Erik I
VerifiedDecember 1, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
Tidy and well-furnished for a week away from it all
Helpful
About Balsam Lake Lodge
Balsam Lake Lodge is nestled in the center of the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest within the Nantahala National Forest. The lodge overlooks Balsam Lake and offers
spectacular mountain views.
The lodge opened its doors to the public when the Forest Service acquired the dwelling and lake in 1982. Since then groups have rented the lodge for meetings,
recreation and environmental activities. NOTE: Balsam Lake Lodge is not a campground and has no campsites available for sewer, water, or electrical hook ups.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 1 to Nov 29
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
Water Access
- Lake Access
Missing information?
001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
🏠
Cabin
- 16 guests
Site Details
Up to 16 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Accessible
Reviews
27 reviews
Summary
Balsam Lake Lodge offers beautiful and peaceful surroundings, making it a favorite getaway for families to reconnect and create memories. Guests appreciate the spacious cabins, stunning views, and well-stocked amenities, including essentials for cooking and entertainment. While some challenges like poor cell service and minor maintenance issues exist, the overall experience remains enjoyable and worth recommending.
Based on guest feedback
4.8
Overall rating
Based on 27 reviews
5 stars
77.8% (21)
4 stars
22.2% (6)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 27 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Oldest First
Erik I
VerifiedDecember 1, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
Tidy and well-furnished for a week away from it all
Helpful
Samantha B
VerifiedJune 2, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
Balsam is a beautiful place managed by caring and curteous caretakers. We're lucky to have this spot available for public use via reservations.
Helpful
Samantha B
VerifiedJune 2, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
Balsam is a beautiful place managed by caring and curteous caretakers. We're lucky to have this spot available for public use via reservations.
Helpful
Anne W
VerifiedJuly 19, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
Lovely lodge in stunning setting! Our family had a wonderful time staying in this well-equipped lodge in the Nantahala Forest next to Balsam Lake. Excellent hiking is located within easy driving distances. The hosts do a beautiful job caring for this property and their communication with us was very helpful. Do plan ahead by downloading hiking and traveling maps, as you will be without internet or cell signal. (And that's a blessing as well -- so nice to be disconnected for a few days!)
Helpful
Anne W
VerifiedJuly 19, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
Lovely lodge in stunning setting! Our family had a wonderful time staying in this well-equipped lodge in the Nantahala Forest next to Balsam Lake. Excellent hiking is located within easy driving distances. The hosts do a beautiful job caring for this property and their communication with us was very helpful. Do plan ahead by downloading hiking and traveling maps, as you will be without internet or cell signal. (And that's a blessing as well -- so nice to be disconnected for a few days!)
Helpful
Mildred S
VerifiedAugust 3, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
Caretakers were wonderful. So friendly and so helpful. Lodge does need a lot of work. An exterminator would be a good place to start. Overall had a wonderful time.
Helpful
Mildred S
VerifiedAugust 3, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
Caretakers were wonderful. So friendly and so helpful. Lodge does need a lot of work. An exterminator would be a good place to start. Overall had a wonderful time.
Helpful
Jennifer B
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
I struggled to find details about the lodge, so here are some things to know: 5 bedrooms: 2 with 2 twin beds, 3 with 2 sets bunk beds. 3.5 bathrooms. There is a TV/DVD player. You have to wash/dry/fold any linens you use, so bring your own if you want to get an early start on your departure day. Also be aware that cleaning is by occupants (no professional housekeeping) so the level of cleanliness could vary. Overall a beautiful lodge and wonderfully remote location for a group getaway.
Helpful
Jennifer B
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BALSAM LAKE LODGE (NC)
I struggled to find details about the lodge, so here are some things to know: 5 bedrooms: 2 with 2 twin beds, 3 with 2 sets bunk beds. 3.5 bathrooms. There is a TV/DVD player. You have to wash/dry/fold any linens you use, so bring your own if you want to get an early start on your departure day. Also be aware that cleaning is by occupants (no professional housekeeping) so the level of cleanliness could vary. Overall a beautiful lodge and wonderfully remote location for a group getaway.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Balsam Lake Lodge
5464 Charleys Creek Road, Tuckasegee, NC 28783 United States
Elevation: 1,112 ft
Getting There
From Asheville, North Carolina, take I-40 west to exit 27. Go west on U.S. 23/74 to
Waynesville and take exit 102. Take U.S. 276 south and turn right on NC
215 south. Take SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road). Go 5 mi to the Balsam
Lake Lodge (locat...
From Asheville, North Carolina, take I-40 west to exit 27. Go west on U.S. 23/74 to
Waynesville and take exit 102. Take U.S. 276 south and turn right on NC
215 south. Take SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road). Go 5 mi to the Balsam
Lake Lodge (located on the left at Forest Service sign/gate).
From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC 215 south for 5 mi to SR 1756
(Charley's Creek Road). Go west 5 mi to the lodge (Located on the left
at Forest Service sign/gate).
Highway access
Balsam Lake Lodge is accessible via I-40, U.S. 23/74, and NC 215. It is approximately 5 miles from U.S. 23/74 and NC 215.
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The closest entrance is: Cherokee Entrance
Approximate drive: 27.5 mi · 47 min
Near Yosemite National Park
The closest entrance is: Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate drive: 58.4 mi · over 1 hr (100 min)
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 21, 2026
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Explore Tuckasegee, NC
Nearby city: Asheville, NC
Approx. 35 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 2,162 ft
Tuckasegee, NC
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service