How much does camping cost at Balsam Mountain Campground?

Camping fees at Balsam Mountain Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Balsam Mountain Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Balsam Mountain Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Balsam Mountain Campground before I book?

Yes! Balsam Mountain Campground has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Balsam Mountain Campground?

Balsam Mountain Campground is open May 15 to September 07. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Balsam Mountain Campground?

Balsam Mountain Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Balsam Mountain Campground?

Fire policies at Balsam Mountain Campground: Fires. Fires are allowed in fire rings only!. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Balsam Mountain Campground?

Cell phone service at Balsam Mountain Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Balsam Mountain Campground have?

Balsam Mountain Campground has 42 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Balsam Mountain Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Balsam Mountain Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Balsam Mountain Campground?

Balsam Mountain Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Balsam Mountain Campground

4.41

524 reviews

253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Top 20% in NCFall

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park Best Campgrounds North Carolina Mountain Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,310 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,310 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Balsam Mountain Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-497-9270Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Balsam Mountain Campground

253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Nearby places

Maggie Valley, NC (~22 miles, ~50 minutes)

Cherokee, NC (~15 miles, ~30 minutes)

Asheville, NC (~60 miles, ~1 hour 30 minutes)

Bryson City, NC (~35 miles, ~1 hour 10 minutes).

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Weather at Balsam Mountain Campground

Current alerts(13)

A reservation is required to stay at Balsam Mountain Campground. Please make your reservation before driving to the campground as cell phone coverage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is very limited and there are no provisions to make a reservation once you are at the…
A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Front country campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag.
Additional Park Information. For additional park information call 865-436-1200 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm .
Amenities. There are no showers, water or sewer hook-ups in the park.

Best Time to Camp at Balsam Mountain Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the most dramatic experience here — cool, clear days and peak high-elevation color make hiking and photography exceptional. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F with crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s, and mountain vistas are often framed in golds and reds. Wildlife viewing and trout fishing are at their best as visitors thin out compared with lower-elevation fall hotspots, but note the campground closes for the season on October 13 so plan for mid- Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in NC

Fall (mid‑Sep–early Oct) delivers dramatic colors, cool clear days and is highlighted as peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 16 to October 13 (reservable dates: June 21 - October 13, 2025).

About Balsam Mountain Campground

Balsam Mountain Campground sits in the high-elevation forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Cherokee, North Carolina. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, potable water, and designated quiet hours during peak season. Visitors come for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in cooler mountain air, with fall foliage drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts to trails that empty out as summer crowds disperse.

Balsam Mountain Campground offers standard nonelectric and tent-only sites suitable for tents, small RVs, and campers who prefer a rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the most dramatic experience here — cool, clear days and peak high-elevation color make hiking and photography exceptional. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F with crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s, and mountain vistas are often framed in golds and reds. Wildlife viewing and trout fishing are at their best as visitors thin out compared with lower-elevation fall hotspots, but note the campground closes for the season on October 13 so plan for mid- Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5310 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a pocket of Canadian-zone habitat in the heart of the South, where spruce-fir forests create a landscape more typical of northern latitudes. At this elevation, the Great Smoky Mountains showcase their biodiversity. Streams carve through deep valleys below. Elk graze in nearby meadows at dawn. Black bears forage through the area. The park's recognition as the Salamander Capital of the World hints at the smaller-scale life thriving in the damp understory. Views open up where the canopy thins, revealing the weathered peaks of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal lodges or alternate accommodations are available, but some sites are described as suitable for tents and small RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park features over 90 preserved log buildings providing cultural and historic significance, but no specific educational programs tied to the campground are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per site is 6 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets and drinking water are available. Some campsites feature stone steps, which might be difficult for visitors with mobility challenges.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some being small and others capable of accommodating larger tents. Site 22, for instance, was noted as being 'plenty big enough for a big dome tent and a couple of hammocks.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. While some sites like #23 are described as 'more private,' others are noted for their proximity, making them 'way too close together.

Total Campsites42 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites away from the road for less noise and better privacy. Site 28 for tent campers seeking seclusion, Site 23 for RVs.

Best CampsitesSites 23, 37, and 42 get frequent mentions for better privacy. Site 28 is noted as the most private tent-pad site. Site 22 fits a large dome tent and a couple of hammocks. The tradeoff is that most sites sit close together, and reviewers consistently mention the lack of privacy. If you're sensitive to neighbors, arrive early or reserve one of the recommended sites.

Need help booking Balsam Mountain Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Balsam Mountain Campground offers a mix of basic amenities aimed at providing a traditional outdoor camping experience. The campground is equipped with flush toilets and drinking water (available during peak season), but lacks showers, hookups, or electric facilities. 'Flushable toilets and a dishwashing station,' one reviewer notes, highlight the campground's minimal but functional infrastructure. Bathrooms are described by multiple users as 'clean' and 'well-maintained,' though there are no lights in the restrooms, requiring flashlights or headlamps at night. Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a gravel tent pad. Some complaints revolve around the lack of firewood for sale on-site, requiring campers to stock up beforehand.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Balsam Mountain Campground offers a range of outdoor experiences including hiking, wildlife viewing, and backcountry fishing. It is described as 'a hiker's paradise' with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. The Hemphill Bald and Rough Fork trails are particularly highlighted for their 14-mile loop and scenic views.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers provided at tent-only sites. No fee for usage.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires. Fires are allowed in fire rings only!

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are available for proper disposal of trash, and this rule is strictly enforced to prevent wildlife encounters.

Cell CoverageCell phone service varies by provider. Reviewers noted spotty reception with T-Mobile and some success using signal boosters and Starlink. Verizon service was available at the top of the mountain. AT&T was also noted to work in certain areas.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

524 reviews

Recommended

Balsam Mountain Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's serene and remote setting, clean facilities, and cooler climate due to its elevation. Common complaints include the proximity of campsites and the lack of privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 524 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, cooler temperatures, friendly camp hosts, and scenic views were frequently praised. Specific sites such as #23 and #37 were noted for their privacy and location.

Based on 524 reviews

Common Concerns

Close proximity of campsites leading to noise issues, lack of showers, and the absence of firewood sales on-site were common concerns.

Based on 524 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #23: 'Most private site.' Site #32: 'Located very close to the restrooms, with noticeable odors and high foot traffic.' Site #37: 'Down from the road a few steps, perfect!'

Based on 524 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a flashlight for nighttime restroom use, as bathrooms lack lighting. Stock up on firewood before arrival. Sites like #23 and #37 are recommended for better privacy.

Based on 524 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season offers cool temperatures and high occupancy. Weekdays and off-peak times are quieter and more serene.

Based on 524 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Beautiful campground. Wonderful camp hosts, very nice people.' - Virginia Prentice. 'Temperatures are cool, which feels good. Bring fall clothing for chilly nights.' – Sebastien Pilon. 'If you like...

Based on 524 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible flush toilets are available. Some campsites have steep or uneven terrain, which may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues.

Based on 524 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must remain on a leash. Some users expressed concerns about the park’s policy of not allowing pets on trails.

Based on 524 reviews

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Balsam Mt. Campground sits high in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, operated by the National Park Service. This mid-elevation forest campground offers cooler summer temperatures and early fall foliage, with flush toilets, potable water, and tent and RV sites. Reviewers praise clean facilities, helpful hosts, and excellent hiking and wildlife viewing in quiet surroundings.