Available sites
42 total sites
RV Sites
Tent Sites
About Balsam Mountain Campground
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
Rates, Sites & Availability
42 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
42 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (755)
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
Nolan B
VerifiedDecember 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Always love going here every year. Always clean and great and friendly host.
David S
VerifiedDecember 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
I love this campground. When I'm there I have this feeling that I've gone back in time to when things were simpler. I think it reminds me of places my parents took us when we were kids but I also think it has something to do with being unplugged from the rest of the world for a time.
We go here every year to get away from the heat for a week. Our fellow campers are always friendly and considerate - we often meet people that we've run into at this campground in previous years. The facilities are always clean and neat. The water system has been updated in recent years. Whenever I leave Balsam Mountain I start thinking about coming back.
David S
VerifiedDecember 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
I love this campground. When I'm there I have this feeling that I've gone back in time to when things were simpler. I think it reminds me of places my parents took us when we were kids but I also think it has something to do with being unplugged from the rest of the world for a time.
We go here every year to get away from the heat for a week. Our fellow campers are always friendly and considerate - we often meet people that we've run into at this campground in previous years. The facilities are always clean and neat. The water system has been updated in recent years. Whenever I leave Balsam Mountain I start thinking about coming back.
Jessica H
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very quiet and clean campground. At the time we were there, this site was the only site that didn’t have midday shade, but otherwise was a wonderful and level spot for tent camping.
John V
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Everything just as advertised. Campground well isolated. Host was delightful.
Jessica H
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very quiet and clean campground. At the time we were there, this site was the only site that didn’t have midday shade, but otherwise was a wonderful and level spot for tent camping.
John V
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Everything just as advertised. Campground well isolated. Host was delightful.
Ashby H
VerifiedDecember 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Hike from camprgound to overlook was awesome. Plenty of elk
Ashby H
VerifiedDecember 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Hike from camprgound to overlook was awesome. Plenty of elk
Nicole V
VerifiedJanuary 1, 2026 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beautiful camp spots. Lots of wildlife and hikes. Great overlooks. Wonderful cool spot to be when summer is at its hottest.
Location & Directions for Balsam Mountain Campground
253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC 28719 United States
Elevation: 1,633 ft
Getting There
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 Nat...
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 mi 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 mi to Balsam Mountain Campground.
Highway access
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.
Nearby National Park
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Approximate driving time: 18 min
Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate driving time: 54 min
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Explore Cherokee, NC
Population: 2,059
Nearby city: Asheville, NC
Approx. 35 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,972 ft
From our Travel Guides
