Available sites
42 total sitesAbout Balsam Mountain Campground
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
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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No available sites
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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
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.
Steve S
VerifiedSeptember 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Peaceful and quiet location.
Steve S
VerifiedSeptember 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Peaceful and quiet location.
Elly M
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Lovely little campground with nice spots nearby to watch the sunrise and sunset! Ron was an excellent campground host and went out of his way to make me comfortable!!
Elly M
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Lovely little campground with nice spots nearby to watch the sunrise and sunset! Ron was an excellent campground host and went out of his way to make me comfortable!!
Christopher R
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Excellent campground. Very quiet. No showers but running water and bathrooms. Be prepared for moderate/heavy rain in September.
Christopher R
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Excellent campground. Very quiet. No showers but running water and bathrooms. Be prepared for moderate/heavy rain in September.
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