If you’ve spent any time at all driving down US-70 near the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ve seen it. That massive sprawling lot of RVs that seems to go on for miles. Most locals still just call it "Tom Johnson’s," but the sign out front officially reads Camping World. It’s a bit of a local legend, honestly.
What started in 1967 as five little pop-up campers in Tom Johnson’s front yard eventually ballooned into one of the most famous RV dealerships in the United States. But things changed. In 2014, the family-owned vibe of Tom Johnson Camping Center shifted when Marcus Lemonis and the Camping World corporate machine took over.
Since then, the Marion location has become a lightning rod for debate in the RVer community. Is it still the "family" dealership it used to be? Or is it just another corporate hub in the FreedomRoads network? Let’s get into the weeds of what’s actually happening at 1885 US-70 West.
The Reality of Tom Johnson Camping World Marion NC Today
Walking onto the lot in 2026 feels a lot different than it did in the 90s. Back then, you’d probably run into a Johnson family member. Today, you’re greeted by the high-octane sales environment that Camping World is known for.
They have everything. Seriously. From tiny $15,000 teardrop trailers to $300,000 Class A diesel pushers that are basically mansions on wheels. Brands like Coleman, Pioneer, and Mallard dominate the front rows.
But here is the thing: the "Tom Johnson" name is still kept on the signage for a reason. It carries weight in North Carolina. People remember the annual BBQs that drew 6,000 people. They remember the Rally Park. Camping World kept those elements because they knew they couldn't just erase that kind of loyalty overnight.
What You’ll Find on the Lot
- The Supercenter: It’s more than a dealership; it’s a retail store. If you need a sewer hose at 4:00 PM on a Tuesday, they have it.
- The Rally Park: This is the soul of the Marion location. Unlike many urban dealerships, this one has actual campsites on-site with concrete pads and full hookups.
- Service Bays: There are nearly 70 service bays here. That sounds like a lot, but in the RV world, that doesn’t always mean a fast turnaround.
Why the Service Department is So Controversial
If you look at recent reviews, you’ll notice a massive divide. Some people swear by their "forever" salesman who’s been there for twenty years. Others? They are absolutely livid.
The biggest complaint—and I mean the one that pops up every single week—is the service wait time. RVing is exploding in popularity right now. Everyone wants to be in the mountains. This means the 69 service bays in Marion are constantly slammed.
It’s not uncommon for a "simple" warranty repair to take 45 days. Why? Because parts have to be ordered from manufacturers like Forest River or Thor, and the corporate bureaucracy can be a nightmare. I’ve talked to folks who dropped off their rig in April and didn’t see it again until July.
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The "Hidden" Truth About Warranty Work
Here is something most people don't realize: when you buy a camper, you aren't just buying the metal and wood; you're buying a relationship with the service department.
A common issue reported at the Marion location involves "low-ball" trade-in offers and high-pressure sales tactics that focus on monthly payments rather than the total cost of the unit. But once you sign that line and drive off, getting back into the shop for a leaky slide-out or a bad converter becomes a game of phone tag.
The Campground: A Bright Spot in the Corporate Mix
One thing Camping World of Marion has that most dealerships don't is the actual campground. It’s right there on the property.
It isn't a "wilderness" experience. You’re basically camping in a very nice, paved parking lot with some grass. But it’s incredibly convenient. If you’re buying a new unit, you can stay on-site for a night or two to make sure everything works before you head deep into the Pisgah National Forest.
The bathhouses are surprisingly clean. There’s a pavilion, a playground for kids, and even a tennis court. It’s a "functional" basecamp. If you’re coming for a rally or a NASCAR event (though the Concord location is closer to the track, people still use Marion as a mountain home base), it works.
Navigating the Sales Floor Without Getting Burned
Look, I’ve seen enough RV deals to know how this goes. The sales team at Tom Johnson Camping World Marion NC is trained to sell. That’s their job.
They will try to sell you a Good Sam membership. They will try to sell you the extended warranty. They might even try to sell you a trailer that your truck technically can pull, but probably shouldn't.
Don't just take their word on towing capacity. Use a real tow guide. Check your door jamb sticker. The Marion lot is right at the base of the mountains. If you buy a heavy trailer and try to pull it up the Old Fort grade (I-40) without the right truck, you’re going to have a very bad, very expensive day.
Real Talk on Pricing
The "sticker price" at Camping World is rarely the actual price. They often list units with deep "discounts" that are actually just the standard market rate.
- Always ask for the "Out the Door" price. 2. Watch out for "prep fees" and "freight charges" that can add thousands to the bill.
- If you're trading in, get a quote from a third party first so you know what your rig is actually worth.
Is It Still Worth Going to Marion?
Honestly? It depends on what you’re looking for.
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If you want a massive selection where you can walk through 50 different floor plans in one afternoon, there is no better place in Western North Carolina. It’s like a candy store for RVer addicts.
However, if you’re looking for that old-school "Tom Johnson" touch where a handshake meant a lifetime of support, you have to be more proactive. You have to be the squeaky wheel in the service department. You have to do your own research on the units.
The Marion location is a powerhouse. It’s a massive engine that keeps the NC RV industry moving. It’s just no longer a "small" family business. It’s a corporate entity that requires a savvy consumer to navigate it.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Schedule Service Mid-Week: Don't try to drop off or pick up on a Friday or Monday. The chaos is at its peak then. Tuesday or Wednesday morning is your best bet for actually talking to a service advisor.
- Test Everything in the Rally Park: If you buy a unit there, spend at least two nights in their on-site campground. Run the AC, use the shower, flip every light switch. It is much easier to get a technician to walk over to your campsite than it is to haul the rig back from three hours away next month.
- Verify the Inventory Online First: The Marion lot is huge. Don't just wander. Use their website to narrow down 3-5 specific stock numbers you want to see so you don't get "sales fatigue."
- Join the Local Groups: Join NC-specific RVing groups on social media. People there are very vocal about which service advisors at the Marion Camping World are actually helpful and which ones to avoid. Experience varies wildly based on who is handling your paperwork.
The legacy of Tom Johnson is still there, buried under the blue and yellow corporate branding. It’s a landmark in Marion for a reason, but the savvy RVer knows that the name on the sign is only half the story. Focus on the data, check your tow ratings, and don't be afraid to walk away if the deal feels "corporate" instead of "family."