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
Justin D
VerifiedJuly 2, 2023 • Stayed at: 31, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
It was a great place. The host Ron was great, Steve was more than helpful. Both went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Definitely made the trip better, could have done with less rain but it happened.
Justin D
VerifiedJuly 2, 2023 • Stayed at: 31, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
It was a great place. The host Ron was great, Steve was more than helpful. Both went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Definitely made the trip better, could have done with less rain but it happened.
Danny M
VerifiedJuly 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Nice area, cool temps at night. Campground was built when most folk tent camped. Parking for most all sights are parallel to the camp site. Some sites are not level for parking. Camp ground was near full. 90% of all campers were in small trailers, or small campers or Vans which required parking along side the road. Depending on which site you had, the entrance to your camper could be directly out into the road.
Picnic tables and fire rings. Most sites on the small side, not very “private” .
Camp host was very polite and helpful.
Toilets and wash house were clean but small.
Danny M
VerifiedJuly 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Nice area, cool temps at night. Campground was built when most folk tent camped. Parking for most all sights are parallel to the camp site. Some sites are not level for parking. Camp ground was near full. 90% of all campers were in small trailers, or small campers or Vans which required parking along side the road. Depending on which site you had, the entrance to your camper could be directly out into the road.
Picnic tables and fire rings. Most sites on the small side, not very “private” .
Camp host was very polite and helpful.
Toilets and wash house were clean but small.
Zacharias D
VerifiedJune 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
We loved staying at this campsite. The staff was friendly, the bathrooms were the cleanest we’ve ever experienced, and the views were phenomenal!
Zacharias D
VerifiedJune 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
We loved staying at this campsite. The staff was friendly, the bathrooms were the cleanest we’ve ever experienced, and the views were phenomenal!
Rene W
VerifiedJune 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
We had always enjoyed coming to front country camp at Balsam Mountain campground, but we didn't know we needed to start bringing a weed eater with us. The prices have doubled, but the upkeep has gone downhill, not to mention the nonexistent staff. What are we paying for?
Rene W
VerifiedJune 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
We had always enjoyed coming to front country camp at Balsam Mountain campground, but we didn't know we needed to start bringing a weed eater with us. The prices have doubled, but the upkeep has gone downhill, not to mention the nonexistent staff. What are we paying for?
Charles K
VerifiedJune 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great spot for our small trailer. Sites are fairly well spaced. Restrooms and whole area very clean. If you like to be away from the crowds this is a great area of the park.
Charles K
VerifiedJune 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great spot for our small trailer. Sites are fairly well spaced. Restrooms and whole area very clean. If you like to be away from the crowds this is a great area of the park.
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
