Camping enthusiasts taking advantage of six popular Tennessee Valley Authority campgrounds should expect improved facility operations and customer service under management of a new concessionaire program when the facilities re-open this March.
After reviewing proposals from 13 vendors, TVA has selected Recreation Resource Management LLC, a national company that manages over 150 national and state park campgrounds in 11 states, to operate TVA’s six campgrounds under a five-year concessionaire agreement: Cherokee, Watauga, Melton Hill, Pickwick and both the headwater and tailwater facilities at Douglas.
“We were thrilled that so many expressed interest in managing these important facilities, but RRM’s experience and reputation led us to believe they were the best choice,” said Bucky Edmondson, senior manager for TVA Outreach and Recreation.
“We are working with RRM leadership to ensure that our campgrounds are well-maintained and properly managed, as well as pursuing the addition of new amenities, like camp stores and wireless Internet access, which many of our guests tell us they desire.”
In addition to RRM’s on-site management, a new camping fee structure will be used in the six campgrounds this season. The base rate for an RV site will be $14 and a tent site will be $10. TVA will continue to honor Golden Age, Golden Access, America the Beautiful Access Pass and America the Beautiful Senior Pass discounts for 50 percent off the base camping rate.
Additional services, such as electricity, water, sewer or premium waterfront campsites, will have separate charges that will only be collected if the camper chooses to take advantage of them. No discounts are offered on additional services.
To ensure that as many campers as possible enjoy these recreational facilities, individual users are limited to a maximum 21-day stay during the peak season from May 1 to Sept. 30. The maximum stay is extended to 30 days during off season periods.
Full details of all camping fees and policies can be found in the camping section of TVA’s website or on RRM’s website.
Day use areas, including recreation areas, picnic areas, swim beaches and any associated public restroom and parking facilities will remain free-of-charge and open to the public.