Available sites
42 total sites
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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
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Site Details
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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
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.
Timo T
VerifiedMay 25, 2026 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This was my 2nd time and there will be more camping nights to follow.
Best place to relax and let the stress behind you.
Nature pure.
Marie-Claude P
VerifiedMay 28, 2026 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground is far from interesting hikes and a lot of campsites are bunched up together. The elks were so cool!
Nancy L
VerifiedJune 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Best campground in the Smokies! Hiking without crowds near campground
billy s
VerifiedJune 5, 2026 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
WE had a good time. All was beautiful and quiet.
Lee K
VerifiedJune 6, 2026 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
We had a great spot and the camp host Pam was fantastic.
Lesley D
VerifiedJune 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
There was a good atmosphere at this campground, very much due to the gentle presence of the campground host. Good facilities, understandably basic. The elk was an extra pleasure.
Thanks.
Teresa D
VerifiedJune 15, 2026 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great campground hosts, bathrooms spotless!lots to do great way to beat the heat!
scott n
VerifiedJune 18, 2026 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Quiet and off the beaten path. Perfect size
If you like it a bit more quiet.
Jerry M
VerifiedJune 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Been there several times - always enjoy my time there - great hiking nearby - campground hosts very friendly and professional.
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
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Explore Cherokee, NC
Population: 2,059
Nearby city: Asheville, NC
Approx. 35 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,972 ft
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