Fishing, swimming, and paddling draw campers to Asheville East KOA, where the Swannanoa River runs along the property and a stocked lake gives anglers a second option. The campground sits in Swannanoa, roughly 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Asheville, and functions well as a base for exploring the region. Sites closest to the river are consistently the most requested, and for good reason: the riverfront spots have fire rings positioned right at the water's edge, and their slightly wider spacing gives them more breathing room than the interior rows.
Site density is the most common concern in reviews. The campground packs sites close together throughout, and several reviewers note that tent sites are just as tight as RV rows. Unlevel ground comes up repeatedly in the D section specifically, and at least one visitor reported leaving to find a different site after failing to level their rig. The train passes nearby and blows its horn. Road noise is present but fades with distance from the highway. Erin S. flags one weather-related detail worth knowing: "when it rains a lot...the river rises," and anything left down by the fire ring can end up underwater.
Amenities lean toward the resort end of the KOA spectrum. The property includes a pool, playground, paddleboat rentals, a fishing dock, gaga ball pit, cornhole, and a camp store stocked with basics and ice cream. On weekends, staff organize activities including crafts, movies, and bingo. Trash pickup runs every morning, and staff escort new arrivals to their sites and help with backing in. WiFi performs well by campground standards, and AT&T and Verizon both get usable signals on-site.
RVs up to 63 feet can be accommodated with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer. The campground operates year-round, and campgrounds near Swannanoa vary considerably in density and setting for campers weighing alternatives. Nearby options with a different character include Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground and Howell in the Holler, both within a few miles. Book riverfront sites well in advance for summer weekends, as the campground fills quickly and those spots go first.
Description
Whether you're looking for a peaceful weekend in the mountains or an extended stay in western North Carolina, this KOA is the perfect choice. Head for the city sights of historic Asheville (just 14 minutes away) and tour the famous Biltmore House or shop at the brand-new outlet mall. Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the breathtaking views. Or you can hike one of the numerous trails to check out the views and even waterfalls. Perhaps you'd prefer to simply relax and stay at your campsite and fish in one of KOA's two lakes. Your kids will love tubing and splashing in the Swannanoa River, which winds its way through the middle of the campground. Other on-site activities include paddleboats, a swimming pool, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and cornhole. Pool: May 6 - September 11. Max pull thru: 70 feet.
Fee Info
Adults 18+, Kids 13-17, Free 0-12
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAsheville East KOA is located in North Carolina near Swannanoa
Directions
I-40 10 miles east of Asheville. Exit 59 go north 1 block to signal (US 70), turn right, go 2 miles.
Address
2708 Highway 70 E
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Coordinates
35.60071002 N
82.3733504 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/25/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/9/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/25/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/9/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 10 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 8 min from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 13 min from Spartanburg, SC

































