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
Chris S
VerifiedJuly 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Be prepared for chilly temperatures. The place is cozy, with many friendly campers.
Chris S
VerifiedJuly 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Be prepared for chilly temperatures. The place is cozy, with many friendly campers.
Leslie O
VerifiedJuly 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The Balsam Mountain Campground area was wonderful and had plenty to see as far as wildlife and mountain vistas, and the immediate area was not overrun with people. We saw elk every day, plus a few scattered bear sightings. But everywhere else that we traveled within the park was extremely crowded: long lines of traffic, parking lots that were overflowing, crowded hiking paths. When trying to see all the sights within the park you must be very patient and tolerant of the scads and scads of tourists.
Leslie O
VerifiedJuly 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The Balsam Mountain Campground area was wonderful and had plenty to see as far as wildlife and mountain vistas, and the immediate area was not overrun with people. We saw elk every day, plus a few scattered bear sightings. But everywhere else that we traveled within the park was extremely crowded: long lines of traffic, parking lots that were overflowing, crowded hiking paths. When trying to see all the sights within the park you must be very patient and tolerant of the scads and scads of tourists.
Phillip P
VerifiedJune 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 33, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Aside from the elk that walked through our campsite, parking was adequate, bathrooms were functional, tent platform was level, picnic table and fire pit were as expected. Also, an elk walked through our campsite. Priceless memories.
Phillip P
VerifiedJune 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 33, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Aside from the elk that walked through our campsite, parking was adequate, bathrooms were functional, tent platform was level, picnic table and fire pit were as expected. Also, an elk walked through our campsite. Priceless memories.
Marjorie K
VerifiedJune 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Site 6 was a very decent campsite. It was easy to set up our camper. The campground host was helpful.
Marjorie K
VerifiedJune 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Site 6 was a very decent campsite. It was easy to set up our camper. The campground host was helpful.
Dave M
VerifiedJune 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Campground over 5,000 feet, cooler very nice. Beautiful views driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Good hiking, need to do more.
Dave M
VerifiedJune 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Campground over 5,000 feet, cooler very nice. Beautiful views driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Good hiking, need to do more.
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
