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
Sara B
VerifiedOctober 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Staying in Balsam Mountain Campground may be one of the best ways to experience Smoky Mountain NP. The campground and the sites are small, but you're tucked up and away from the crowds. Be sure to hike up to the picnic area (about a half-mile from the campground) and plan time to take the gravel road down toward Cherokee, which takes time but is a great way to get into the mountains. Would definitely recommend this over other campgrounds in the park and we plan to be back.
Sara B
VerifiedOctober 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Staying in Balsam Mountain Campground may be one of the best ways to experience Smoky Mountain NP. The campground and the sites are small, but you're tucked up and away from the crowds. Be sure to hike up to the picnic area (about a half-mile from the campground) and plan time to take the gravel road down toward Cherokee, which takes time but is a great way to get into the mountains. Would definitely recommend this over other campgrounds in the park and we plan to be back.
Pamela G
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2023 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Quiet , clean, all the wildflowers were not mowed down. Great place to enjoy and photograph.
NPS keeps the bathrooms spotless. The then campground host Ron Larsen picked up trash and talked with campers knowing the area for the best directions.
We will be going back!!!!
Pamela G
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2023 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Quiet , clean, all the wildflowers were not mowed down. Great place to enjoy and photograph.
NPS keeps the bathrooms spotless. The then campground host Ron Larsen picked up trash and talked with campers knowing the area for the best directions.
We will be going back!!!!
James M
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2023 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This is one of my favorite campgrounds. The host was very helpful. It wasn't crowded and my neighbors were all friendly seasoned campers. This campground is a beautiful place. You can find peace and quiet up here. Remember to pack what you need.
James M
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2023 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This is one of my favorite campgrounds. The host was very helpful. It wasn't crowded and my neighbors were all friendly seasoned campers. This campground is a beautiful place. You can find peace and quiet up here. Remember to pack what you need.
Cooper S
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great place. Easy to navigate into, welcoming
Cooper S
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great place. Easy to navigate into, welcoming
Justin K
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Make sure to go to the picnic area for sunsets
Justin K
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Make sure to go to the picnic area for sunsets
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 5, 2026
