Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey

For those of us in Tennessee who love hitting the open road in our RVs, pitching a tent under the stars, or enjoying a cozy cabin retreat, finding a reliable and welcoming campground is always a priority. The Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey in Newport, TN, stands out as a continually evolving destination, working hard to provide a comfortable and convenient experience for all travelers. As a KOA Journey campground, it’s specifically designed to be your perfect oasis after a day of exploring, offering easy access and essential amenities to ensure a pleasant stay right here in our beautiful state.

Many Tennesseans appreciate a campground that is clean, well-maintained, and offers a friendly atmosphere, even as it undergoes improvements. This KOA location is clearly committed to enhancing its facilities, with staff actively working on remodels to provide modern conveniences like updated bathhouses and new laundry facilities. While some amenities might be temporarily undergoing upgrades, the dedication of the staff, who are described as "friendly and helpful," ensures that guests feel welcome and supported. Whether you're passing through on I-40 or planning an extended stay to explore the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains, this KOA is a promising base for your East Tennessee adventure.

The Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey is perfectly situated at 240 KOA Ln, Newport, TN 37821, USA. For folks across Tennessee, this location is exceptionally convenient, offering immediate access to Interstate 40, one of the state's major east-west arteries. This makes it an ideal stop for travelers passing through, as well as a practical base for exploring the wider East Tennessee region.

The campground's name itself highlights its strategic position: "I-40" for ease of access and "Smoky Mountains" for its proximity to one of our nation's most beloved natural treasures. From I-40, you simply take Exit 432 to 25W-70, and the KOA is just about a mile down the road on your right. For those coming from I-81, Exit 8 to 25E south will lead you 12 miles before a right turn onto 25W-70, with the KOA a third of a mile on your left. This direct and clear signage makes arrival straightforward, even for large RVs.

Beyond its interstate accessibility, the campground is located at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. This means that iconic destinations like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge (home of Dollywood), and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are just a short drive away, typically within an hour's reach. Newport itself provides essential services, including groceries, restaurants, and local shops, ensuring that campers have access to everything they need. The balance of convenient highway access and proximity to world-class natural attractions makes this KOA a highly desirable location for Tennesseans planning their next outdoor adventure.

• RV Sites: The campground offers various RV sites, including long pull-through sites (up to 60-82 feet max length) with 50-amp service, making them suitable for big rigs. Many sites are gravel, shaded, and some are full hookup (water, sewer, electric).
• Tent Sites: Dedicated tent camping areas are available, described as "premium" and often in "lovely shaded knolls," catering to those who prefer traditional tent camping.
• Cabin Rentals: For guests seeking more comfort, heated and air-conditioned one- and two-room Kamping Kabins are available, offering a cozy alternative to RV or tent camping.
• Modern Bathhouse: The bathhouse facilities are undergoing a remodel to be modern and clean, with a future addition of handicap access. They provide hot showers.
• New Laundry Facility: A brand-new laundry facility is being installed or recently completed, featuring debit/credit card usage for convenience, eliminating the need for quarters.
• Wi-Fi Access: Wi-Fi is available at the park, with some sites offering Wi-Fi connectivity for mobile devices and streaming.
• Propane & Firewood: Propane and firewood are available for purchase on-site, essential for cooking and campfires.
• Dog Park (KampK9®): A dedicated KampK9® dog park provides a secure area for furry friends to play off-leash.
• Well-Lit After-Hours Check-in: For late arrivals, the campground offers a well-lit after-hours check-in service, ensuring a smooth and easy arrival process.
• Pavilion: A pavilion is available for guest use, likely for gatherings or relaxation.

• Continuous Improvement & Renovations: The campground is actively undergoing remodels and upgrades under new ownership, demonstrating a commitment to providing modern, clean facilities. This includes a new laundry room and renovated bathhouses.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Numerous reviews consistently highlight the staff's dedication, describing them as "friendly and helpful" and "working hard," creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• Proximity to Smoky Mountains: As a "Smoky Mountains KOA," it serves as an excellent base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Dollywood, which are just a short drive away.
• Diverse Site Options: Offering long pull-through RV sites (up to 82 ft), premium tent sites, and heated/air-conditioned Kamping Kabins, the campground caters to a wide range of camping preferences and rig sizes.
• Family and Pet-Friendly: With a playground, pool, and a dedicated KampK9® dog park, it's designed to accommodate families and their furry companions, making it a great place for all ages.
• Recreational Activities: On-site amenities include a swimming pool (check seasonal availability), basketball court, volleyball court, badminton, and horseshoes. The surrounding area also offers fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, and hiking in Cherokee National Forest.
• Convenient Location off I-40: Its placement right off I-40 makes it incredibly easy to access for overnight stays or as a jumping-off point for regional exploration.
• Open All Year: The campground is open year-round, allowing for camping adventures in any season, whether it's for spring blooms, summer fun, fall foliage, or a quiet winter escape.

For Tennesseans planning a trip to the Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey, there are several appealing promotions and discounts available that can make your stay even more enjoyable and affordable.

• The Smokies Are Calling – Save 33% on 2+ Night Stay: Valid for stays through June 30, 2025, if booked by June 27, 2025. This offer provides a significant discount for a minimum two-night stay, perfect for those looking to explore the Smokies before the peak summer rush. To redeem, call and reference hot deal code: SS.
• Military Discount: Valid through December 31, 2025, this offer provides a discount for military personnel. Call and reference hot deal code: MI for more information.
• Senior Citizens Discount: Valid through December 31, 2025, for seniors. Call and reference hot deal code: S for details.
• KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend: KOA Rewards holders can stay as a paying guest on Friday, September 5th, 2025, and get Saturday, September 6th, 2025, for FREE*. This is an excellent benefit for loyal KOA campers. Call and reference hot deal code: *V.
• Care Camps Big Weekend: Valid on May 8-9, 2026, where 50% of the cost of the second night will be donated to Care Camps. A great way to support a good cause while enjoying your stay. Call and reference hot deal code: BWCC.
• KOA Rewards Discount: As a standard benefit, KOA Rewards holders typically receive 10% off their daily registration rates at participating campgrounds.

It’s always recommended to verify the most current offers directly with the campground when booking, as terms and availability can change.

Ready to plan your next Tennessee camping adventure near the Smoky Mountains? Here’s how you can get in touch with the friendly team at Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey:

• Address: 240 KOA Ln, Newport, TN 37821, USA
• Phone: (423) 608-6042
• Mobile Phone: +1 423-608-6042

Feel free to call them to check availability, inquire about specific site types, or get details on their ongoing renovations and amenities. The staff is known for being helpful and ready to assist you in planning your stay.

For us Tennesseans, the Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey offers a uniquely compelling option for both quick getaways and extended explorations of our beautiful state. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors, blending convenience with the promise of an ever-improving outdoor experience.

Firstly, the unparalleled accessibility directly off I-40 makes it an incredibly practical choice. Whether you’re heading east or west across the state, or planning a weekend escape from Knoxville or Chattanooga, the ease of getting to and from this KOA minimizes travel time and maximizes your leisure. This is a significant benefit for residents who want to make the most of their precious time off.

Secondly, the ongoing renovations and the dedicated staff demonstrate a clear commitment to guest satisfaction. While improvements might mean some temporary inconveniences, the promise of modern, clean bathhouses, new laundry facilities, and a general refresh of the property means that each visit is likely to be better than the last. For locals, this means investing in a campground that truly cares about its guests and is striving to provide a top-tier experience.

Finally, the KOA's strategic location at the "foothills of the Smoky Mountains" means that iconic Tennessee attractions are literally at your doorstep. From hiking in the National Park to enjoying the family fun of Dollywood and Gatlinburg, you have endless possibilities for adventure. With various site types, including RV, tent, and cabins, and amenities like a dog park and recreational courts, this KOA truly caters to diverse needs and ensures there's something for everyone in the family. For Tennesseans seeking a reliable, improving, and well-located base for their adventures in the heart of East Tennessee, the Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey is an excellent choice.