Asheville West KOA Holiday Blog
Camping and Cabin Rentals off I-40. RV Sites Start at $45. Save an Additional 15% - 25% with Deals
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Take I-40 12 miles west of Asheville to Exit 37.
Eastbound take three rights.
Westbound take a left and two rights, 1/2 mile from exit.
Follow directions, not GPS.
There is nothing quite like riding in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The air cools as you climb, the curves keep coming, and every overlook feels like a reason to stop, stretch, and take it all in.
Asheville West KOA Holiday in Candler, North Carolina, gives motorcycle riders a convenient basecamp just off I-40, close to Asheville, Waynesville, Maggie Valley, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and some of the most talked-about motorcycle roads in the Southeast. Whether you are rolling through for one night, planning a long weekend of scenic rides, or meeting up with a motorcycle group, our campground makes it easy to park, unpack, clean up, and get back on the road the next morning.
At KOA, we believe camping is for everyone, and that includes the riders who show up on two wheels, three wheels, or in a toy hauler with bikes in tow.
After a long day in the saddle, the little things matter—hot showers, clean bathrooms, a comfortable place to sleep, and laundry facilities to freshen up for the next leg of the journey. On a hot summer day, a pool can be the perfect place to cool off and unwind. Just as important is a campground atmosphere that brings riders together, offering a place to gather, swap stories from the road and plan the next day’s adventure.
Riders especially appreciate:
Clean bathhouses and hot showers after a long day on the road
Easy access from I-40, which makes arrivals and departures simple
Tent sites, RV sites, and cabin options for different riding styles and comfort levels
Rustic Camping Cabins with beds, heat, A/C, grills, and nearby bathhouse access
Deluxe Cabins with bathrooms, kitchenettes, TVs, and more comforts of home
Shaded tent sites that help keep riders and gear cooler during the day
Group-friendly gathering spaces, including a pavilion and shared outdoor areas
Wi-Fi for checking maps, weather, road closures, and rally details
A seasonal pool for relaxing between rides
Laundry facilities that allow you to refresh and possibly extend that trip by a few days
For motorcycle clubs and riding groups, Asheville West KOA is also a practical meeting point. The campground is close enough to Asheville for food, music, breweries, and local culture, but far enough west to give riders quick access to mountain roads, Parkway routes, and Maggie Valley events.
One of the best parts about staying at Asheville West KOA is that you do not have to ride far before the roads get interesting.
From the campground, riders have three especially fun ways to reach the Blue Ridge Parkway:
Take Old US 19-23 toward NC 151, then climb toward the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 405. This route is known for tight curves, elevation gain, and a few serious switchbacks as you work your way up the mountain.
This is not just a way to get somewhere. It is a ride in itself.
Head west toward Canton, then pick up NC 110 and US 276 through Cruso. This route follows the Pigeon River for part of the ride before climbing toward the Parkway near Milepost 411.
It is a beautiful option for riders who like a mix of river scenery, forested curves, and mountain elevation without feeling rushed.
Head west toward Canton, then pick up NC 215 south toward Lake Logan. This route takes riders past one of the prettiest mountain lakes in the area before following the West Fork of the Pigeon River and climbing toward the Blue Ridge Parkway at Beech Gap near Milepost 423.2.
This is a beautiful ride for motorcyclists who want a little more room to roam. You’ll get lake views, river bends, forested curves, and a steady mountain climb before reaching one of the highest and most scenic sections of the Parkway.
Asheville West KOA is also a convenient campground near Maggie Valley, one of the most popular motorcycle destinations in Western North Carolina.
A must-visit for many riders is the Wheels Through Time Museum, home to one of the world’s premier collections of rare American motorcycles and memorabilia. The museum is located in Maggie Valley, just a short ride from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and features more than 300 rare machines.
Maggie Valley is also home to rider-friendly restaurants, shops, and event venues along Soco Road, making it an easy day trip from the campground.
If you are using Asheville West KOA as your motorcycle basecamp, you have plenty of options depending on your riding style.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is the classic Western North Carolina ride for a reason. Sweeping curves, long-range mountain views, and easy access to overlooks make it ideal for riders who want scenery without constantly navigating intersections. Fun fact: did you know that there isn’t a single stop sign on the entire 469-mile length of the Parkway?
Pisgah National Forest offers access to forest roads, waterfalls, scenic pull-offs, and mountain riding near Asheville, Canton, Brevard, and Waynesville. Dual-sport riders can also explore nearby gravel and forest service road options where permitted.
For a more dedicated off-road motorcycle experience, Brown Mountain OHV Trail System near Morganton offers 34 miles of designated OHV trails and is the only OHV area in Pisgah National Forest.
Diamondback NC 226A is the ride known for 95 curves in 10 miles near Little Switzerland and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This short but thrilling route is packed with tight turns, quick elevation changes, and classic mountain-road character, making it a favorite for riders who want a concentrated dose of Western North Carolina curves. Pair it with a Blue Ridge Parkway ride for a memorable day trip from Asheville West KOA.
For riders chasing a bucket-list road, Tail of the Dragon is less than two hours west of Asheville West KOA. This famous stretch of US 129 is known for 318 curves in 11 miles and draws motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts from across the country.
The Cherohala Skyway is another legendary ride within reach of the campground. This scenic byway connects North Carolina and Tennessee with big mountain views, sweeping curves, and high-elevation riding. The route is approximately 43 miles total, with portions traveling through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests.
Part of a great motorcycle trip is knowing where to stop. These nearby spots are popular with riders or make great ride destinations:
Scratch Ankle Fillin’ Station in Candler - A friendly local stop close to the campground with food trucks, drinks, and an easygoing atmosphere.
The Handlebar in Asheville - A long-running local dive bar known for cheap drinks, live music, and a laid-back crowd.
Soco Road in Maggie Valley - The main drag through Maggie Valley, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and rider-friendly places to stop before or after visiting Wheels Through Time.
Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Located at Milepost 408.6, Pisgah Inn is a favorite Parkway stop for food, views, and a break between curves. It has a restaurant, country store, gift shop, and panoramic mountain views.
Thunder in the Smokies is one of the best-known motorcycle rallies in Western North Carolina, with spring, summer, and fall events in Maggie Valley. The rally brings riders together for music, vendors, bike games, bike shows, group rides, and time in the Smoky Mountains and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Asheville West KOA is a convenient camping option for riders attending motorcycle rallies in Maggie Valley. Stay close enough for an easy ride to the event, but enjoy a campground setting with RV sites, cabins, tent sites, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and room to relax after the day’s ride.
Fall is one of the best times to ride in Western North Carolina, but it is also one of the busiest. If you are planning a fall color trip, book your campsite or cabin early.
For the best riding experience, consider weekday rides when possible. The Blue Ridge Parkway and popular mountain routes can get congested on weekends, especially during peak leaf season. Early mornings are often cooler, quieter, and better for covering miles before traffic builds.
Also, keep an eye on mountain weather. Conditions can change quickly at higher elevations, and temperatures on the Parkway may be noticeably cooler than they are at the campground.
Finally, there are endless riding opportunities in the area. While you’ll want to hit the most talked-about rides, consider the hidden gems, which we will not mention. These are often just regular country mountain roads - the roads less traveled.
Whether you are riding the Blue Ridge Parkway, heading to Maggie Valley, exploring Pisgah National Forest, or checking the Tail of the Dragon off your list, Asheville West KOA Holiday gives you a comfortable and convenient place to land.
Bring your bike, your group, your favorite route, and your appetite for mountain curves. We will be here when you are ready to kick off your boots, take a hot shower, and tell the story of the ride.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
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