Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA

The Great Outdoors

Some of the most amazing scenery in the country is located close to Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA. Cherokee National Forest features gorgeous views and stunning nature. Bring your camera to take photos while hiking, driving, or riding a bicycle. There are various bodies of water to check out here, like the Ocoee River, Pigeon River, Tellico River, and Watauga Lake. Enjoy hiking with wonderful views or head out for some ATV riding. You can also come here in the wintertime for skiing and winter sports. Fishing and hunting are popular activities too.Nantahala National Forest is another beautiful natural area nearby. It is located south of the KOA, bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest. Camping and picnicking are popular activities here, as well as bicycling, hiking, climbing, and horseback riding. The beautiful breathtaking scenery is what attracts most visitors to this forest, and it is a great location for wildlife viewing and photography. With many streams and ponds in the forest, this is also a good hunting and fishing location. Incredible waterfalls can be seen in a few locations too.A short drive north of Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA is Norris Lake, which is surrounded by three wonderful parks; Norris Dam State Park, Big Ridge State Park, and Chuck Swan State Forest. This is one of the best fishing locations in the area, with around 14 species of fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and striped bass. In addition to fishing, this is a great place for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports. In the park, you can enjoy picnicking, bicycling, and hiking, which makes it a great day trip when you're RV camping at Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA.

Exploring the City

Less than 20 minutes' drive southwest of the KOA, there is an incredible attraction called Forbidden Caverns. Tennessee has over 8,000 registered caverns, which is the more than any other state in the country. Forbidden Caverns is one of the most beautiful and most famous caverns in the area, with visitors coming from all over the region to see it. Here you can see sparkling formations, natural chimneys, many grottos, and a crystal-clear stream. Educational and entertainment tours are offered here, where you can see special lighting effects and sound presentations.The adventure park in Sevierville is ideal for those who like adrenaline rushes. Here you can try the highest and fastest zip line in the area; it even goes above a waterfall. To access the best trails, you will have to cross one of the longest swinging bridges in America. On the other side, you will find a river walk and kids' obstacle courses. You can also take a ride on an ATV through a scenic forest and across the water. There are also climbing walls with ropes in the park, and numerous resting areas where you can purchase food and drinks.For more amusement park fun during your RV rental vacation, head to Pigeon Forge. Visitors to the massive theme park here can check out over 80 shops, restaurants, and attractions. You can visit the park year-round, and there are always music and entertainment events going on. See the whole place from a 200-foot Ferris wheel, and enjoy the dazzling fountains, which are programmed to operate with light and music effects.