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
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.
Daniel M
VerifiedOctober 8, 2020 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The mountain is steep so some campsites have stone steps to access. The sites are fairly close compared to most parks. The bathrooms are unlit and there's one central dish washing spot. The place is well maintained. Its rather out of the way with no campstore or ranger station to get a campsite. So you tend to get more experienced and quiet(!!) campers here. Great place to get in shape in a hurry if you have flat landers legs :)
Daniel M
VerifiedOctober 8, 2020 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The mountain is steep so some campsites have stone steps to access. The sites are fairly close compared to most parks. The bathrooms are unlit and there's one central dish washing spot. The place is well maintained. Its rather out of the way with no campstore or ranger station to get a campsite. So you tend to get more experienced and quiet(!!) campers here. Great place to get in shape in a hurry if you have flat landers legs :)
Chad T
VerifiedOctober 6, 2020 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
A lovely campground with lots of options for tent and RV camping. This is one of the highest elevation campgrounds in the park and is a must for a cool nights sleep during the summer. Beautiful overlooks on the way to the campground and a very nice camp host made for an exceptional visit! Newfound Gap isn’t far at all and many hiking trails are nearby. A lovely campground!
Chad T
VerifiedOctober 6, 2020 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
A lovely campground with lots of options for tent and RV camping. This is one of the highest elevation campgrounds in the park and is a must for a cool nights sleep during the summer. Beautiful overlooks on the way to the campground and a very nice camp host made for an exceptional visit! Newfound Gap isn’t far at all and many hiking trails are nearby. A lovely campground!
Sonali M
VerifiedOctober 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My boyfriend and I stayed for two nights at this campground in the tent-only area. We absolutely loved it. Since the elevation is so high it's significantly cooler which is nice. The scenery is lovely, and the hosts plus our neighbors were friendly and helpful. The only thing to note is that some sites are quite close together, our second night a large group was camping near us who were very loud, but the campground was so lovely it didn't ruin our trip. On the whole, absolutely recommend!
Eric K
VerifiedOctober 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very nice and well kept campground. Only reason for losing a star is that the sites are packed way too close together
Erin F
VerifiedOctober 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great campground, good amenities and friendly rangers!
Sonali M
VerifiedOctober 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My boyfriend and I stayed for two nights at this campground in the tent-only area. We absolutely loved it. Since the elevation is so high it's significantly cooler which is nice. The scenery is lovely, and the hosts plus our neighbors were friendly and helpful. The only thing to note is that some sites are quite close together, our second night a large group was camping near us who were very loud, but the campground was so lovely it didn't ruin our trip. On the whole, absolutely recommend!
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
