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Balsam Mountain Campground is located in a relatively remote part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities without the crowds which are sometimes common in other parts of the park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. The Balsam Mountain area features several trails that are less heavily used compared to other areas of the park.
The campground offers a short nature trail located beside site 43. The hiker only Flat Creek Trail is a pleasant walk through a hardwood forest. For the adventurous hiker the Hemphill Bald and Rough Fork trails provide a 14-mile loop hike, with outstanding views and old growth trees.
Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Anglers will agree that some of the best trout fishing in the area can be found along the Balsam Mountain and Straight Fork Roads, some of the most remote sections of the park. Fly fishing is particularly good during spring months when aquatic insects hatch in large numbers.
Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it is not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures have been preserved in the park.
For the auto touring enthusiast, the 14-mile Heintooga Round Bottom Road, a one-way unimproved gravel drive, offers spectacular scenery with mountain vistas and the occasional bear or elk sighting. Buses, motorhome, vans longer than 25' and any vehicle towing a trailer are prohibited on this road.
Balsam Mountain Campground offers 42 campsites for a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hookups or showers at the campground. No lights are available in the restrooms at this campground. For campers' safety use of a flashlight, lantern or headlamp is recommended when accessing these facilities after day light hours.
Balsam Mountain Campground is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine mountain streams. Elk are common in this part of the park during the spring and fall. Located at 5,310 feet elevation, Balsam Mountain's daytime temperatures rarely exceed 70 degrees F and night time temperatures may dip into the low 50's.
Nearby attractions include: Maggie Valley, NC, Cherokee, NC, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Nantahala Outdoor Center, the Bryson City Railway and Asheville, NC
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 miles 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 miles to Balsam Mountain Campground.
Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
Not so great for family camping with children. I slipped and fell in the grass on a hill at my campsite while I was holding my 6 month old. That's not the reason I say it's not family friendly though.. There is nothing close by hiking wise to do. When we arrived at camp there was a line going right over our fire ring for a tarp at a neighboring camp. The only good experience about that site was seeing all the Elk after it rained. And the clouds in the early morning. I would recommend Cosby Campround over this location any day. This may be a great camping spot for certain people, just not for me or my family.
Wonderful experience. Stayed at site #10.
Tent pads are flat and solid. Site comes with a very large picnic table, and a fire ring with grate to cook on. Plenty of room for a canopy to go over top.
A nice mix of RV's and tents. Many folks had large 3-8 person tents that the sites accommodated nicely. Some sites have perfect trees to set up a hammock, too.
There are bathroom facilities on each end of the grounds, so not far to walk in either direction. Keep in mind, no shower facilities.
Small and quaint. The camp hosts were so incredibly pleasant and helpful. Lots of hiking either a short walk or short drive from the grounds.
Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash/tie-out.
The grounds had full reservations, but I never felt like it was overcrowded.
All the other campers were very pleasant and friendly.
This was my first experience camping at a campground, and I'm happy I chose this location to be my first.
Absolutely wonderful place to camp! It's a bit off the beaten path, so if you're looking for quiet, this is the place for you. The campground host, Ron, was very helpful and friendly. There's no electric or water hookups, but the bathrooms are well-maintained with running water (cold only) and flushing toilets. The tent pads are great for a level spot to set up your tent. If you are looking for peace and quiet, with beautiful scenery, definitely give this one a shot!
We camped here one night and enjoyed it. We only slept here and didn't spend any time on the grounds since we found parking lots with a view to make our backpacking meals. The bathrooms were very clean and the hosts were very kind. We would stay here again when we visit the Smokey's next time. (Photos of wildlife were from the drive up to the campground.)
Super relaxed, very quiet Campground ⛺️! Love it 🥰
Restroom very clean. We had deer 🦌 around our campsite they are not very scared and walking through the camp.
Elks around as well.
