Available sites
42 total sites
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About Balsam Mountain Campground
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
Rates, Sites & Availability
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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
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.
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!
Gary K
VerifiedOctober 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
If you like camping at 5.3 ft, this is your campground. Extremely friendly hosts.
Gary K
VerifiedOctober 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 40, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
If you like camping at 5.3 ft, this is your campground. Extremely friendly hosts.
Debbie B
VerifiedOctober 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Balsam Mt. is one of my VERY favorite campgrounds!!! Be prepared for cool weather, even in the summer.
Debbie B
VerifiedOctober 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Balsam Mt. is one of my VERY favorite campgrounds!!! Be prepared for cool weather, even in the summer.
Stuart C
VerifiedOctober 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beth G
VerifiedOctober 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Small but well-maintained campsites with plenty of understory growth to provide some privacy. A great place to camp to get away from crowds and commercial activities. A beautiful part of the park.
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
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Explore Cherokee, NC
Population: 2,059
Nearby city: Asheville, NC
Approx. 35 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,972 ft
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