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
Mimi C
VerifiedJune 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This was my first time at Balsam Mountain CG. It was cozy and well kept. The camp host, Danny, is wonderful❣️ The weather was cool for mid-June and didn’t need AC. I’ll definitely be returning!
Stephen J
VerifiedJune 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great sunset over mountains. Host was fantastic.
Mimi C
VerifiedJune 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This was my first time at Balsam Mountain CG. It was cozy and well kept. The camp host, Danny, is wonderful❣️ The weather was cool for mid-June and didn’t need AC. I’ll definitely be returning!
Stephen J
VerifiedJune 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great sunset over mountains. Host was fantastic.
Lisa D
VerifiedJune 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground itself is remote but the campsites within it are all on top of each other. A fellow camper at the site next to ours kept me up all night with his loud snoring. We will not be retuning, due to the close proximity of other guests and the bugs! However, the flush toilets were nice and the camp host was delightful.
Lisa D
VerifiedJune 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground itself is remote but the campsites within it are all on top of each other. A fellow camper at the site next to ours kept me up all night with his loud snoring. We will not be retuning, due to the close proximity of other guests and the bugs! However, the flush toilets were nice and the camp host was delightful.
Howard S
VerifiedJune 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Had an excellent time at Balsam Mountain. I just wish they had showers.
Howard S
VerifiedJune 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Had an excellent time at Balsam Mountain. I just wish they had showers.
Ken H
VerifiedJune 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beautiful spot, very well-maintained. It was full every night we were there, but quiet and less rowdy than many sites I've been to (perhaps because it's on the opposite side of the park from the big touristy things). Some STELLAR overlooks on the drive in, especially if you want to photography sunrise/sunset. Access to a number of trails within 0 to 30 minutes (some leave from the campground, some back up the parkway a pinch).
Ken H
VerifiedJune 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beautiful spot, very well-maintained. It was full every night we were there, but quiet and less rowdy than many sites I've been to (perhaps because it's on the opposite side of the park from the big touristy things). Some STELLAR overlooks on the drive in, especially if you want to photography sunrise/sunset. Access to a number of trails within 0 to 30 minutes (some leave from the campground, some back up the parkway a pinch).
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
