About Balsam Mountain Campground
Number of accommodations: 42
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Restrooms
Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Fire Pit
- Campfire Ring
Parking and Transport
- Parking
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Rates, Sites & Availability
42 Sites Available
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Site Details
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42 Sites Available
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Reviews (680)
What Guests Are Saying
Balsam Mountain Campground offers beautiful, well-maintained sites with plenty of wildlife and hiking opportunities, making it a perfect escape from summer heat. Many visitors appreciate the friendly hosts and clean facilities, while the atmosphere is described as quiet and serene. Although some sites may feel close together and there are occasional issues with amenities like firewood, the overall experience is highly praised, with many returning annually for its charm and natural beauty.
What Guests Are Saying
Balsam Mountain Campground offers beautiful, well-maintained sites with plenty of wildlife and hiking opportunities, making it a perfect escape from summer heat. Many visitors appreciate the friendly hosts and clean facilities, while the atmosphere is described as quiet and serene. Although some sites may feel close together and there are occasional issues with amenities like firewood, the overall experience is highly praised, with many returning annually for its charm and natural beauty.
Review Summary
Nicole V
VerifiedJanuary 1, 2026 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beautiful camp spots. Lots of wildlife and hikes. Great overlooks. Wonderful cool spot to be when summer is at its hottest.
Nicole V
VerifiedJanuary 1, 2026 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beautiful camp spots. Lots of wildlife and hikes. Great overlooks. Wonderful cool spot to be when summer is at its hottest.
Ashby H
VerifiedDecember 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Hike from camprgound to overlook was awesome. Plenty of elk
Ashby H
VerifiedDecember 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Hike from camprgound to overlook was awesome. Plenty of elk
Jessica H
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very quiet and clean campground. At the time we were there, this site was the only site that didn’t have midday shade, but otherwise was a wonderful and level spot for tent camping.
Jessica H
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very quiet and clean campground. At the time we were there, this site was the only site that didn’t have midday shade, but otherwise was a wonderful and level spot for tent camping.
John V
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Everything just as advertised. Campground well isolated. Host was delightful.
John V
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Everything just as advertised. Campground well isolated. Host was delightful.
David S
VerifiedDecember 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
I love this campground. When I'm there I have this feeling that I've gone back in time to when things were simpler. I think it reminds me of places my parents took us when we were kids but I also think it has something to do with being unplugged from the rest of the world for a time.
We go here every year to get away from the heat for a week. Our fellow campers are always friendly and considerate - we often meet people that we've run into at this campground in previous years. The facilities are always clean and neat. The water system has been updated in recent years. Whenever I leave Balsam Mountain I start thinking about coming back.
David S
VerifiedDecember 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
I love this campground. When I'm there I have this feeling that I've gone back in time to when things were simpler. I think it reminds me of places my parents took us when we were kids but I also think it has something to do with being unplugged from the rest of the world for a time.
We go here every year to get away from the heat for a week. Our fellow campers are always friendly and considerate - we often meet people that we've run into at this campground in previous years. The facilities are always clean and neat. The water system has been updated in recent years. Whenever I leave Balsam Mountain I start thinking about coming back.
Location Balsam Mountain Campground
Address:
253 Smokemont Campground Road
Cherokee, NC, 28719
United States
From the North: From I-40 take Exit 20 Maggie Valley, NC and travel US-19 towards Cherokee, NC. Access the Blue Ridge Parkway at Soco Gap and continue South to mile 458.2, turning right onto Heintooga Ridge Road. Enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Black Camp Gap and continue 9 miles to Balsam Mountain Campground. From the South: Follow US-441/US-23 North. At Dillsboro merge onto US-74 West/US-441 North. At exit 74 merge onto US-441. Continue on US-441 through Cherokee, NC and into the park. Access the Blue Ridge Parkway traveling North to mile 458.2, turning left onto Heintooga Ridge Road. Enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Black Camp Gap and continue 9 miles to Balsam Mountain Campground.
Balsam Mountain Campground is accessible via I-40, US-19, US-441, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. I-40 is approximately 20 miles to the north, with access via Exit 20 to US-19. US-441 also provides access through Cherokee, NC.
Latitude & Longitude: 35.5654 / -83.1743
Elevation: 1633 feet
Nearby National Park
Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate driving time: 54 min
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
