Asheville West KOA Holiday, located at 309 Wiggins Road in Candler, North Carolina, announced that it has officially been recognized as both a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the U.S. and North Carolina Wildlife Federations and a Certified Pollinator Habitat by Bee City USA-Asheville.
The recognition comes after nearly a year of hands-on restoration efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The storm stripped the park of much of its topsoil, gravel and vegetation, leaving bare sites and damaged trails. While buildings and core infrastructure were spared, the loss of natural landscape and tree canopy transformed the look and feel of the campground, KOA said in a release.
From the earliest days after the hurricane, owners and staff committed to rebuilding not just for guests, but for the wildlife and pollinators that also call the park home. Beginning in spring 2025, they introduced more than 60 native plant species across the property, including milkweed, Carolina lily, blazing stars, asters, coneflowers and black-eyed Susans, creating food sources and shelter for birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Splashes of colorful flowers now brighten the campground’s 20 acres, while wooded trails and open fields are being carefully restored to provide safe habitats for deer, bears, hummingbirds and countless smaller creatures.
“After the hurricane, we knew we had to repair the land, but as we planted and replanted, our vision shifted,” said Heather Nance, owner of Asheville West KOA Holiday. “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.”
Today, campers visiting Asheville West KOA Holiday can enjoy a continually evolving natural landscape that changes with the seasons, KOA said. From wildflower gardens opposite the main building to vibrant flowering beds around campsites, the campground is designed to be both welcoming to people and supportive of the ecosystems around it. The team plans to continue adding more native shrubs, grasses and trees, as well as small shelters and natural watering areas, to strengthen its habitats in the years ahead.
Admission to the campground is free for the community to come explore from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
For more information, visit the campground’s website, or call 1-800-562-9015. Reservations are also available by going online or using the KOA App.
