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
Matthew S
VerifiedDecember 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This is the best kept secret for camping in the GSMNP. It's like stepping back in time! Beat the heat in the summer, due to the altitude. See wildlife and protect your food (hint) from it. Book early, the spots go fast for popular weekends. Every spot is good!
Paul G
VerifiedDecember 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Balsam Mountain Campground is in a quiet less popular part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so this is the place to go if you don’t like crowds. Nearby is the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Lots of wildlife; turkeys, elk and sometimes bears. Also near
Cherokee, NC if you are into tourist shopping. Campsites themselves are close together. Trailer sites are just parking on the side of the road with the rest of the campsite down a steep slope with slippery uneven rock steps. Overall a great location but campsites themselves are not that great.
Stephen M
VerifiedDecember 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This campground is off the beaten path which is one reason I like it. The high elevation provides comfortable summer temperatures and the area near the campground is frequented by a lot of wildlife, especially bears and elk. The campsites are small and the campground access road narrow so this is not the best place for people with RVs (also, no hook-ups). Overall, I enjoy staying here. i just wish it had access to firewood. Campers need to buy it elsewhere (i.e., Smokemont Campground).
Matthew S
VerifiedDecember 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This is the best kept secret for camping in the GSMNP. It's like stepping back in time! Beat the heat in the summer, due to the altitude. See wildlife and protect your food (hint) from it. Book early, the spots go fast for popular weekends. Every spot is good!
Paul G
VerifiedDecember 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Balsam Mountain Campground is in a quiet less popular part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so this is the place to go if you don’t like crowds. Nearby is the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Lots of wildlife; turkeys, elk and sometimes bears. Also near
Cherokee, NC if you are into tourist shopping. Campsites themselves are close together. Trailer sites are just parking on the side of the road with the rest of the campsite down a steep slope with slippery uneven rock steps. Overall a great location but campsites themselves are not that great.
Stephen M
VerifiedDecember 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This campground is off the beaten path which is one reason I like it. The high elevation provides comfortable summer temperatures and the area near the campground is frequented by a lot of wildlife, especially bears and elk. The campsites are small and the campground access road narrow so this is not the best place for people with RVs (also, no hook-ups). Overall, I enjoy staying here. i just wish it had access to firewood. Campers need to buy it elsewhere (i.e., Smokemont Campground).
Alan H
VerifiedDecember 18, 2019 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The camp ground was clean and well cared for. The camp ground hosts were an Incredible couple and added greatly to our experience!
Lori L
VerifiedDecember 18, 2019 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
So amazingly beautiful. Very clean. Friendly and helpful people. Breath taking views. We saw 2 bears and unbelievable sights. Only complaint is Lots of bees in our campground. Seemed to be a nest in one of the dead tree.
Alan H
VerifiedDecember 18, 2019 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The camp ground was clean and well cared for. The camp ground hosts were an Incredible couple and added greatly to our experience!
Lori L
VerifiedDecember 18, 2019 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
So amazingly beautiful. Very clean. Friendly and helpful people. Breath taking views. We saw 2 bears and unbelievable sights. Only complaint is Lots of bees in our campground. Seemed to be a nest in one of the dead tree.
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 4, 2026
