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
Qingyang L
VerifiedMay 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
It is a well-managed but crowded campground. Temperature is very comfortable in summer time. Clean bathroom. Trials around this campground are not too easy and have moderate views.
Try other campgrounds if you can.
Qingyang L
VerifiedMay 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
It is a well-managed but crowded campground. Temperature is very comfortable in summer time. Clean bathroom. Trials around this campground are not too easy and have moderate views.
Try other campgrounds if you can.
Johnny T
VerifiedMay 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Always a nice place to go. I've never had a bad camping experience here. First trip was 2002. I knew then that this campground was an awesome find. Don't tell anyone how great it is. I don't want it to get crowded.
Johnny T
VerifiedMay 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Always a nice place to go. I've never had a bad camping experience here. First trip was 2002. I knew then that this campground was an awesome find. Don't tell anyone how great it is. I don't want it to get crowded.
Casper S
VerifiedMay 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Lovely campground, and the only one on our roadtrip to not have poison ivy. The bathrooms & wash station were fine - very clean but no hot water (expected). The water went out a few hours before we arrived due to a leak in the water supply tank/pipe(?l, but they had it fixed before the sun went down. It was VERY chilly. We're here in May, & it went down into the 40s at night - it felt amazing to snuggle up in our tent. My favorite campsite thus far.
Casper S
VerifiedMay 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Lovely campground, and the only one on our roadtrip to not have poison ivy. The bathrooms & wash station were fine - very clean but no hot water (expected). The water went out a few hours before we arrived due to a leak in the water supply tank/pipe(?l, but they had it fixed before the sun went down. It was VERY chilly. We're here in May, & it went down into the 40s at night - it felt amazing to snuggle up in our tent. My favorite campsite thus far.
Chris L
VerifiedOctober 13, 2020 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Not like the other campgrounds. The road is along a ridgeline and most of the sites are just off to the side. The altitude and views are great. Bathrooms clean and hosts are friendly. Choose the site wisely. The ones on the northwest loop on the west side are more secluded.
Chris L
VerifiedOctober 13, 2020 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Not like the other campgrounds. The road is along a ridgeline and most of the sites are just off to the side. The altitude and views are great. Bathrooms clean and hosts are friendly. Choose the site wisely. The ones on the northwest loop on the west side are more secluded.
Kimberly P
VerifiedOctober 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
If you truly want to disconnect from the world’s craziness—THIS is the place! ⛰ 🌅 🏕 🐻 🐿
It is QUIET, Full of PEACE.
renae d
VerifiedOctober 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Campground was clean and peaceful.
Really like the bear cabinets in the tent area.
10/10 would camp there again.
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
