Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) celebrated the resilience of the community with the official reopening of Asheville East KOA Holiday following the devastation of Hurricane Helene last year. The campground marked this important recovery milestone over the weekend with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, tours, activities, a cookout and refreshments, celebrating the return of campers and the support of the local community, KOA said in a release.
The Asheville East KOA Holiday suffered severe flooding and erosion during the hurricane, destroying nearly every on-site structure. Heading into the fall season, it will reopen with 69 RV sites, 32 tent sites, two camping cabins and one deluxe cabin.
“We are deeply grateful to first responders and the local community for their immediate and continued support throughout our recovery,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “This journey has been one of resilience and steady progress, and we are proud to once again provide camping and lodging options that support tourism and connect visitors to the beauty of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
Known for its idyllic location, the Asheville East KOA Holiday will take a phased approach to its full recovery, beginning by reopening the front side of the campground, with plans to continue development on the back side of the campground over time. The campground benefits from a unique location on the banks of the Swannanoa River. KOA said it is committed to bringing the campground back as a vibrant riverside destination where campers can enjoy modern sites and create lasting memories together.
“My wife Lisa and I are delighted to be back in Buncombe County, a place close to our hearts where so many friends and family live,” said Doug Wisz, general manager at Asheville East KOA Holiday. “We’re proud to help restore this cherished campground and bring it back to life for everyone to enjoy.”
“This represents more than a ribbon-cutting. We see the spirit of resilience that defines our community,” said Cheryl Hyde, executive director, Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. “The Asheville East KOA Holiday is not only a beloved destination for campers, but also a hub of connection for our region. Its return is a sign of strength and renewal, reminding us that when we come together, we can rebuild, grow and welcome visitors back to the beauty of the Swannanoa Valley.”
The Asheville East KOA Holiday is one of more than 500 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Other KOA brands include KOA Journeys, with convenient locations and long pull-thru RV sites, and KOA Resorts, offering staff-led activities, on-site dining, group meeting space and more.
Located at 2708 Highway 70 East in Swannanoa, North Carolina, Asheville East KOA Holiday is open year-round. For more information, visit the campground’s website, call 800-562-5907 or use the KOA App.
