LOOKING AT A VIBRANT LOCAL ECONOMY
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Fannin Co. Development Authority
After camping for 30 years, John and Beth Kieffer always envisioned opening a campground. While working in Blue Ridge, John found a beautiful piece of property on the Toccoa River, and knew it was the perfect place.
“We fell in love with the area and the people,” said Beth Kieffer, John’s wife. “So, John began working on a plan.”
John, who has enjoyed a successful career as a licensed contractor and developer in North Georgia, found the perfect spot to fulfill his dream: 1,300 feet along the Toccoa River, just a few miles east of downtown Blue Ridge.
The Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA opened in 2020 and has become a family labor of love. Beth, a former educator in Forsyth County, served as general manager for the first 18 months. The Kieffer’s daughter, Ali, is the current general manager.
“This has been an amazing experience,” Ali said. “To be honest, of all the career opportunities I had considered, managing a campground was never on the list.”
Few visitors would consider the Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA simply a campground. In addition to 85 spaces for RVs, there are four tent sites and four deluxe cabins for rent. The property has water, sewer and power on all RV sites and also a saltwater swimming pool, a community fire pit and horseshoes, among other amenities. Food trucks and live music are offered from mid-May through mid-November.
Trout fishing and kayaking on the Toccoa River remain the main highlights for visitors. “We also have the advantage of being so close to downtown Blue Ridge,” Beth Kieffer said. “There are all the shops and restaurants and other attractions, like the scenic railroad. Plus, there is all the natural beauty in the surrounding area, from waterfalls and hiking trails and Lake Blue Ridge.”
“Rain or shine there is always something to do in our area and now, we are pleased to share it with so many others. We feel we are on the right track as we recently won Best of Georgia 2024 in the Vacation Destination category. In addition, we also won the 2025 KOA Rising Star award, which is awarded to a KOA campground that exemplifies KOA standards and has been open for five years or less.”
(Learn more about local businesses and industries at fannindevelopment.com and thenewsobserver.com).