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
JAMES D
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
If the campsites here had names instead of numbers, Site 28 where I stayed could be called "Bear Bait." :) Don't be freaked out, I'm mostly kidding. But in a campground whose only real negative is the close placement of the sites, this is easily the most private one.
You have to walk past other tents to get there, and if you're bringing a lot of gear you should prepare for multiple trips to and from the car. But then you've got woods on three sides of you. I was very happy with the site, its location, and its equipment: Despite what some listings say, there definitely is a bear-proof locker here for your food and other smelly supplies. It's convenient to the bathhouse without being close enough for noise or smells to intrude.
I can't help but wonder what this campground was like at its creation, before the second-growth forest filled back in. The views must have been heart-stopping. Today, those views are patchy through the trees, but still beautiful. And if you stay here, make sure to go up to Heintooga Overlook, less than a mile up the road, for sunset.
My one-night stay over Memorial Day 2023 was a pleasure and I'm eager to return. The campground host was friendly and helpful.
SACHIN K
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 31, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
nice place.
JAMES D
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
If the campsites here had names instead of numbers, Site 28 where I stayed could be called "Bear Bait." :) Don't be freaked out, I'm mostly kidding. But in a campground whose only real negative is the close placement of the sites, this is easily the most private one.
You have to walk past other tents to get there, and if you're bringing a lot of gear you should prepare for multiple trips to and from the car. But then you've got woods on three sides of you. I was very happy with the site, its location, and its equipment: Despite what some listings say, there definitely is a bear-proof locker here for your food and other smelly supplies. It's convenient to the bathhouse without being close enough for noise or smells to intrude.
I can't help but wonder what this campground was like at its creation, before the second-growth forest filled back in. The views must have been heart-stopping. Today, those views are patchy through the trees, but still beautiful. And if you stay here, make sure to go up to Heintooga Overlook, less than a mile up the road, for sunset.
My one-night stay over Memorial Day 2023 was a pleasure and I'm eager to return. The campground host was friendly and helpful.
SACHIN K
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 31, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
nice place.
Kayla R
VerifiedSeptember 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Camp Host was super helpful and Capistrano was incredible
Kayla R
VerifiedSeptember 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Camp Host was super helpful and Capistrano was incredible
Marita v
VerifiedSeptember 2, 2023 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Visiting Balsam Mountain camp is food for the soul. We love going there and Ron, the camphost, is friendly always willing to help and keep everything running perfectly smooth. He is excellent and dedicated
Marita v
VerifiedSeptember 2, 2023 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Visiting Balsam Mountain camp is food for the soul. We love going there and Ron, the camphost, is friendly always willing to help and keep everything running perfectly smooth. He is excellent and dedicated
rylee b
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
enjoyed the campground, within an hour from the smokies! clean bathrooms and a nice dishwashing station. sites are close together so recommend going during the week or off season! great spot to watch the sunrise up the road, saw deer and elk! will definitely return.
rylee b
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
enjoyed the campground, within an hour from the smokies! clean bathrooms and a nice dishwashing station. sites are close together so recommend going during the week or off season! great spot to watch the sunrise up the road, saw deer and elk! will definitely return.
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
