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In this episode of the RVing with Joe & Kait podcast, we sit down with Shannon Connolly, owner of Roamstead, a unique campground nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Shannon shares her journey from a family camping trip that sparked a love for RVing to the creation of Roamstead, where she and her team have crafted a campground experience that balances the charm of outdoor adventure with the comforts of a boutique hotel.
From cozy cabins and yurts to thoughtfully crafted communal spaces, Shannon walks us through her journey of transforming an old campground into a haven for modern-day adventurers. If you’re curious about what goes into creating a campground that captures the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
We want to be that jumping off point for any camper of any experience level.
Shannon Connolly, Owner of Roamstead
Roamstead Smoky Mountains Campground
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Table of Contents
Episode Guest
Shannon Connolly was born and raised in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and went on to complete her MBA at the University of Georgia. After a successful 15-year career in sales and marketing, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to rethink her professional path. Inspired by a long-standing family dream, she decided to embark on a new venture. In July 2023, after years of planning and vision, she and her husband, Thomas, proudly opened Roamstead, an upscale, modern campground. Shannon now lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and their two children.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
- Camping at Roamstead Smoky Mountain Campground
- We’re the Russos YouTube Channel
- Newsletter sign up
- Book 1: Take Risks
- Book 2: Tales From the Open Road
Key Highlights
- Inspiration Behind Roamstead: Shannon and her family’s love for the outdoors and national parks inspired her to create Roamstead, aiming to balance rugged nature with modern comforts for a unique camping experience.
- Challenges of Renovating an Older Campground: The transformation of Roamstead required extensive work, from upgrading infrastructure to rethinking the space layout. Shannon shared how they worked tirelessly to bring everything up to their standards within a short timeline.
- Focus on Inclusivity and Accessibility: Roamstead offers various accommodations, from tent and RV sites to yurts and cabins, so people with different levels of camping experience can enjoy the outdoors comfortably.
- Attention to Guest Experience: From fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon to thoughtful communal spaces, Shannon emphasized creating a welcoming environment where guests can relax and connect with each other.
- Importance of Connectivity: Recognizing that many travelers work remotely, Roamstead invested significantly in reliable Wi-Fi and workspace options, making it an ideal place for digital nomads and remote workers to stay connected while enjoying nature.
- Future Expansion and Vision: Shannon shared her excitement about Roamstead’s growth, with plans for additional locations, starting with a new property in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- Advice for Aspiring Campground Owners: Shannon encourages others to start small and use their personal travel experiences to create spaces that they, as campers, would love, suggesting that a hands-on approach can be very impactful in the campground industry.
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