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
Kristina B
VerifiedAugust 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
I was iffy on believing all of the reviews that said that it would be so much cooler here, but boy was I pleasantly relieved when it was a full 20 degrees cooler than the base of the mountain. Our site was at the far back of the camp so we parked in the lot, but it was a very short walk to get to. We were right by the woods where we were told many animals, such as deer, wild boars, and bear frequently come through but we didn’t end up seeing any. Each site had a bear box to keep your food in if needed. The bathrooms were very clean. The host was very nice. Definitely take advantage of heading down the road a little ways to catch the sunset over the mountains because it was AMAZING!
Kristina B
VerifiedAugust 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
I was iffy on believing all of the reviews that said that it would be so much cooler here, but boy was I pleasantly relieved when it was a full 20 degrees cooler than the base of the mountain. Our site was at the far back of the camp so we parked in the lot, but it was a very short walk to get to. We were right by the woods where we were told many animals, such as deer, wild boars, and bear frequently come through but we didn’t end up seeing any. Each site had a bear box to keep your food in if needed. The bathrooms were very clean. The host was very nice. Definitely take advantage of heading down the road a little ways to catch the sunset over the mountains because it was AMAZING!
Glenn W
VerifiedAugust 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Always the quite and scenery at Balsam is tops.
Glenn W
VerifiedAugust 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Always the quite and scenery at Balsam is tops.
Matthew B
VerifiedAugust 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The good: The setting is beautiful. Close to some really nice, off the beaten path trails up Balsam Mountain. The bad: 1. no showers. 2. no privacy - the campsites are way too close together with no trees or barriers in between. We were in a clearing with two other parties, both with screaming kids from sun-up to late night - the only way to get to our campsite from the parking lot was by walking through theirs.
Matthew B
VerifiedAugust 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The good: The setting is beautiful. Close to some really nice, off the beaten path trails up Balsam Mountain. The bad: 1. no showers. 2. no privacy - the campsites are way too close together with no trees or barriers in between. We were in a clearing with two other parties, both with screaming kids from sun-up to late night - the only way to get to our campsite from the parking lot was by walking through theirs.
billy s
VerifiedJuly 29, 2022 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
we had a wonderful time with all the outdoor beauty and the wonderful weather. Couldn't have been better.
billy s
VerifiedJuly 29, 2022 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
we had a wonderful time with all the outdoor beauty and the wonderful weather. Couldn't have been better.
Nicole M
VerifiedJuly 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Temps are wonderful. Full of lovely, respectful people. Bathrooms clean. A bit tight, but with good neighbors you don't hear a thing. We will stay here again. Some sights are definitely easier to access than others so I will know better next time, but I'd still stay here in the summer in any of the sites over any of the other campgrounds in the park.
Nicole M
VerifiedJuly 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Temps are wonderful. Full of lovely, respectful people. Bathrooms clean. A bit tight, but with good neighbors you don't hear a thing. We will stay here again. Some sights are definitely easier to access than others so I will know better next time, but I'd still stay here in the summer in any of the sites over any of the other campgrounds in 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
