Balsam Mountain Campground

Amazing camp hosts and very clean campground and facilities!

We were lucky to be able to reserve a camping spot at Balsam Mountain Campground. There wasn't much choice and we chose site number 35 hoping that we would be lucky. The site had stairs to the tent site that you had to navigate carefully; the tent pad was gravel and level, but that was the only thing that was level. The picnic table heeled over so that anything you put on it tended to slide a bit. Around the fire pit there wasn't really any level spot to put a chair. And the sites are close together; we had neighbors with kids who apologized for the noise but that's what kids do and it's fine. Since there were no bear lockers we had to keep everything food related in the car so we chose to go elsewhere to a picnic table near the Blue Ridge Parkway for our breakfast and dinner, since we were mostly gone hiking anyway. The Camp Host was very kind and lent us a good book with hiking trails of which we did a bunch. Great descriptions. There are no showers but you can get wet in - for example - the river near the Oconaluftee Visitor's Center if you want or need to. The ladies bathroom didn't have light. We were hoping to see some good starry nights but had clouds at night so can't say much about that. There is one nice hike nearby that takes you to a creek; it's beautiful. It's a one way hike; I would recommend to take the same way back otherwise you have to hike on the road.

We were lucky to be able to reserve a camping spot at Balsam Mountain Campground. There wasn't much choice and we chose site number 35 hoping that we would be lucky. The site had stairs to the tent site that you had to navigate carefully; the tent pad was gravel and level, but that was the only thing that was level. The picnic table heeled over so that anything you put on it tended to slide a bit. Around the fire pit there wasn't really any level spot to put a chair. And the sites are close together; we had neighbors with kids who apologized for the noise but that's what kids do and it's fine. Since there were no bear lockers we had to keep everything food related in the car so we chose to go elsewhere to a picnic table near the Blue Ridge Parkway for our breakfast and dinner, since we were mostly gone hiking anyway. The Camp Host was very kind and lent us a good book with hiking trails of which we did a bunch. Great descriptions. There are no showers but you can get wet in - for example - the river near the Oconaluftee Visitor's Center if you want or need to. The ladies bathroom didn't have light. We were hoping to see some good starry nights but had clouds at night so can't say much about that. There is one nice hike nearby that takes you to a creek; it's beautiful. It's a one way hike; I would recommend to take the same way back otherwise you have to hike on the road.

Campsites are very close together but quiet time is enforced from 10pm to 6am. Bathrooms were very clean and camp hosts were very helpful and friendly

Campsites are very close together but quiet time is enforced from 10pm to 6am. Bathrooms were very clean and camp hosts were very helpful and friendly

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.