Available sites
42 total sites
RV Sites
Tent Sites
About Balsam Mountain Campground
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
Rates, Sites & Availability
42 Sites Available
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Site Details
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42 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (755)
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
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.
james h
VerifiedAugust 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great place to stay, nice and cool and well kept facilities. Friendly hosts and staff that really do a good job of keeping the grounds mowed and clean. Good hiking from campground, especially Flat Creek Trail. Camp sites are good but some a bit close . During the week is the best time when it is nice and quiet.
Seth M
VerifiedAugust 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Balsam is perfect! The elevation is great for keeping temps cool even in late July and August! Perfect for tent or car camping. Level spots for campers and level places for your tent. Great location as well near Cherokee and Maggie Valley.
james h
VerifiedAugust 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great place to stay, nice and cool and well kept facilities. Friendly hosts and staff that really do a good job of keeping the grounds mowed and clean. Good hiking from campground, especially Flat Creek Trail. Camp sites are good but some a bit close . During the week is the best time when it is nice and quiet.
Seth M
VerifiedAugust 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Balsam is perfect! The elevation is great for keeping temps cool even in late July and August! Perfect for tent or car camping. Level spots for campers and level places for your tent. Great location as well near Cherokee and Maggie Valley.
Kimberly L
VerifiedAugust 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beautiful campground & well maintained. Site 32 is on a slope w/ awkward stairs so be careful. The tent pad had large sharp gravel so be prepared. Don't miss sunset.
Kimberly L
VerifiedAugust 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beautiful campground & well maintained. Site 32 is on a slope w/ awkward stairs so be careful. The tent pad had large sharp gravel so be prepared. Don't miss sunset.
Location & Directions for Balsam Mountain Campground
253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC 28719 United States
Elevation: 1,633 ft
Getting There
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 Nat...
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 mi 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 mi to Balsam Mountain Campground.
Highway access
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.
Nearby National Park
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Approximate driving time: 18 min
Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate driving time: 54 min
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Explore Cherokee, NC
Population: 2,059
Nearby city: Asheville, NC
Approx. 35 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,972 ft
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