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
Deborah W
VerifiedJune 29, 2022 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My husband and I decided we wanted to camp somewhere cool and made a reservation a few hours before we arrived. We arrived and checked in with the host, who was very nice! The campground is awesome, and the temperature was cool. It was very quiet. The restrooms were pristine! I highly recommend this campground if you are looking for cooler temperatures and a quiet place to camp!
Deborah W
VerifiedJune 29, 2022 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My husband and I decided we wanted to camp somewhere cool and made a reservation a few hours before we arrived. We arrived and checked in with the host, who was very nice! The campground is awesome, and the temperature was cool. It was very quiet. The restrooms were pristine! I highly recommend this campground if you are looking for cooler temperatures and a quiet place to camp!
Mark P
VerifiedJune 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Most campsites are very close to each other. There was no host or other control of the site. Younger campers rolled in late, made camp next to us, built a fire that blew smoke into our tent and stayed up talking til midnight and beyond. Other than that but of bad luck it is a nice place, well maintained and clean. Very subject to the elements though as it on top of a tall mountain.
Mark P
VerifiedJune 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Most campsites are very close to each other. There was no host or other control of the site. Younger campers rolled in late, made camp next to us, built a fire that blew smoke into our tent and stayed up talking til midnight and beyond. Other than that but of bad luck it is a nice place, well maintained and clean. Very subject to the elements though as it on top of a tall mountain.
Leigh W
VerifiedJune 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My stay at Balsam Mt. campground very enjoyable. I would have liked to have a camp host. Everything was well maintained. My wife and I look forward to a return visit. Thank you so much Leigh Whitmer
George P
VerifiedJune 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great campground at elevation. No amenities except for toilets, but amazing trails and quiet.
Leigh W
VerifiedJune 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My stay at Balsam Mt. campground very enjoyable. I would have liked to have a camp host. Everything was well maintained. My wife and I look forward to a return visit. Thank you so much Leigh Whitmer
George P
VerifiedJune 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great campground at elevation. No amenities except for toilets, but amazing trails and quiet.
Mina P
VerifiedJune 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground was absolutely beautiful, the surrounding area and the drive to the campground was stunning as well. The only downside would be driving to hikes/activities are further away as you have to drive around 30 minutes off the mountain. Make sure to bring your own hand soap as they only have hand sanitizers in the bathrooms. Other than that it was a beautiful campsite we would definitely recommend coming again.
Joshua R
VerifiedJune 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Good site. Slightly more spacing between sites than some of the others at the campground. Very close to the bathroom but didn't have issue with it. Only level tent site is their designated spot, but we made it work for a large tent plus a small one close by on a slight slant. Picnic table and fire pit with removable grill provided. Only occasional phone service with T-Mobile. Water available but was cloudy. Dishwashing station nearby.
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
