Night – Summer Kickoff Party at The Porch
Doors open at 5 p.m., and live music from Mudville Mafia begins at 6 p.m. Food and beverages available for purchase, including local IPAs on tap. This is a public event, so bring your friends!
?? Monday, May 26 – Campground Potluck & Pool Party
Wrap up the weekend with a poolside potluck at 4 p.m. We'll provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and utensils—you bring the sides and your favorite beverage. Campers only.
The transition to KOA is just the beginning. We’re currently expanding our campground with new full hook-up RV sites, deluxe tent options, and a dump station. By 2026, we’ll also be adding deluxe cabins and a new laundry facility.
We’re grateful for every guest who supported us as Mecca Camp Resort. Whether you've stayed with us once or dozens of times, your support has helped us grow and improve. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting new phase as a KOA campground.
We might have a new name and a little more yellow in our logo, but the heart of our campground is still the same. We’re still locally owned and operated, still camper-focused, and still passionate about sharing everything this beautiful area has to offer.
Joining the KOA family means we can offer even more to our guests:
?? National visibility
?? KOA Rewards program
?? Expanded amenities & events
?? Bigger dreams for the future
?? Book your Memorial Day weekend stay now—sites are going fast!
Call us at (423) 253-3513 or visit our website to reserve your spot.
See you at camp,
Chris & Julia Jones
Proud Owners, Tellico Plains / Cherokee National Forest KOA
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