Kampgrounds of America (KOA) announced that the Shelby/Broad River KOA Holiday in western North Carolina has joined the company’s network of campgrounds, expanding KOA’s presence in the region four years after the campground first opened.
The campground, located in Mooresboro near Shelby and the Broad River, opened in 2022 and is owned by George Selembo and Tyler Watts.
The property has developed a reputation for offering a family-focused camping experience with a wide range of activities and amenities aimed at attracting different types of campers.
The addition places the campground within KOA’s network of more than 500 campgrounds across the United States and Canada. The move is expected to broaden the campground’s visibility among travelers while allowing it to maintain its local identity and community ties.
“We built this campground to be a place where all types of campers could come together, make memories and experience something truly special,” George Selembo, co-owner of the Shelby/Broad River KOA Holiday, said in a press release.
“Partnering with KOA allows us to bring national exposure to what we believe is one of the best little campgrounds in the Southeast, while continuing to invest in the guest experience and support the local community that has embraced us from day one,” Selembo added.
KOA cited findings from its 2025 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report to highlight the economic role campgrounds play in local communities.
According to the report, campers contributed $66 billion to local economies in 2025, with average daily camper spending exceeding $200.
The report also found that 33% of campers expressed interest in visiting small towns, while 38% said they were drawn to historic sites.
The Shelby/Broad River KOA Holiday features 15 permanent hot tubs that remain open year-round, along with portable hot tubs that can be delivered directly to campsites.
Other amenities include a custom-built gem mine, Gaga ball tournaments, cannonball contests, golf cart parades and night swimming events during the summer season.
The campground also hosts seasonal programming, including Camp-O-Ween events in October and appearances by “Knobby,” a Bigfoot-themed character used for guest activities and photo opportunities.
The campground operates year-round at 120 Broad River Campground Rd. in Mooresboro, North Carolina.