A Cocke County campground in Del Rio, Tennessee, is preparing for a grand reopening less than six months after Hurricane Helene caused severe damage to the property. 

The storm, which struck in September, devastated the Bobarosa Saloon and campground, leaving its owners to make the difficult decision of whether to rebuild.

The business, owned by Jessica Recchia, suffered catastrophic losses when the French Broad River overflowed its banks, destroying a retaining wall designed to protect the property. 

The collapse of the wall triggered a chain reaction that demolished the saloon, motel rooms, and other facilities on the property.

Recchia, who had spent 25 years building the business, described the emotional toll of the disaster.

“At first, you’re just taken back. We needed a couple of days to process all that, and to decide what steps forward we were gonna take — if we’re gonna rebuild or if we were gonna call it quits,” she told WBIR.

Despite initial uncertainty, the community’s support played a crucial role in the decision to move forward with rebuilding. 

Volunteers and donors contributed time and resources to help restore the property. A new building has been constructed, thanks to donations and benefit events organized to aid the recovery effort.

“Several people have done donations and benefits for us, which includes the building down there,” Recchia explained. 

“We have met so many wonderful people along the way. I can’t even put into words how it’s made us feel on the inside, because it has absolutely restored our faith in humanity.”

The Bobarosa Saloon and campground, known for its rustic accommodations and riverfront RV sites, plans to continue offering amenities such as live entertainment, pool tournaments, and outdoor activities for guests. 

The reopening marks a significant milestone for the business as it strives to move forward from the challenges brought by Hurricane Helene.