Balanced Review From Expert RV Campers: About Our Overnight RV Stay in West Asheville, NC
RV Camping Overnight Near Asheville, North Carolina
When we started RV camping four years ago, we began taking a winter trip between Christmas and the New Year holiday. We love leaving behind the grey sky and cold weather of Kentucky in search of sunny and warm weather!
Generally, we like to tow the fifth wheel during daylight hours. The shorter hours of sunlight allow us a quick one-night stop.
This year, we chose Asheville West KOA in Candler, North Carolina, as our overnight stopover as we headed toward Charleston, South Carolina.
In this guide, we will share our review of Asheville West KOA, other lodging options in West Asheville, and a link to our YouTube video of the campground.
TL;DR RV Camping Overnight Near Asheville, NC
- Asheville West KOA Stay: Our experience at Asheville West KOA in Candler, NC, highlighted convenient access, campground amenities, and the ease of navigating our RV to the site – perfect for an overnight stay in West Asheville.
- Local Asheville Adventures: From exploring the Biltmore Estate to hiking and enjoying local cuisine, Asheville offers a blend of cultural and outdoor activities suited for every traveler.
- Accommodation Alternatives: In addition to RV camping, Asheville provides a variety of lodging options like 5-star resorts, cozy AirBnBs, and unique stays like yurts at Mountain Stream RV Resort.
First Impressions: Arriving at Asheville West KOA
Getting there: Asheville West KOA Location
Campground Access
The campground is conveniently located off Interstate 40 in Candler, North Carolina. We arrived at about 5:30 PM, and the daylight was gone. Fortunately, several signs indicated the turnoff from Smokey Park Highway onto a narrow road that crosses under the interstate and leads to the campground.
Asheville West is accessible via the large and well-paved driveway. Asheville is in the mountains, so be prepared to go up a short, steep hill into the campground.
We arrived after the staff left for the night, but our site details were posted to the late arrival board. This made “check-in” fast!
Using the map provided by the KOA staff, we navigated to our site, F-19, and worked to get set up. Interior roads near the campsites are gravel and generally in good condition.
Campsite Impressions + Observations
Our campsite, F-19, was located in the last row of campsites and closest to Interstate 40. Outside of our Cougar 364bhl, the loud road noise would get old quickly. Inside the camper, it was alright.
Pro Tip: Simple foam earplugs drown out tons of noise and help us get amazing nights of sleep!
We booked a pull-through site with full hookups. The site was long enough for our truck and fifth wheel, and we could have remained connected, EXCEPT the site was unlevel!
We were unlevel both side to side and front to back. We unhooked the truck to level out the camper.
Campsites at Asheville West KOA Holiday are very close, and our patio was essentially dirt and rocks. The picnic table and firepit were situated on a hill, which limited the usefulness of both.
Before our trip, the area received a lot of rain, and the campground was wet and muddy. We tracked a lot of muddy footprints into our camper.
Observations on the Utility Hookup
All utility connections were conveniently located along the left side of the campsite about mid-way into the site. This allowed us to connect easily. Electric power, water, and sewer all worked fine.
Campground Amenities: What to Expect
KOA Holiday campgrounds have lovely amenities!
Picnic Pavilion
At Asheville West, the campground featured a wonderful pavilion perfect for grilling out with friends and family, catching up on the adventure you had exploring, and enjoying family game time.
I used the covered space to exercise out of the misty rain!
Asheville West Pool
During the summer months in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the pool would be refreshing after hiking and exploring Asheville!
Pavilion + Mega Fireplace
The pavilion is terrific! It is one of the best features of Asheville West KOA!
This pavilion includes several grills for guests to enjoy cookouts with friends and family. Several rocking chairs are available for relaxing after a fun day of exploring. Oversized games like chess, bean bag toss, etc., are available for some family game time!
Campers during warmer seasons will enjoy this feature a ton!
Playground
Your kids will love the playground and use some energy as they make new friends at this wonderful playground.
The playground is between the two campground sections (e.g., the pull-through sites near the office and the back-in sites). Parents will probably want to accompany their kids to the playground since it’s far from the campsites.
Hiking Trails
The campground has a substantial looped hiking trail with several turn-offs that would allow hikers to explore the property and exercise by walking up and down the hills!
Unfortunately, the ground was super wet, and the trail was muddy, so I chose to avoid it on our overnight at KOA West Asheville.
Other Amenities
Asheville West offers other amenities like a game room, campground store, bathhouses, and propane refills.
In the main loop (pull-through loop), the bathhouse is located in the main building and is open 24 hours a day. These rooms were very clean. The showers are separate from the bathroom sinks and toilets.
In the back-in loop, there is a bathhouse building. I did not venture inside, but the outside looked fine.
Because we arrived later in the evening and left early, we did not have a chance to experience the game room or campground store. While in the main campground building, I peeked inside the store, which looked well-stocked for all your camping needs!
Exploring the Local Area: West Asheville Insights
Choose your own adventure in Asheville!
From the world-renowned Biltmore Estate to breathtaking hikes and waterfalls, indulge in world-class spas, sip some suds in the vibrant breweries, or search for your next piece of art. Asheville offers endless fun options!
Tour the Biltmore Estate
Getting There: The Biltmore Village
This historic house museum is America’s largest privately-owned home, built by George Vanderbilt. Explore the stunning architecture, sprawling gardens, and the winery. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
We recommend visiting the Biltmore at Christmastime! We visited on a previous trip over Thanksgiving and loved the Christmas decorations.
Climb A Mountain: Lookout Mountain or Mt. Mitchell
Getting There: Lookout Mountain
Getting There: Mt. Mitchell
Asheville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Popular hiking destinations include Lookout Mountain in Montreat, North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway trails, and the Pisgah National Forest.
For a unique experience, hike to the top of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi.
Battery Park Bookstore
Getting There: Battery Park Bookstore
This is the most fun bookstore to browse! It is also a champagne bar. Grab a champagne flight and enjoy a book. The outdoor seating is shaded and beautifully decorated.
The Montford
Getting There: The Montford
Enjoy a nice dinner with amazing views of this rooftop restaurant. The panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are amazing. The restaurant is small so reservations need to be made early. This was a highlight of our trip!
Tupelo Honey
Getting There: Tupelo Honey
We loved our meal at Tupelo Honey during our visit to Asheville. Tupelo Honey is known for their southern cooking and was started in Asheville. We scored a last-minute reservation for an early lunch, and the food did not disappoint. The Heavenly Banana Pudding was indeed heavenly!
River Arts District
Getting There: River Arts District
Check out the River Arts District (aka RAD) if the art and gallery scene is your thing. Located along the French River boardwalk, this area is super cool! Click here for all the info and upcoming events this area offers!
Breweries
Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in the US (from Explore Asheville)! From big-name breweries to smaller craft breweries, there is something for everyone. The outdoor patios at the breweries are so inviting and just fun! Please enjoy responsibly, though!
Where to Stay in Asheville Without Your RV
Asheville has numerous lodging options. From 5-star resorts located a short drive away in Cashiers and Highlands to deluxe cabins at Asheville West KOA, Asheville can accommodate every traveler.
We have stayed in AirBnB’s in Cashiers with breathtaking views of the mountains from every room of the house.
Sara visited downtown Asheville and stayed at The Double Tree by Hilton Asheville Downtown. She had a wonderful time exploring Asheville on foot.
We stayed at Mountain Stream RV Resort during Thanksgiving break of 2021 and really enjoyed this quaint, locally-owned campground. Mountain Stream is situated in the mountains, with a trout stream adjoining the property. Beautiful! Guests can stay in Yurts for a one-of-a-kind experience.
FAQs
How close is Asheville West KOA to the Blue Ridge Parkway?
The Farivew North Carolina entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway is about 30 minutes east of the campground.
Are There Bears In Asheville, North Carolina?
Yes, according to the North Carolina Department of Fish & Wildlife, there are about 20,000 bears in North Carolina and between 8,000 and 9,000 in the Western North Carolina mountains. Bears are rare visitors to downtown Asheville.
During our visits to Asheville, we have not seen any bears.
Is there road noise at the Asheville West KOA?
Yes, the proximity to Interstate 40, a major highway through the United States, is less than a quarter of a mile from the property. There is a tree barrier that reduces road noise during most months. The campground offers earplugs at check-in.
How expensive is Asheville West KOA?
Rates vary based on the time of year you visit. Contact the campground directly for rates and reservations.
Pro Tip: Peak leaf viewing season in Asheville is mid-October through the end of October.
What is the closest beach to Asheville, North Carolina?
Folly Beach in South Carolina is the closest beach. Wrightsville Beach is the closest North Carolina beach.
Other Helpful Resources for Your RV Adventures
Looking for more insights and tips for your RV travels? Check out these valuable resources from Our Campfire Unplugged:
- KOA Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: Camping in the Winter – Our Review: Discover our experiences at another great KOA campground.
- Getting Started in RV Camping: How to Camp if You Hate Camping: Perfect for beginners looking to dive into RV camping.
- Plan an RV Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide: Get detailed guidance on planning your next RV adventure.
- RV Budgeting: Free Google Budget Template: Use our free budgeting tool to manage your travel finances effectively.
- How to Prepare for a Surprise Trip to Glacier National Park: Tips for planning unexpected trips to breathtaking destinations.
- Visit Cumberland Falls: 4 Fun Family Hikes: Explore family-friendly hiking trails at Cumberland Falls.
- Mammoth Cave Kentucky: Where to Stay: Find the best accommodations near Mammoth Cave, Kentucky.
For more adventures and expert advice, dive into our full collection of travel stories and guides on Our Campfire Unplugged!
Wrapping Up: Our Family’s Overnight Asheville West KOA
Wrapping up, our overnight stay at Asheville West KOA in Candler, North Carolina, proved to be a convenient and enjoyable pitstop en route to Charleston. This campground blends comfort with accessibility, ideal for families looking for an overnight stay in West Asheville. From its proximity to local attractions to its range of amenities, Asheville West KOA is a solid choice for RVers exploring the Asheville area. Check out our YouTube tour at OCU for more insights and tips for your next adventure!
About Us
Mike & Sara began RV camping in 2020 and instantly loved the lifestyle. We found the thrill of exploring new places, breaking our vacation routine, and crossing off all those “one-day” trips was a blast! At Our Campfire Unplugged, we enjoy sharing our experiences to help fellow travelers live their best lives.
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