Asheville, NC : Wilsons RV Park...Asheville KOA East

If the driving into town from the East KOA isn't an issue, it'd be my pick of the two. A bit less traffic noise, more trees. Sites on the west end of the CG look nice, but I haven't actually been in there. That's my take from driving thru Wilson's and seeing KOA from the road.

Wilson's is a _lot_ nicer than it was pre-2004 flood, but it's located by a busy street, and right down an embankment from I-240/I-26. Even tho' it's close in, access to 240 East (downtown) is problematic. It does have good access to city parks, a dog park, and the River Arts District, but the main riverside greenway runs right thru it. This may or may not be a security issue, I have no idea.

You might also want to look at Mama Gerties if you're not bothered by hills and trees with squirrels. Bear Creel CG rates a thumbs-down from me because the staff was extremely discourteous the one time I visited.

I'd suggest looking at all of them with Google Earth.


Jim, "Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are sneaky and you sleep with your mouth open."

I did an overnight at the KOA East once on my way from Cincinnati to Charleston. Asheville was a little more than half way and on the south side of the Smokies. They have an assortment of sites. Several are tent camping sites. They only have 3 Pull thru FHU, Cable, WIFI sites, but several more back ins with the same amenities.

Drove by the KOA a couple months ago when we went over to Black Mountain. Didn't drive into it, but wasn't impressed with its location. There is a train track there and I imagine it could get noisy.

We stayed at Asheville East for 9 days this summer and really loved it. It is true that the train tracks can be very loud at times, but if you can get past that it is a lovely campground with nice staff and owner. It is also surprisingly lovely and larger than it looks from the road. We did five or six blog posts about our Asheville East stay this summer. Here is one of them:

http://livelylittlecampers.com/2013/07/the-campground-inspectors-file-their-report/

If you are a coffee drinker there is a great place right up the road from the campground called Dynamite Roasters. The town of Swannanoa is also right up the road and worth a visit. It is kind of like a mini-Asheville. We have family in Asheville and have probably been a dozen times at least--if you have any questions please ask. Mama Gertie's is also very pretty but has limited activities for our kids so we prefer Asheville East.

Get one of the long narrow back in spots right along the Swannanoa River if you can.

Best-Jeremy

take a look at 1 called Taps no pool but nice sites

We like Asheville east KOA. They have back in sites along the river. Some train noise but didn't bother us. Mama Gerties is beautiful but we didn't like the hills. Too difficult to get to showers if that's important to you and walking is difficult. Read Google reviews for Wilson's. Lots of traffic noise.

Thanks for all the insight and comments....agree that Mama Gerties is beautiful but not thrilled about dog walking with all those hills! Glad to have the recommendation for sites along river at KOA. Don't think the railroad tracks would bother us. The KOA location is better for us than Wilsons location.
Jeremy, thanks for the coffee recommendation near KOA :)

My pleasure! Find your way to one of the two Tupelo Honey Cafes for fantastic burgers or grilled cheese with tomato soup. So good!

Taps is also on the same river %have sites that back up to it.last time we were there next door neihbor cut abt 40-40 trouts in 1 summer