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
Michelle R
VerifiedOctober 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My favorite campground in the Asheville area; always clean. I especially that it's small and therefore has few people. I also very frequently see bear and elk in this area.
Craig F
VerifiedOctober 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This was my first time staying at this campground. The caretaker Ron was very helpful in getting me signed in and providing information about the campground. He suggested that I take in a sunset just pass the CG about 100 yds down the flat creek trail. The sun sets just behind Clingman's Dome that you can see from this viewpoint. I highly recommend this campground. I believe all spots have tent pads and fire rings.
Michelle R
VerifiedOctober 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My favorite campground in the Asheville area; always clean. I especially that it's small and therefore has few people. I also very frequently see bear and elk in this area.
Craig F
VerifiedOctober 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This was my first time staying at this campground. The caretaker Ron was very helpful in getting me signed in and providing information about the campground. He suggested that I take in a sunset just pass the CG about 100 yds down the flat creek trail. The sun sets just behind Clingman's Dome that you can see from this viewpoint. I highly recommend this campground. I believe all spots have tent pads and fire rings.
Brent R
VerifiedOctober 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Friendly and helpful host, clean restrooms, tent pad in good shape and level.
Brent R
VerifiedOctober 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Friendly and helpful host, clean restrooms, tent pad in good shape and level.
Maria M
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The hosts, Ron & his wife, were extremely kind and informative. The campground was very clean and quiet. The bathrooms were especially clean! I felt very safe here. I can't wait to visit again!
Maria M
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The hosts, Ron & his wife, were extremely kind and informative. The campground was very clean and quiet. The bathrooms were especially clean! I felt very safe here. I can't wait to visit again!
Dalton R
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Be prepared for the drive to be far from many of the most popular hikes.
Dalton R
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Be prepared for the drive to be far from many of the most popular hikes.
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 16, 2026
