Big Meadow Family Campground, in the charming town of Townsend, Tennessee, is preparing to celebrate an impressive 30th anniversary milestone. The journey from just a dream to a realized destination has been three decades in the making and isn’t slowing, just growing. The story of Big Meadow is also the story of the family behind it, whose dedication has shaped its success and reputation.
For the owners Barbara and Malcolm Johnson, the idea of creating Big Meadow began with a simple spark of inspiration. “It started as a pipe dream,” they shared. “We camped with another couple for four or five years and found ourselves critiquing every campground we visited, imagining how much fun it would be to own one.” After two years of searching, they discovered a vacant piece of land and began transforming it into the campground that would become Big Meadow.
The development process was no small feat. “We bought the property in August of 1994 and worked all winter to open in May of 1995,” they recalled. “It took about six or seven months. It was just the two of us, some outside help, and our son, Greg, who joined us to get things started.” From the beginning, Big Meadow was a family effort.
When Big Meadow opened, it offered 96 campsites, only 42 of which were suited for RVs, along with a few primitive tent sites. Over the years, the park evolved with a firm focus on providing high-quality experiences rather than expanding site numbers. “We always strive for quality over quantity,” they said. Today, every campsite boasts a full-service setup, water, electric, sewer, cable, Wi-Fi, a concrete pad, and a patio, a testament to their dedication to comfort and convenience.
Big Meadow also pioneered several offerings in Townsend. The first campground in the area to accommodate big rigs up to 45 feet and the first to stay open year-round. And their success story has been recognized many times over. For the past six years, Big Meadow has been selected by TripAdvisor as a Top Choice Park. It’s also been rated among the top 300 campgrounds in North America for the last 15 years. Twice, it’s been honored as Small Park of the Year through OHI’s Awards of Excellence Program. Additionally, the Tennessee State Senate has recognized Big Meadow twice as an “Exemplary Family Business,” crediting it as a significant asset to the state.
One of the most rewarding aspects of running Big Meadow has been the relationships built over the years. “We have campers who have been with us for 25 years or longer,” they noted. “They’ve become family to us, and we’re dedicated to them.” The campground’s close-knit community has even embraced the owners’ twin grandsons, who grew up there and are blossoming into the third generation to take part in the family business. “Our boys were adopted by our guests, becoming honorary grandchildren to many. They’ve been treated to special experiences, like a trip to Texas for a Dallas Cowboys game and a NASCAR booth experience.”
The Johnsons are also proud of the park’s community involvement. “Big Meadow has been very blessed through the years,” they said. “As a member of a small community, we do our best to always give back by helping to support community activities.”
Reflecting on three decades in business, the owners shared what has worked for them. “The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that you can’t make everyone happy. We always try our best, but you have to learn to let the little things go,” they said. “Every day brings bumps in the road, some big, some small, but you just have to deal with them. Our philosophy is to give 100%, even if it’s not always perfect.”
Their advice to new business owners? “Focus on the big picture. Don’t let the small stuff weigh you down. If you know you’ve done your best, that’s what matters.”
The 30th anniversary celebration at Big Meadow will be filled with the kind of spirit that has made the park feel like a second home to so many. While the highlight is a Memorial Day weekend event featuring a pancake breakfast hosted with the local Kiwanis Club and family-friendly games organized by CHARM, a ministry group, the festivities won’t end there. “We want to stretch the celebration all year long,” they said. “We’re adding campfires and other special activities, thanks to help from a retired schoolteacher in our park. It’s going to be a memorable year for us and our guests.”
As Big Meadow Family Campground turns 30, it stands to show where a whole lot of family heart can lead. The story of this home away from home is still being written, with new chapters unfolding every day in the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
