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
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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
Larry W
VerifiedJune 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 43, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This is a fantastic higher altitude camp[ground. The highlight was a female elk walking right up to my campsite. Beautiful place and great weather.
Greg P
VerifiedJune 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This was our first stay at the campground, but we visit the area about once a month or more. We wanted to stay over so we could enjoy the sunset and sunrise and catch early and late birdwatching and the Elk. The campsite was great and bathroom facilities were very clean. We also appreciated that the camp host was very diligent about checking entry to the campground cutting down on ride throughs. It was quite full but we did enjoy the quite after 10 p.m. We also had a once in a lifetime experience seeing the synchronous fireflies in the meadow near the dishwashing facility. This was amazing and totally unexpected. Right time, right place! We will definitely be back and try to get there in the shoulder season before winter closing or late this summer to escape the Georgia heat ! We love these campgrounds over state facilities.
Gary C
VerifiedJune 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 26, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Camp ground was clean and well kept. Toilet facilities were clean and well kept.
Richard S
VerifiedJune 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Quiet.
Safe.
Tent suites are a bit close together though
Brandon P
VerifiedJune 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very peaceful very nice place to camp
Sidney N
VerifiedJune 22, 2026 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This was my favorite camp ground that we stayed at during our time in the Smokies. The camphost was kind and informative even though we showed up on the later side. I think I saw more fireflies in one night at the meadow by the dishwashing station then I have collectively seen my whole life. Perfect temperatures even in the heat of the summer at those nice high elevations. A lovely hidden gem. Don't overlook it ;)
Bridgett W
VerifiedJune 25, 2026 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beautiful campground. Clean and friendly. The wildlife is amazing
Gary C
VerifiedJune 26, 2026 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beautiful setting. Campground is quiet, peaceful, clean and beautiful. We saw elk grazing in the campground!
Tony S
VerifiedJune 27, 2026 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Nice campground but no showers. Had to walk to our site but that was because campground was full. Need to make reservations ahead of time.
Claire G
VerifiedJune 29, 2026 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Beautiful and very peaceful. Great camp sites!
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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