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
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42 Sites Available
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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
John W
VerifiedJanuary 14, 2020 • Stayed at: 33, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground amenities were exactly as advertised. We had great hikes right from camp and really enjoyed the cool summer evenings offered by the higher elevation. Our campground host was personable and super helpful and informative.
Alan J
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground and facilities were clean, and the tent pad was dry. I just wished the campsite that I had was more private. I could hear the campers in the tent behind our's talking even though they were whispering and people were cutting through our campsite walking next to our tent to go to the restroom.
Nolan B
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This is the best campground in the Smokies. I come up here every year with a bunch of guys from our local hiking club and we always have a great time. The camp host are always very courteous and helpful.
Elizabeth C
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My friend and I loved this campground. It was only about an hour from Asheville, but far from the crowds. In late July, it was cool at night and comfortable during the day. It’s close to a national park visitor center, as well as many trails and the Cherokee Museum. The campground itself is quiet and beautiful. Campsites are small but it doesn’t feel crowded. Hosts were very friendly and welcoming. Bathroom facilities were very clean. Highly recommended!
Alan J
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
The campground and facilities were clean, and the tent pad was dry. I just wished the campsite that I had was more private. I could hear the campers in the tent behind our's talking even though they were whispering and people were cutting through our campsite walking next to our tent to go to the restroom.
Nolan B
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This is the best campground in the Smokies. I come up here every year with a bunch of guys from our local hiking club and we always have a great time. The camp host are always very courteous and helpful.
Elizabeth C
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
My friend and I loved this campground. It was only about an hour from Asheville, but far from the crowds. In late July, it was cool at night and comfortable during the day. It’s close to a national park visitor center, as well as many trails and the Cherokee Museum. The campground itself is quiet and beautiful. Campsites are small but it doesn’t feel crowded. Hosts were very friendly and welcoming. Bathroom facilities were very clean. Highly recommended!
Rebecca S
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Love the campground. Always cool enough to enjoy. Host always helpful and friendly. Good hiking trails nearby. Met a lot of nice people/fellow campers while there. Been several times and always a good experience.
Rondall C
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Primitive but very nice! Would definitely return!
Sue H
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
We love to camp in Balsalm Mountain campground. It is much cooler than the lower campgrounds and very quiet. In the evenings, it is a short trek up to Heintooga Overlook to view beautiful sunsets.
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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