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
Doug O
VerifiedAugust 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Well kept camp. They mow the lawns, and bathroom is very clean. Very helpful and knowledgeable camp host. Beautiful there.
Only downside is there is only a nature trail and a 4 mile trail to a waterfall. I wish it had more trails for hiking.
There is the nicest picknic area in the area. Also a cool off road 23 mile dirt road that goes down to Cherokee.
Doug O
VerifiedAugust 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Well kept camp. They mow the lawns, and bathroom is very clean. Very helpful and knowledgeable camp host. Beautiful there.
Only downside is there is only a nature trail and a 4 mile trail to a waterfall. I wish it had more trails for hiking.
There is the nicest picknic area in the area. Also a cool off road 23 mile dirt road that goes down to Cherokee.
Daniel A
VerifiedAugust 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Good sites. Clean restrooms.
Allen D
VerifiedAugust 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very clean, well organized and a kind and helpful host. This was our second stay at this front country campground.
Allen D
VerifiedAugust 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very clean, well organized and a kind and helpful host. This was our second stay at this front country campground.
Daniel A
VerifiedAugust 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Good sites. Clean restrooms.
Joseph H
VerifiedAugust 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The camp host was friendly and diligent in managing visitor scheduling and information. The NPS ranger in charge of keeping up the camp did an awesome job. He is doing outstanding work, is an excellent source of information, and a steady hand with a professional demeanor and a friendly disposition. All around, Balsam Mt. is being well serviced and our family had a great experience there. Thanks.
Joseph H
VerifiedAugust 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The camp host was friendly and diligent in managing visitor scheduling and information. The NPS ranger in charge of keeping up the camp did an awesome job. He is doing outstanding work, is an excellent source of information, and a steady hand with a professional demeanor and a friendly disposition. All around, Balsam Mt. is being well serviced and our family had a great experience there. Thanks.
Jenesa H
VerifiedAugust 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Nice location, more private than most things at the park (and much cooler!) Did not like how the RV's and trailers took over the road of the campground. Great bathrooms and dishwashing area.
Jenesa H
VerifiedAugust 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Nice location, more private than most things at the park (and much cooler!) Did not like how the RV's and trailers took over the road of the campground. Great bathrooms and dishwashing area.
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
