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
Mark R
VerifiedMay 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
During our camp there was a couple of larger groups of very noisy young people. They had fun but kept us awake til the middle of the morning. The 'quiet after 10' idea was recognized by them.
Second the restroom facilities were pretty grubby.
Of all the great sites we have camped in I would rate our experience of this one as pretty low.
Laurie R
VerifiedMay 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The hiking was amazing. We went to Hemphill Bald and hiked 5 miles. The nature, wildflowers on Balsam Mountain were beautiful.
The park and drive coming in to campground is so well kept up. We just love the scenery, the bathrooms are clean and the hiking path inside campground that leads you to overlook is awesome.
Pj W
VerifiedMay 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
You know when you are around seasoned campers. And they hang out here. Awesome.
Pj W
VerifiedMay 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
You know when you are around seasoned campers. And they hang out here. Awesome.
Priyo L
VerifiedOctober 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Awesome place to camp. the camp host was very nice and briefed us on things you should or shouldnt do (dont leave food outside..). the bathroom has running water and a motion activated solar light. no electricity. tent sites are somewhat close, but that didnt bother us primarily because our neighbor was in a RV.
no firewood available at the site, so buy from Cherokee or another nearby town.
Priyo L
VerifiedOctober 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Awesome place to camp. the camp host was very nice and briefed us on things you should or shouldnt do (dont leave food outside..). the bathroom has running water and a motion activated solar light. no electricity. tent sites are somewhat close, but that didnt bother us primarily because our neighbor was in a RV.
no firewood available at the site, so buy from Cherokee or another nearby town.
Nancy H
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My family camped in Balsam Mountain campground in the 60s. This was my first trip back in almost 60 years. It is still a wonderful, peaceful place to camp. The restrooms were very clean and sanitary, the camp sites well maintained and most are spacious. The drive up to campground is beautiful with plenty of overlooks. Maggie Valley and Cherokee are both a somewhat short drive and both provide plenty of activities for seniors and families. Many trails for all hiking skills. I will definitely be back in the spring for another adventure!
Elizabeth W
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
It was beautiful, and full of great people (but they didn't feel *too* close). Host was kind and informative. There was no electricity at all, but the bathrooms were not as dark and scary as I had feared.
Nancy H
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My family camped in Balsam Mountain campground in the 60s. This was my first trip back in almost 60 years. It is still a wonderful, peaceful place to camp. The restrooms were very clean and sanitary, the camp sites well maintained and most are spacious. The drive up to campground is beautiful with plenty of overlooks. Maggie Valley and Cherokee are both a somewhat short drive and both provide plenty of activities for seniors and families. Many trails for all hiking skills. I will definitely be back in the spring for another adventure!
Elizabeth W
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
It was beautiful, and full of great people (but they didn't feel *too* close). Host was kind and informative. There was no electricity at all, but the bathrooms were not as dark and scary as I had feared.
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
