Asheville West KOA Holiday has been officially certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the U.S. and North Carolina Wildlife Federations and as a Pollinator Habitat by Bee City USA-Asheville, following nearly a year of restoration work in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The 20-acre campground, located at 309 Wiggins Road in Candler, began replanting efforts in spring after the September 2024 storm stripped the property of topsoil, gravel, and vegetation.
While structures and infrastructure were spared, the loss of trees and native plants left the campground bare and vulnerable.
More than 60 native plant species, including milkweed, Carolina lily, blazing stars, asters, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans, have been introduced across the property. These plantings provide food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife ranging from bees and butterflies to hummingbirds and deer.
“After the hurricane, we knew we had to repair the land, but as we planted and replanted, our vision shifted,” Heather Nance, owner of Asheville West KOA Holiday, said in a press release.
“What started as fixing muddy sites became a mission to heal this property, bring back the wildlife, and create a campground that is more vibrant and resilient than ever. Seeing guests light up when they spot a butterfly, a hummingbird, or even a deer reminds us that all of this work is worth it,” Nance added.
The campground will continue to add shrubs, grasses, and trees, with plans to expand watering areas and small shelters to support local species. The long-term approach underscores a commitment to building natural resilience alongside guest amenities.
In addition to serving overnight guests, the property is open to the community daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
KOA has been in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years, operating under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other.”
The company includes two brands: KOA, the world’s largest network of privately-owned, open-to-the-public campgrounds with more than 500 franchised and owned locations, and Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping brand launched in 2020 with its flagship property in Bar Harbor, Maine.