Camp with a cocktail: New, deluxe Smokies campsite elevates the classic experience
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Take a dip in a heated saltwater pool, relax in a spa-like bathhouse, enjoy fresh chocolate chip cookies on the pavilion and end the day with a prepared meal paired with a cocktail or a selection of regional beers.
Does this sound like camping to you? Nestled between the Cosby and Greenbrier entrances, these comforting amenities and more await guests looking for their next getaway near Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
“This is a totally different way of viewing the camping experience,” Shannon Connolly told Knox News. “Camping doesn't have to be about isolation in the woods. We believe it can be about gathering together and enjoying a cocktail around the fire with pizza.”
“(We’re) infusing the expectations that you'd find at a Marriott or Hilton when it comes to customer service and guest experience (while camping),” her husband, Thomas Connolly, added.
The Chattanooga couple has launched the first site of their modernized campsite brand, Roamstead, at 4946 Hooper Highway in Cosby. The site features tents, cabins, camper hookups and even yurts.
Through the new company, the Connollys intend to revitalize outdated campgrounds and enhance the camping experience while welcoming campers of all backgrounds.
The Roamstead experience
Thomas and Shannon Connolly have travelled throughout the country in their camper with their 9- and 10-year-old kids. What they’ve noticed is that the camping industry hasn’t really evolved in recent years, leaving much to be desired.
The idea behind Roamstead is to provide an experience that bridges the gap between traditional camping and a boutique hotel. Particular attention has gone into interior and exterior design, hospitality and amenities.
“I think we're removing some of those barriers that might keep someone who wants to be close to the outdoors from trying the camping experience,” Shannon noted.
At the Cosby campground, there is an onsite camp store stocked with food, beverages and common camping gear. An onsite restaurant has limited menu meals, as well as meal kits guests can prepare at their campsite. Guests staying in accommodations with beds will have fresh linens and towels. Guides to hiking and other outdoor activities also will be provided.
These amenities and services will be available at every Roamstead location as the brand expands.
From aspirational to expert
The Connollys are seasoned campers. But they didn’t start that way, and they want guests with all levels of experience to enjoy the Roamstead escape.
“We want to appeal to a lot of folks who are aspirationally outdoorsy,” Thomas said.
“There's so much beauty in the United States that so many people don't get to experience first-hand," Shannon added. “That's kind of our goal, to just make these outdoor spaces super accessible for anybody who wants to experience them.”
First-timers can camp out in a yurt equipped with a bed, mini fridge and Wi-Fi if they’re not ready to rough it in a tent. Or guests can skip the outdoors altogether and opt for a cabin or a room in the lodge.
A Smokies campground with purpose
Roamstead is not only a place for campers with varying camping experience; the Connollys also want it to be a space where all feel welcome.
“What we've seen when we travel (and camp at other sites) is that there's just not a lot of diversity,” Shannon said.
The Connollys are intentionally reaching out and marketing to groups of people who they say have often been overlooked in the camping experience.
“I think a lot of campgrounds might not necessarily feel like welcoming places all the time,” she said, noting the lack of campsite accessibility and exposure to diverse groups as possible factors.
“A lot of our friends just had nowhere to start,” Thomas added. “We want to be that jumping off point and we want to make a point of specifically welcoming all to our campground.”
The couple also are committed to sustainability and giving back. Each Roamstead site will partner with a local nonprofit, and a portion of every nightly stay will go toward protecting and preserving the land.
Roamstead has partnered with Friends of the Smokies for this first campsite. This is especially important for Shannon, who grew up in East Tennessee.
What are the Roamstead accommodations?
Whether you want to glamp in a fully loaded RV or get rugged in a tent, there are 87 accommodations at the Roamstead campground in Cosby. All have access to Wi-Fi.
Prices vary depending on the accommodation type, and the days of the week and season guests will be staying onsite. Price ranges were $55-$154+ as of April 18. Reservations can be made now at roamstead.com and the campground will welcome its first guests Aug. 1.
Tents: For those looking a rugged experience. Tent sites have water and electric hook-ups, and easy access to spa-like bathhouses. Rate is $55+ per night.
Yurts: Where luxury and nature collide, yurts notably feature beds and a mini fridge. The bathhouse is nearby. Rate is $130+ per night.
Camper/RV: Roamstead offers deluxe full hookup, standard full hookup, and basic water/electric hookup for RVs and campers. There are spaces for small campers and truck tents as well. Rate is $77+ per night.
Lodge: Hotel-style rooms with beds, a full bathroom, and heating and air conditioning. Linen and towels are also provided. Rate is $153+ per night.
Cabins: Loft or family-style cabins feature a modern design with a kitchenette, full bathroom and heating and air conditioning. Linen and towels are also provided. Rate is $154+ per night.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Roamstead offers modern, deluxe camping experience in the Smokies
