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
Robin H
VerifiedJuly 25, 2024 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground hosts were very helpful and kind.
Robin H
VerifiedJuly 25, 2024 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground hosts were very helpful and kind.
Rebecca F
VerifiedJuly 21, 2024 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground hosts, Ed and his wife (we didn't catch her name), were so kind and knowledgeable about the history of the area. They shared a few stories with us that we would not have known otherwise. The campground was quiet and the sites were well maintained.
Rebecca F
VerifiedJuly 21, 2024 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground hosts, Ed and his wife (we didn't catch her name), were so kind and knowledgeable about the history of the area. They shared a few stories with us that we would not have known otherwise. The campground was quiet and the sites were well maintained.
Mari O
VerifiedJuly 20, 2024 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Quiet, small campground. Enjoyed 55-62 degree temperatures there since it's recently been in the 90 degree range at home. Saw elk, met nice folks, and didn't even mind the rain and fog. I'll be back!
Mari O
VerifiedJuly 20, 2024 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Quiet, small campground. Enjoyed 55-62 degree temperatures there since it's recently been in the 90 degree range at home. Saw elk, met nice folks, and didn't even mind the rain and fog. I'll be back!
doug m
VerifiedJuly 19, 2024 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
If you live in the south and looking for a place to cool down try the beautiful mile high Balsam Mountain National Park campground. Forest bathing at its best! Great hosts too very accommodating.
doug m
VerifiedJuly 19, 2024 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
If you live in the south and looking for a place to cool down try the beautiful mile high Balsam Mountain National Park campground. Forest bathing at its best! Great hosts too very accommodating.
Louise B
VerifiedJuly 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Really fantastic camping park. Very quiet and primitive if that’s your camping style. Beautiful scenery close by and lovely hiking !
Louise B
VerifiedJuly 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Really fantastic camping park. Very quiet and primitive if that’s your camping style. Beautiful scenery close by and lovely hiking !
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 12, 2026
