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
Ximing Q
VerifiedAugust 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The camping ground is surrounded by trees and bushes. The greenness offers a relaxing and comforting environment. Late midnight temperature might be lower than expected, so make sure to bring enough clothes.
There are two restrooms and several drinking water taps along the road. Utilities are clean. The only minor issue is that if unfortunately too many people starts to burn fire around you, the smoke can be annoying. I would advise to avoid campsites in the middle area.
Elks can be found on the road to the campsite. It was super awesome.
Ximing Q
VerifiedAugust 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The camping ground is surrounded by trees and bushes. The greenness offers a relaxing and comforting environment. Late midnight temperature might be lower than expected, so make sure to bring enough clothes.
There are two restrooms and several drinking water taps along the road. Utilities are clean. The only minor issue is that if unfortunately too many people starts to burn fire around you, the smoke can be annoying. I would advise to avoid campsites in the middle area.
Elks can be found on the road to the campsite. It was super awesome.
Johnny S
VerifiedJuly 31, 2021 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
We stayed at three different campsites during our visit to the Smokies and this one was by far the best experience. It's not for everyone -- it's remote, the drive is long and winding, the campsites are small and so can seem a little crowded. But the camp hosts, weather, views, and isolation from the rest of the world (besides other campers) were worth it to us.
Johnny S
VerifiedJuly 31, 2021 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
We stayed at three different campsites during our visit to the Smokies and this one was by far the best experience. It's not for everyone -- it's remote, the drive is long and winding, the campsites are small and so can seem a little crowded. But the camp hosts, weather, views, and isolation from the rest of the world (besides other campers) were worth it to us.
Darren H
VerifiedJuly 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very friendly ranger. Great campground am well kept. Should cut the tree line in just one spot of the campground to give the campers a Mountain View.
Darren H
VerifiedJuly 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very friendly ranger. Great campground am well kept. Should cut the tree line in just one spot of the campground to give the campers a Mountain View.
Will W
VerifiedJuly 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very nice and clean. Maybe not the greatest for solitude and quietness at the campsites, but that is understandable.
Will W
VerifiedJuly 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very nice and clean. Maybe not the greatest for solitude and quietness at the campsites, but that is understandable.
Zdenek P
VerifiedJuly 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
I can’t say enough nice things about this year camp Host.
Wonderful people!
Place and toilets were very clean.
Zdenek P
VerifiedJuly 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
I can’t say enough nice things about this year camp Host.
Wonderful people!
Place and toilets were very clean.
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
