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
Richard H
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 42, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Nice place to camp during summer. Elevation helps to keep it cool. Very quite and peaceful park. Saw elk on the road to the park. The host Richard was very friendly and helpful. He came around to let us know there was a bear roaming around one of the campsites and to be careful. Really enjoyed the stay tnere.
Willie H
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2026 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Had a great time so quite and peaceful
Anne L
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2026 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great summer temperature relief. Always nice to stay at a smaller campground in the Smokies. I love the wildlife that can be seen at all times. Be ready to drive to get places, but there are good locations to visit from the campground.
Steve W
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2026 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
This is our favorite .gov campground. Easily 5-10 degrees cooler because of the elevation. Great place to escape the heat and be at one with nature. Clean bathrooms too.
Ruth F
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2026 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Fantastic camp host. Bathrooms were very clean.
Theresa B
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2026 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Very clean , quiet camp.
Alexandrea B
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
We loved our stay at this campsite! It was a beautiful location with a nice overlook, a nearby trail, and a picnic area. We went over Labor Day weekend, and every site was occupied. The sites are fairly close together, so if you’re looking for a more secluded camping experience, this may not be the best fit. That said, it didn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves at all. It was very family-friendly, and our 1-year-old absolutely loved his first camping trip! We would definitely stay here again.
david s
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Great high elevation campground.
Shaun A
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2026 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Primitive campground but it had good flush toilets. Well maintained and far away from everything
Donald M
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Nice place. Quiet.
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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